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Rothesay Cruise Port

Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland
Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is a beautiful island located in the Firth of Clyde.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#615
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
70° / 35°
September normals
Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland cruise port
Europe - Western Europe
Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland
// Rothesay cruise port overview

The cruise port in Rothesay,
explained

Lat: 55.8°NLong: 5.1°WINTN code: IOBKS

Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is a beautiful island located in the Firth of Clyde. It is the main town on the Isle of Bute and is a popular tourist destination.

The town is known for its Victorian architecture, which includes the Rothesay Pavilion, the Bute Museum, and the Rothesay Castle. The town also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs.

There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as walking, cycling, and golfing. The island is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of St.

Blane's Chapel and the remains of Rothesay Castle. The island is also home to a number of wildlife reserves, including the Bute Wildlife Centre and the Bute Marine Life Centre.

Rothesay is a great place to visit for a relaxing holiday or a day trip. With its stunning scenery, historical sites, and outdoor activities, Rothesay is a great place to explore and enjoy.

// Rothesay Cruise Port location

Where is Rothesay Cruise Port?

Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is located on the Firth of Clyde, a large inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Scotland. The cruise port is situated on the south side of the island, with the town of Rothesay located just a few miles away. The port is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland, and is a popular destination for cruise ships. The area is known for its stunning scenery, with views of the Isle of Arran, the Mull of Kintyre, and the hills of Cowal.

General location
Europe
Category
Europe - Western Europe
Coordinates
55.84°N, 5.05°W
Cruise port · 55.84°N, 5.05°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Rothesay cruise port guide

What to do in Rothesay

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Cycling

Cycling is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of trails, from easy coastal routes to more challenging mountain routes. The views from the top of the hills are spectacular, and the wildlife is abundant. Cyclists can also explore the ruins of ancient castles and churches, as well as the many lochs and bays.

Theme 2

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of trails, from easy coastal walks to more challenging mountain hikes. The views from the top of the hills are spectacular, and the wildlife is abundant. Hikers can also explore the ruins of ancient castles and churches, as well as the many lochs and bays.

Theme 3

Golfing

Golfing is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland. The area is home to a variety of courses, from championship links to more relaxed parkland courses. The views from the courses are stunning, and the wildlife is abundant. Golfers can also explore the ruins of ancient castles and churches, as well as the many lochs and bays.

Rothesay cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
E
Ettrick Bay Beach (illustrative photo)

Ettrick Bay Beach

Ettrick Bay Beach is a beautiful beach located near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. It is a sandy beach with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the nearby islands. The beach is popular for its crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. It is also a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

K
Kilchattan Bay Beach (illustrative photo)

Kilchattan Bay Beach

Kilchattan Bay Beach is a stunning beach located near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. It is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also popular for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and the nearby islands. It is a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

P
Port Bannatyne Beach (illustrative photo)

Port Bannatyne Beach

Port Bannatyne Beach is a stunning beach located near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. It is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also popular for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and the nearby islands. It is a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic, and is also a popular spot for fishing.

// Rothesay fun facts

The Rothesay Pavilion

The Rothesay Pavilion is a Grade A listed building located in the town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Built in the 1930s, the building was designed by the renowned Scottish architect Thomas Tait and is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. The Pavilion is now home to a variety of events, including concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions.

Mount Stuart House

Mount Stuart House is a stunning Victorian Gothic mansion located on the Isle of Bute. Built in the late 19th century, the house is home to the Marquess of Bute and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, which include a walled garden, a lake, and a woodland walk.

The Isle of Bute

The Isle of Bute is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its stunning scenery, with rolling hills, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, otters, and a variety of birds. The Isle of Bute is a popular destination for tourists, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore.

Rothesay cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
T
The Bute Gift Shop (illustrative photo)

The Bute Gift Shop

The Bute Gift Shop is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir from the Isle of Bute. Located in the centre of Rothesay, this shop offers a wide selection of locally-made crafts, gifts, and other items. From handmade jewelry to locally-made jams and preserves, you'll find something special to take home with you. The friendly staff are always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir.

