Chatelherault Country Park

 Chatelherault was built in 1732 as the hunting lodge and summer house for the wealthy Duke of Hamilton. 

Designed by the famous Scottish Architect William Adam, Chatelherault now serves as the magnificent gateway to the Country Park.

The restored building is now a visitor centre withdisplay gallery and exhibitions on the area's history, wildlife and also the story of Chatelheraultitself. The house also has a large gift shop, café and reception area as well as meeting rooms andconference/wedding space.

Visitors can view the Duke's private Banqueting Room, apartments and formal gardens.

Outside, visitors can ramble through 10 miles of stunning gorge walks along the River Avon and through ancient woodland, some of which are the oldest in the country. The area is home to a wide range of wildlife including roe deer, badgers, otters, kingfishers and more.

The hunting lodge is set on an eye-catching hilltop site affording panoramic views of Glasgow and the surrounding hills.The lodge was originally designed to be situated at the southern end of a Grand Avenue of trees that ran from the former Hamilton Palace, which was once the largest non royal residence in Britain, but which unfortunately was demolished due to mining subsidence.The Grand Avenue of trees visually linked the Low and High Parks of the Hamilton estate, all of which was part of Duchess Anne's 'Great Design' for the estate landscape.Chatelherault was restored to its former glory between 1979 and 1987 and is now an extremelypopular day out for families and walkers keen to experience this unique “Jewel in the Landscape”.The 500-acre country park has an extensive programme of guided woodland walks and events that are on offer throughout the year.