Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton

Chatelherault is about 20mins drive from Glasgow and is a fantastic place, just outside the town of Hamilton. The Chatelherault Lodge itself is a beautiful construct, belonging to a former Duke of Hamilton as his getaway house, and many will see why when they visit!

The land the lodge sits on is vast and open making it a perfect picnic area. The location of Chatelherault gives a fantastic view overlooking nearly all of Hamilton, beautiful day or night!

It has a nature trail which leads from Strathclyde Country Park – suitable for dog walking or cycling. It even has a children’s play park to keep the kids entertained, with benches provided nearby for those worn out and hassled parents!

Chatelherault is a restored William Adam hunting lodge with a Visitor Centre set in a 500 acre country park with superb views north to Ben Lomond. Ten miles of footpath in an historic landscape and Avon River gorge including ancient oaks and extensive semi-natural woodland. The Visitor Centre has permanent and temporary exhibits, café and shop. There are function and conference rooms for hire. There is also an historic garden, picnic and barbecue sites and an adventure play area.

Chatelherault was built in 1732 as the hunting lodge and summer house for the wealthy Dukes of Hamilton. Designed by the famous Scottish Architect William Adam when he was 43 years old, Chatelherault now serves as the magnificent gateway to the Country Park. William Adam referred to the lodge as the “dog kennels at Hamilton”. While some dogs were indeed kept at this hunting lodge, there was also a banqueting pavilion and walled gardens.

The restored buildings house an exhibitions gallery, interactive displays, large gift shop, cafe and reception area as well as meeting rooms and conference/wedding space. Visitors can view the Duke’s private Banqueting Room, apartments and formal gardens.

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