T
The Bute Craft Centre (illustrative photo)

The Bute Craft Centre

The Bute Craft Centre is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Isle of Bute. Located in the centre of Rothesay, this shop offers a wide selection of locally-made crafts, gifts, and other items. From handmade jewelry to locally-made jams and preserves, you'll find something special to take home with you. The friendly staff are always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir.

T
The Bute Emporium (illustrative photo)

The Bute Emporium

The Bute Emporium is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Isle of Bute. Located in the heart of Rothesay, this shop offers a wide selection of locally-made crafts, gifts, and other items. From handmade jewelry to locally-made jams and preserves, you'll find something special to take home with you. The friendly staff are always happy to help you find the perfect souvenir.

// Rothesay Cruise Port Terminals

Which Rothesay cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

2 piers in Rothesay
Port address: Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland
Pier 1 of 2

Rothesay Cruise Terminal

Rothesay Cruise Terminal is located in the town of Rothesay, on the east coast of the Isle of Bute. The terminal is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and offers a range of amenities, including a café, a shop, and a waiting area. The terminal is also served by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, which provide regular services to the mainland of Scotland.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Rothesay Cruise Terminal)
Pier 2 of 2

Rothesay Ferry Terminal

Rothesay Ferry Terminal is the main port of entry for cruise ships visiting the Isle of Bute. It is located in the town of Rothesay, on the east coast of the island. The terminal is served by Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, which provide regular services to the mainland of Scotland. The terminal also offers a range of amenities, including a café, a shop, and a waiting area.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Rothesay Ferry Terminal)
Wi-Fi

The Rothesay Pavilion offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer wifi access.

Safety

Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The local police force is very active in the area and there is a good level of security in place. The local community is friendly and welcoming and there are no known issues with crime or safety.

Port address

Rothesay Ferry Terminal, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland PA20 9EX

Rothesay cruise port car rental

The closest car rental option near Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland cruise port is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as one-way rentals, long-term rentals, and van rentals. They are located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental car. Other car rental options in the area include Avis, Budget, and Europcar.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Rothesay Cruise Port Weather

Europe - Western Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Rothesay
53°
Avg · °F
Mild, frequent showers
High
70°F
Low
35°F
Rain
4.7 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Rothesay

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Rothesay cruise ship schedule

Rothesay Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Rothesay today, Monday, September 28, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

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// Questions

Rothesay cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Rothesay.

Where is Rothesay cruise port located?

Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland cruise port is located in Europe. Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is located on the Firth of Clyde, a large inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Scotland. The cruise port is situated on the south side of the island, with the town of Rothesay located just a few miles away. The port is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland, and is a popular destination for cruise ships. The area is known for its stunning scenery, with views of the Isle of Arran, the Mull of Kintyre, and the hills of Cowal.

Is Rothesay a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is a great cruise port. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the Firth of Clyde and the surrounding islands. The town itself is full of history and culture, with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.

How safe is Rothesay cruise port for passengers?

Rothesay cruise port has a safety score of 8.0 out of 10, ranking #615 of 1018 ports in Europe. Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland is a very safe cruise port. The local police force is very active in the area and there is a good level of security in place. The local community is friendly and welcoming and there are no known issues with crime or safety.

What is the weather like at Rothesay cruise port in September?

In September, Rothesay cruise port has average high temperatures of 70°F (21°C) and average lows of 35°F (2°C).

What are the top things to do at Rothesay cruise port?

Rothesay cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Cycling, Hiking, Golfing. Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland is known for its stunning natural beauty and its many outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the island's rugged coastline, take in the stunning views of the Firth of Clyde, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and golfing. There are also plenty of historical sites to explore, including the ruins of Rothesay Castle and the 12th century St. Blane's Chapel. The island also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as a range of accommodation options.

Can I rent a car at Rothesay cruise port?

The closest car rental option near Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland cruise port is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to luxury vehicles. They also offer a variety of services, such as one-way rentals, long-term rentals, and van rentals. They are located just a few minutes away from the cruise port, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental car. Other car rental options in the area include Avis, Budget, and Europcar.

What is the WiFi situation at Rothesay cruise port?

The Rothesay Pavilion offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer wifi access.

Where is the cruise terminal at Rothesay cruise port?

Rothesay Ferry Terminal, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute, Scotland PA20 9EX

What is the Rothesay Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Rothesay today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Rothesay on any past or future date.

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