Ferniehirst Castle
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Photo: Victuallers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Victuallers, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Victuallers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Clan Kerr (Marquess of Lothian)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Tweedbank, 13.2 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Open July only, Tue-Sun guided tours
Pinpoint
Oxnam, Jedburgh TD8 6NX
Telephone 01236 602463
The Border stronghold of Clan Kerr, still occupied and open to the public for one month a year via guided tours only. Most reviewers arrive with genuine family history in the castle, and several mention staff going out of their way for an impromptu look at rooms not on the standard route.
At a glance
Worth the trip
A guided tour through a genuinely still-lived-in clan seat, rare among Scotland's private castles.
Before you go
It only opens in July, Tuesday to Sunday, 1pm-5pm, and reviewers note this isn't well flagged on Google Maps - confirm dates directly before planning a visit.
What visitors say
Ferniehirst Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 55 Google reviews
Ferniehirst Castle's reviews skew very positive, and several visitors describe a personal ancestral connection to the site that made the visit particularly meaningful, with warm words for a knowledgeable tour guide.
The one discordant note is a single-star review from a visitor caught out by very limited opening hours (July only, 1-5pm) that weren't clear from Google Maps, so it's worth confirming opening times directly before making the trip.
“Only opened in July from 1 pm to 5 pm. 😭”- Chris, visitor review
History
Thomas Kerr · 1476
Constructed in 1476 by Sir Thomas Kerr as a Border stronghold, enduring multiple English raids during the 16th and early 17th centuries. Rebuilt by Sir Andrew Kerr in 1598 following damage, the castle served as a youth hostel from 1934 to 1984 before restoration to private residence in 1988.
Drawn from Clan Kerr (Marquess of Lothian)'s own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Our tour guide Val was the best ever tour guide.” - Shirley Cheyne
Common questions about Ferniehirst Castle
Where is Ferniehirst Castle?
Ferniehirst Castle is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Oxnam, Jedburgh TD8 6NX.
How do you visit Ferniehirst Castle?
Ferniehirst Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Clan Kerr (Marquess of Lothian). Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Ferniehirst Castle?
Yes - Ferniehirst Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Ferniehirst Castle?
A guided tour through a genuinely still-lived-in clan seat, rare among Scotland's private castles.
Is Ferniehirst Castle a ruin or still intact?
Ferniehirst Castle is largely intact - Open July only, Tue-Sun guided tours.
