The Top 20 Castles in Scottish Borders
A visit to a castle — whether you stumble over one during a hike outdoors or walk your way around the grounds with a guide — is always something special, and you’ve got 20
beautiful castles to choose from in Scottish Borders. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!
beautiful castles to choose from in Scottish Borders. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!
Last updated: October 18, 2025
Abbotsford was the home of Sir Walter Scott. He built the house and laid out the gardens after the success of his literary work. The house was finished in 1824 …
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Built in the 1720s for Duke John by architect William Adam, Floors Castle is a magnificent regal country house set amongst landscaped gardens. The castle's grounds are listed in the …
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If you're passing through the town, you can't miss the striking profile of Jedburgh Abbey. Built in the 12th Century, it's one of four abbeys established in the Scottish Borders …
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Broughton Place is a historic house in the village of Broughton, Scottish Borders. It was designed by Basil Spence in the style of a 17th-century Scottish Baronial tower house.
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The fort sits at the top of Castle Knowe, one of several summits on the ridgeline over the Tweed Valley. With views over Cardrona it is surrounded by coniferous forest. …
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Cessford Castle is an atmospheric ruin that was built in the 15th century by the Kerr family. The tower house is heavily fortified with walls 13 feet (4 m) thick …
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Newark Castle is a large ruined tower. It was first mentioned in 1423 and was packed back to the Crown in 1445 from the Earls of Douglas, and became one …
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Roxburgh Castle is now a ruin after a long and tumultuous history. It was built in the early 12th century by David I. For many centuries of wars between Scotland …
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The atmospheric remains of Fast Castle stand on a plateau surrounded by towering cliffs. Due to its natural defensive position, the castle likely started life as an Iron Age fort. …
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A 14th century castle which isn't open to the public but is open for private events, weddings and as accommodation. The castle has been the home of the Hay family …
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Explore Scottish Borders’s best castles region by region:
KalewaterClovenfords And DistrictLilliesleaf, Ashkirk And MidlemParish Of StowEttrick And YarrowMelrose And DistrictCrailing, Eckford And NisbetHobkirkJed ValleySwinton And LadykirkGordon And WestrutherColdstream And DistrictGreenlaw And HumeRoyal Burgh Of Selkirk And DistrictLantonDenholm And DistrictHeiton And RoxburghWalkerburn And DistrictKelsoBowden VillageFloors, Makerstoun, Nenthorn And SmailholmLeitholm, Eccles And BirghamMaxton And MertounNewcastleton And DistrictLauderdaleUpper Liddesdale And HermitageOxnam WaterTweedbankSouthdeanSt. Boswells ParishNewtown And EildonGalashielsJedburghEarlstonAncrum
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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in Scottish Borders:
Penicuik And DistrictDumfries and GallowaySouth AyrshireSouthern Uplands MountainsMoorfootTorthorwaldNorth MilkMidlothianHowgateNewtongrangeGorebridge And DistrictMouswaldDalton And CarrutherstownStoneykirkStranraerCastle KennedyLochansRoyal Burgh Of Lochmaben And DistrictLockerbie And DistrictRoyal Four TownsNew LuceStewarton And DistrictHumbie, East And West Saltoun, BoltonLongniddryEast LothianCrosshouseNorthwestGateheadGrange / HowardKnockentiberBonnytonKilmaursCummertrees And Cummertrees WestColvend And SouthwickDunpenderEast LammermuirNew Abbey
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