Likely you have heard tell that a person’s home is their castle, but in the South of Scotland, many of our great homes are quite literally castles. We have defended our lands for centuries from the tops of towers and inside keeps and forts. We have entertained royalty in our stately homes and gardens and witnessed some of the greatest events in Scottish history across our ancient thresholds. Come with us and explore the extraordinary dwellings of the South.

Where to visit?

In Thornhill, you can see a fortress levelled to a ghostly ruin and a glorious palace made of pink stone. Or set your sights on Kelso, where you can tour a celebrated abbey and a fairytale castle, complete with turrets.