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
Port Type
Port of Call
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.
Cruises that visit Rothesay, Isle of Bute
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
... is the seat of the Marquis of Bute and offers a wide range of activities.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Wed
Ettrick Bay Cafe
Friendly staff, plenty of food and drink options and reasonably priced.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
The Glenburn Hotel
- Such a grand dining space deserves a proper menu / kitchen.
Rothesay Castle
13th-century circular castle ruin
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Black Bull Inn
Live music·Bar games·Food at bar
Open · Closes 11 PM
Golfers Bar
Staff very welcoming as were the regulars, best priced pint in Rothesay.
Open · Closes 11 PM
Kettledrum
Friendly staff, good food, relaxed atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
The Diner
Lunch was excellent, great portion size and fantastic prices.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Caledonian MacBrayne | Rothesay
Esplanade Hotel
Straightforward option with a restaurant
The Galatea
Outside food allowed·Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations
Open · Closes 1 AM
The Anchor Tavern & Hub
Friendly and cosy with an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits.
Open · Closes 11 PM
West End Cafe - Bute
We went for a fish tea and it was so fresh and tasty.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Bute Yard
Onsite services
Open · Closes 8 PM
The Victoria Hotel
This is a great wee hotel in Rothesay.
Ghillie's
Dine-in·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Wed
Grapes Bar
Haven't tried the food but the drinks and atmosphere is brilliant.
Open · Closes 1 AM
Cafe Tazza (Helmi’s Cakes)
Staff are lovely, friendly, helpful and the food is delicious and authentic.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
The Taverna Bar
Great service again no food served here the bar staff are superb
Open · Closes 10 PM
Mac's Bar
Best bar in Bute - really friendly service, pool table and darts boards 🙌🏻
Open · Closes 1 AM
McClean's Electric Bakery
The cafe was very clean, the staff friendly & the food really good.
Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
Bute Museum
Admission fee·Restroom
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Wed
Musicker
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The Jam Jar
Outdoor seating·Gluten-free options·Kids' menu
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
India Pavilion
Vegetarian options·High chairs
Open · Closes 11 PM
Rothesay Ferry Terminal
We had a great experience on the Rothesay ferry.
Rothesay Victorian Toilets
Quite remarkable Victorian Toilet worth the visit if you stop in Rothesay.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Wee Zoe's
Best food we had in Rothesay, great atmosphere and customer service.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Gather Deli
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Ascog Hall Garden and Fernery
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The Islander Bar
Smashing wee bar with good prices.
Open · Closes 12 AM
Ambience Café
A lovely restaurant food was amazing service great had a fab lunch
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Kerrycroy Bay Beach
Nice wee beach for a swim after a cycle around the Cove peninsula.
Open 24 hours
The Waterfront, Rothesay
We had a brilliant time with the best food and an excellent host.
Press x Isle of Bute Coffee
Superb cafe - nice space, great coffee and fantastic friendly service.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Cadillac Kustomz Diner
Great selection on the menu and the owner was very funny and friendly.
Ettrick Bay Beach
Fabulous beach, dog friendly, shallow so safe for bathing, great cafe 👍
Open 24 hours
Scalpsie Bay Beach, Isle of Bute
Lovely walk along the beach and a nice cafe with fresh sea food
Open 24 hours
The Coffee Stop
A delightful dog-friendly cafe, serving delicious home-made cakes.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Print Point
It’s a charming little shop and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Closed · Opens 8:45 AM Wed
Kraken Food
Run by a great couple who serve fantastic food at very modest prices.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
City Sightseeing Bute
Great tour of Rothesay and the driver Ian was very informative.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Co-op Food - Rothesay - Montague Street
Superb quality & stocked shop
Open · Closes 10 PM
Rothesay Marina
Handy set of pontoons right in the heart of Rothesay
Macqueens of Rothesay
Local beef and lamb are to die for.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Kyles of Bute Viewpoint
Lovely unique experience watching the mother otters and her 3 kits
Open 24 hours
Isle of Bute Distillery
They also have board games.
Open · Closes 8 PM
The Sulking Room Ltd
Lovely bar, fantastic staff and tasty drinks and snacks.
Open · Closes 11 PM
Bonnie Bling
They make their own coffe (Isle of Bute Coffee), it smells divine.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
The waiting room cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Wed
Picture Bute
Excellent wee gift shop.
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Bute Brew Co.
Super bar in Bute Yard with excellent food on offer from Pawels Hub kitchen.
Open · Closes 8 PM
The Dressing Room Bute
Fabulous boutique with stunning pieces …
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Rumours
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The Rabbie
Freindly staff and an interesting clientele drinks good prices
The Victorian Shop
In-store shopping
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Card Shop
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Castle Gallery
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Rothesay Pavilion
Simply Buteiful
Had a wonderful time in this lovely little shop on the Bute high street.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Wed
Jimmy Snacks
Excellent quality, large portions, and reasonably priced.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Callows Cafe & Kiosk
Great Breakfast, full Scottish, nice thick toast also .
Open · Closes 7 AM Wed
Bute Waves
Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
Rothesay Bay
Rothesay Esplanade
Open 24 hours
Welcome To Bute Sculpture
Nice gardens, plenty of photo opportunities.
HMS Rothesay Bench
Our Bench on the beautiful island of Bute, on the promenade in Rothesay
Premier Shop Rothesay
Neighbourhood convenience store
Open · Closes 10 PM
The wee Scottish Shop
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Winter Gardens
The SULA Collective
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 (9 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (1 cruise)
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.