Chatelherault Country Park

About the museum

The hunting lodge at Chatelherault was commissioned in 1734 by James, 5th Duke of Hamilton. It was designed by William Adam and built as a kennel for the Duke's hounds and horses. Over time the building fell into decline, and in 1987 it was restored and reopened as a visitor attraction.

The West Wing of the lodge contains the Banqueting Room, the Duke's Room and the Duchess Room, which are open for public viewing. The surrounding gardens include an original parterre, a traditional bowling green and a herbaceous border, laid out by the Duke's gardener John Hossack in 1740 and planted for beauty as well as for medicinal and cooking uses.

Today the lodge is the centre of a country park of about 500 acres of woodland and meadow along the River Avon gorge. The visitor centre has an interactive heritage exhibition about the cultures, industries and wildlife of the area. Within the park are remains of Cadzow Castle, the Duke's Bridge, ancient oaks dated to the mid-15th century and a herd of white cattle.

Highlights

• 18th-century hunting lodge designed by William Adam
• Banqueting Room, Duke's Room and Duchess Room
• Interactive heritage exhibition in the visitor centre
• Parterre garden of 1740 and bowling green
• Ancient Cadzow oaks and the white cattle herd
• Cadzow Gallery with changing art and photography exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Heritage exhibition – Interactive displays in the visitor centre about the past cultures, industries and wildlife of the local area.
• Hunting Lodge West Wing – The Banqueting Room, Duke's Room and Duchess Room can be viewed in the restored lodge.

Operated by

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the visitor centre, the Lodge House and the park is free. Guided tours and walks are charged per person and must be booked in advance.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor centre, gift shop, café and exhibition areas are fully accessible. In the lodge, the Banqueting Room and the Duchess Room are accessible, but the Duke's Room can only be reached by stairs. Some trails have steps or steep slopes and may not suit wheelchairs, prams or visitors with mobility difficulties. Disabled parking and toilets are in the park and signposted on the information boards. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The adventure playground is designed for toddlers to teenagers. The heritage exhibition has interactive elements such as brass rubbing, and the park runs events and activities all year. Some trails are not suitable for prams.

Getting there & parking

The park entrance is in the village of Ferniegair, 2.5 km south-east of Hamilton on the A72, a short drive from junction 7 of the M74.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Oaks Café seats 110 inside and 40 in the courtyard and serves sandwiches, hot snacks and baking, with children's picnic bags. The gift shop is in the visitor centre. There are picnic areas and free-to-use barbecues next to the playground.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Banqueting Room in the lodge is used for weddings and events. Conference and banqueting facilities and afternoon tea celebrations are offered. The Cadzow Gallery and the visitor centre gallery can be hired for exhibitions.

Plan your visit