Hermitage Castle
Scottish Borders, Scotland
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)
Pinpoint
Newcastleton, Hawick TD9 0LU
Telephone 013873 76222
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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.
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.
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.
Brooding Border stronghold; seasonal opening Apr-Sep
“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
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.
