Roxburgh Castle
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Private owner (Roxburghe Estates)
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
Pinpoint
Kay Brae, Kelso TD5 8LT
Get directions on Google Maps →
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check with the operator 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 |
Once one of Scotland's most important royal castles and the site where King James II was killed by an exploding cannon during its siege, Roxburgh is now little more than a grass-covered mound and a few fragments of wall. Reviewers describe a rewarding but genuinely rough walk to reach it.
Worth the trip
The views over Floors Castle and the Teviot valley from the ruins, which reviewers say make the climb worthwhile despite how little masonry remains.
Before you go
The site is overgrown and reached by a rough path with no formal route - reviewers strongly recommend long trousers for the nettles and sturdy footwear for the climb.
Reviewers consistently warn that the site is overgrown and the walk is rough, recommending long trousers for nettles and sturdy footwear for the climb. Despite the difficulty, most say the views and sense of history - Roxburgh was once one of Scotland's most important royal castles - make it worthwhile.
Once one of Scotland's most important royal castles; only a large mound and fragmentary wall stumps remain.
“Went to see the castle ruins I wouldn't recommend actually walking up to it's not worth all the nettle stings...the walk along the river path was lovely”- Sammi Ross, visitor review
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.
- Parking
- “We parked up along side the A699 just passed seeing the ruins to the left on a hill.” - Charmaine Howard
- Terrain & accessibility
- “A little difficult to get to, with steep climbs and the area is quite wild.” - Richard Armstrong
Common questions about Roxburgh Castle
Is Roxburgh Castle free to visit?
Yes - Roxburgh Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Private owner (Roxburghe Estates). 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 Roxburgh Castle?
The views over Floors Castle and the Teviot valley from the ruins, which reviewers say make the climb worthwhile despite how little masonry remains.
Where is Roxburgh Castle?
Roxburgh Castle is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Kay Brae, Kelso TD5 8LT.
Is Roxburgh Castle a ruin or still intact?
Roxburgh Castle is a ruin - Once one of Scotland's most important royal castles; only a large mound and fragmentary wall stumps remain.
