A 15th-century tower house situated in the Scottish Borders, Kirkoswald Castle is a rectangular-shaped fortress built from local red sandstone. The castle's rugged exterior features narrow windows, battlements, and a machicolated parapet, giving it a defensive appearance. The interior boasts a grand hall, a chapel, and private chambers, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of its former inhabitants. Despite being partially ruined, the castle still exudes an air of medieval grandeur, with its imposing structure and picturesque surroundings making it a fascinating historical attraction.
Really scenic castle, however it isn't always open to the public
If you like your castles to be intimate, hidden and mostly ruined, you'll love this little gem. Not a huge amount remains but there is one intriguing tower, some impressive earthworks, part of the gatehouse and a moat. Probably best to park in Kirkoswald and walk up the road (careful, no pavement). Whilst you're in Kirkoswald, there is also a church dating from the 12th century, a bell tower on top of the hill with good views, and a series of earthworks which possibly belonged to an earlier castle in the field behind the church.
This is an interesting place to visit if you're just passing but don't go out of your way to visit as the castle is structurally unstable and there is no access.
If you are a castle hunter will be interesting to visit and look around the castle.Nothing much left just destroyed part of the castle or castle tower.
It's not safe to visit but the view from the field is enough to enjoy.
Old ruins off of the public footpaths from a bygone age. A nice place to pass and get some nice photos whilsr passing the village. Mind the cows in the field.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Really scenic castle, however it isn't always open to the public
If you like your castles to be intimate, hidden and mostly ruined, you'll love this little gem. Not a huge amount remains but there is one intriguing tower, some impressive earthworks, part of the gatehouse and a moat. Probably best to park in Kirkoswald and walk up the road (careful, no pavement). Whilst you're in Kirkoswald, there is also a church dating from the 12th century, a bell tower on top of the hill with good views, and a series of earthworks which possibly belonged to an earlier castle in the field behind the church.
This is an interesting place to visit if you're just passing but don't go out of your way to visit as the castle is structurally unstable and there is no access.
If you are a castle hunter will be interesting to visit and look around the castle.Nothing much left just destroyed part of the castle or castle tower.
It's not safe to visit but the view from the field is enough to enjoy.
Old ruins off of the public footpaths from a bygone age. A nice place to pass and get some nice photos whilsr passing the village. Mind the cows in the field.
