Hermitage Castle
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Photo: Postdlf, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Victuallers, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Taras Young, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Gretna Green, 20.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Brooding Border stronghold; seasonal opening Apr-Sep
Pinpoint
Newcastleton, Hawick TD9 0LU
Telephone 013873 76222
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: Last entry 30 minutes before closure
- Closed
- 1 October to 31 March
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A massive, remote Border stronghold with a genuinely forbidding presence, open seasonally (April to September) and rarely busy even in season. Historic Environment Scotland keeps it unrestored enough that reviewers describe it as one of the more atmospheric ruins in the Borders.
At a glance
Worth the trip
Having the place largely to yourself in a dramatic, isolated landscape - a theme across almost every review.
Before you go
It's a scenic but committed 7-mile drive off the A7 down a single road - factor in the journey, and confirm it's within the Apr-Sep opening window before setting off.
What visitors say
Hermitage Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 410 Google reviews
Visitors consistently describe Hermitage Castle as remote and a bit of a journey to reach, but worth it for the imposing, atmospheric ruin and its turbulent history.
Admission is cheap (around £4.50-5) and reviewers praise the informative staff at the entrance kiosk.
A couple of reviewers note that, beyond exploring the structure itself, there isn't a huge amount to do on site, and one wished for a bit more restoration to bring the history to life - so it may appeal most to history enthusiasts rather than a broader day out.
“This is one of the big famous castles of Scotland but not many people get to it. It’s in a quite hard to get to location. There’s not that much to see or do here, maybe it’s for castle or history enthusiasts only. But…”- Williamus Rex, visitor review
History
Nicholas de Soulis · 1240
Nicholas de Soulis supposedly built this Border stronghold around 1240 as a motte-and-bailey fortification. It became the seat of the powerful Douglas family and remained a centre of border conflict for centuries. The castle's reputation for brutality across medieval centuries earned it recognition as one of Scotland's most sinister and atmospheric ruins.
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
- “There’s a toilet at the castle site too FYI.” - Gary McKendrick
Common questions about Hermitage Castle
Where is Hermitage Castle?
Hermitage Castle is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Newcastleton, Hawick TD9 0LU.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hermitage Castle?
Yes - Hermitage Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Hermitage Castle?
Having the place largely to yourself in a dramatic, isolated landscape - a theme across almost every review.
Is Hermitage Castle a ruin or still intact?
Hermitage Castle is a partial ruin - Brooding Border stronghold; seasonal opening Apr-Sep.
