Hermitage Castle , Scotland

Hermitage Castle has a history of torture, treason – and romantic trysts.

The castle was designed for defensive purposes by Nicholas de Soulis around 1240 and the interior is just as bleak as the outside. Even in the 16th century, Hermitage was adapted to counter the threat posed by gunpowdered artillery, with gunholes punched through its thick walls, and a massive gun defence built outside, to protect the castle’s western approach.

Despite its long history of bloodshed, Hermitage Castle also hosted a romantic, and somewhat scandalous, tryst. In October 1566, the 4th Earl of Bothwell, secret lover of Mary Queen of Scots, was badly injured in a skirmish with reivers. On hearing the news, Mary visited him in his sick-bed, and rode out 25 miles from Jedburgh across difficult terrain. Their tryst, on 16 October, lasted two hours. On the arduous journey back to Jedburgh, Mary’s horse stumbled, throwing her into a bog, from which she contracted a fever. She was confined to bed in Jedburgh for a week, and it was said she was fortunate to recover from her ordeal.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Every day - 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £4.00
Child £2.40
Concession £3.20

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Disabled Facilities

The site is not easily accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. It has an uneven grass surface which can get boggy and the castle has many interior steps. There is a good view of the castle from the road.

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More Information

Telephone: 01387 376 222

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