💱
Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
🗣
Language
English
🕐
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
May–Aug
🚢
Typical Duration
7-15 nights
💰
Price Range
From $3,470 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the scenic Isle of Bute and the Firth of Clyde, offering access to Scottish Highlands and islands with rich maritime heritage.
Build Your Day in Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Mount Stuart
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Ettrick Bay Cafe
Absolutely gem of a find on the Isle of Bute.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Rothesay Castle
Rothesay castle is located at Isle of Bute.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Black Bull Inn
Nice wee pub in Rothesay, friendly staff and locals.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Golfers Bar
Superb bar, excellent choice of drinks, great atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM
Kettledrum
We always eat here at least once when we visit Rothesay.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Caledonian MacBrayne | Rothesay
A well organised ferry service to the Isle of Bute.
The Galatea
Hands down the best pub in Rothesay, if not on the whole island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Anchor Tavern & Hub
Friendly atmosphere, great selection of local drinks, beautiful views.
🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM
Ghillie's
I would travel to Rothesay again just to visit here.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Grapes Bar
Good drinks,clean bar with pool table on a mezzanine floor.😀🍺🍺🍺🍺
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Taverna Bar
Friendly, welcoming wee pub, lovely staff and cold beer.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Bute Yard
A must place to visit while on the Isle of Bute
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Mac's Bar
Best bar in Bute - really friendly service, pool table and darts boards 🙌🏻
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Musicker
Had lunch here a couple of times during our short stay on the island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Bute Museum
Delightfully intriguing and interesting museum in the heart of Rothesay.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
The Jam Jar
This the bee's knees for the best food on the island.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Rothesay Ferry Terminal
Isle of Bute, Scotland, UK.
The Scottish Honky-Tonk
Great live music 🎶
🕐 Temporarily closed
Rothesay Victorian Toilets
Well worth a visit whilst in Rothesay.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Ascog Hall Garden and Fernery
Stunning gardens and a beautiful Victorian fernery.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Gather Deli
Brilliant addition to the Rothesay Riviera.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Cadillac Kustomz Diner
Funky, old school diner area and a lovely bar as well as a cool music venue.
🕐 Temporarily closed
Ettrick Bay Beach
A stunning spot on the Bute Coast.
Print Point
Has a great selection of items and the owners are so friendly and helpful!
🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM
The Waterfront, Rothesay
Very friendly atmosphere and a unique experience.
🕐 Temporarily closed
City Sightseeing Bute
A must do if you've never been to Bute before.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Taylors Amusements
Nice bit of nostalgia if needing something to do for an hour in Rothesay.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Kraken Food
If you're visiting Rothesay this place is a must ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Isle of Bute Distillery
Not to miss if visiting the Isle of Bute.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Bonnie Bling
Lovely jewellery and great coffee
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
The Sulking Room Ltd
Lovely bar, fantastic staff and tasty drinks and snacks.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Dressing Room Bute
Beautiful clothing and accessories.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Meadows
A long walk and a picnic in the meadows, watched a bit of cricket.
The Victorian Shop
We were greeted with a smile and made to feel like friends instantly.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Card Shop
Always a great selection no matter the occasion.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Castle Gallery
Onsite services
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Rothesay Pavilion
🕐 Temporarily closed
Simply Buteiful
Got some gorgeous stuff, the throw in particular is beautiful.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Bargain Buys
Great shop with a variety of products, all at reasonable prices.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Rabbie
Dog friendly too!
Welcome To Bute Sculpture
Nice gardens, plenty of photo opportunities.
Rothesay Esplanade
Nice walk at Rothesay seaside.
HMS Rothesay Bench
Our Bench on the beautiful island of Bute, on the promenade in Rothesay
Premier Shop Rothesay
Great place to buy Chilled Alcohal and snacks.
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM
The wee Scottish Shop
5/5* Recommend by locals!.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Winter Gardens
Gillies Fraser
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Rumours
Dine-in·Takeout
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Rothesay, on the picturesque Isle of Bute, serves as a charming port of call for cruise travelers exploring Scotland's western coastline. With two cruise lines—Seabourn and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—calling here regularly, this intimate port offers a more relaxed alternative to busier Scottish harbors. Most cruises visiting Rothesay are 7-night itineraries that weave through the Hebrides and Irish Sea, typically connecting to destinations like Dublin, Oban, and Douglas, with departures concentrated during the scenic spring and summer months from April through August.
What makes Rothesay special is the chance to experience authentic Scottish island life without the crowds. Passengers stepping ashore will find themselves in a Victorian seaside town with genuine character, where you can explore the impressive ruins of Rothesay Castle or simply stroll the waterfront and local shops. The Isle of Bute itself invites leisurely exploration, whether you choose to venture inland or relax in this quintessentially Scottish setting before returning to your ship.
What makes Rothesay special is the chance to experience authentic Scottish island life without the crowds. Passengers stepping ashore will find themselves in a Victorian seaside town with genuine character, where you can explore the impressive ruins of Rothesay Castle or simply stroll the waterfront and local shops. The Isle of Bute itself invites leisurely exploration, whether you choose to venture inland or relax in this quintessentially Scottish setting before returning to your ship.
Cruise Lines at Rothesay, Isle of Bute
- Seabourn (13 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Cruises Visiting Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Ship Schedule at Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Rothesay, Isle of Bute Location
Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Rothesay, Isle of Bute?
The UN/LOCODE for Rothesay, Isle of Bute is GBRAY.
Where is Rothesay port located?
Rothesay is on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, at approx 55.8833° N, -5.15° W.
What type of port is Rothesay?
Rothesay is an official port.
Which country is Rothesay port part of?
Rothesay is in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Does Rothesay port have an alternate name?
No alternate name is listed.