The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.5 / 5 · 55 reviews TOURS ONLY

Ferniehirst Castle

Scottish Borders, Scotland


Ferniehirst Castle
Ferniehirst Castle, further view Ferniehirst Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Clan Kerr (Marquess of Lothian)
Condition
Intact
Access
Limited tour days

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.

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 · 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.

Open July only, Tue-Sun guided tours

“Only opened in July from 1 pm to 5 pm. 😭”— Chris, visitor review

Further reading

The Castles of Scotland cover book
The Castles of Scotland

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
book
Castles of the Clans

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
Scotland's Castles cover book
Scotland's Castles

Chris Tabraham

Find it on Amazon