Greenknowe Tower
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Photo: Taken by user:Supergolden, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Taken by user:Supergolden, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Jennifer Petrie, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Tweedbank, 8.7 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Free 16th-century L-plan tower near Gordon
Pinpoint
Gordon TD3 6JL
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A free 16th-century L-plan tower house near Gordon, currently fenced off due to falling masonry - so this is an exterior-only stop, reached on foot from a roadside lay-by. What's left standing is well preserved for an unstaffed site with no visitor centre.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The tower's L-plan silhouette against open countryside, best appreciated from the walk around its fenced perimeter.
Before you go
Park in the lay-by opposite and follow the short, well-maintained path; you can't go inside - reviewers report it's been fenced off a long while pending repair funding.
What visitors say
Greenknowe Tower reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 94 Google reviews
Most reviewers describe Greenknowe Tower as a quick, worthwhile stop reached via a short walk from a roadside layby, though the tower has been fenced off for safety due to falling masonry, so most visits are limited to viewing it from outside.
One reviewer questions why it has remained closed for so long.
Despite the restricted access, the setting and the building's well-preserved exterior are consistently praised, and reviewers appreciate the maintenance work by Historic Scotland.
“Looks interesting, couldn't go in to see as it is fenced off due to 'falling masonary'”- Steve Hughes, visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (30 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
James Seton · 1581
An L-plan tower constructed in 1581 by James Seton, with the date and initials inscribed above the entrance. The Seton lands passed to the Pringle family in the 17th century, who enlarged windows to suit a less dangerous era; the structure was occupied until the mid-19th century.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.
- Facilities
- “It's also a lovely place for a picnic, it's not on the road to anywhere and so you've normally got it to yourselves.” - Peter Clayton
Common questions about Greenknowe Tower
Where is Greenknowe Tower?
Greenknowe Tower is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Gordon TD3 6JL.
Is Greenknowe Tower free to visit?
Yes - Greenknowe Tower is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Greenknowe Tower?
The tower's L-plan silhouette against open countryside, best appreciated from the walk around its fenced perimeter.
Is Greenknowe Tower a ruin or still intact?
Greenknowe Tower is a ruin - Free 16th-century L-plan tower near Gordon.
