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Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

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Jedburgh Jail looks like a grand castle, but inside it’s a different story! Built on the site of the old Jedburgh Castle in the 1820s, it gives visitors a taste of what prison life was like in the nineteenth century. Visit the cell blocks, find out about prisoners who were held there and discover why some thought it was ‘the most comfortable jail in Scotland.’ The jailer’s house is home to Jedburgh’s town museum, charting the history of the Royal Burgh from ancient times. The displays focus on the town’s rich history, including traditions and industries. The stories of some of Jedburgh’s famous people are told – the mathematician Mary Somerville, David Brewster who invented the kaleidoscope and James Veitch the astronomer. Enjoyed my visit, always enjoy learning about the history of the Borders, facinating

Steven PorteousSteven Porteous
20
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Car park and entry is free. The Castle Jail is well preserved and the storyboards highlight what life would have been like in Jail here. There is access to each level and you get to walk down the cell corridors and able to enter the cells. Although we enjoyed visiting the jail the layout is 'repetitive' as you might expect in a building full of cells. If you incorporate other attractions in your visit to Jedburgh this is worth including as it is close to the town and free. We visited here having been to Mary Queen Of Scots Visitor Centre and Jedburgh Abbey that are 10mins walk away although it's a steep uphill walk to the jail. Visit all three? But drive up to the jail !!!

M GallichanM Gallichan
00
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They have a one way system in place. The main part of the jail is the cell blocks and most of the cells have information in them, about what type of prisoner they had. Why they we're in prison, what crime did they commit. How long they were in jail for. What age they were, If they were repeat offenders. The cells are over two levels and the stairs to get up or down can be quite difficult. Once you've finished in the cells the next part tells you a bit about Jedburgh itself. There is a few picnic tables about but you can't buy food or drink here. It's free to visit and is run by a charity and they have place where you can donate.

John RundellJohn Rundell
10
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We visited Jedburgh Castle & Jail museum (Free entry). I do recommend you make a donation though.I would say it was worth it. We very much enjoyed it here, and particularly loved the views over the town. The gardens and external part of the castle was a fantastic walk around. The Jail itself was very interesting. It was pretty horrendous back then with children being sent to prison for the smallest infraction. The gentleman on the desk was friendly and informative. I would visit again just to wander around the grounds.

Andy TingayAndy Tingay
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A very beautiful building that has a much darker history within its walls. We had a great day out! The only downside is it is not buggy or wheelchair accessible AT ALL. Even the grounds were difficult to navigate. The museum is well laid out for people without mobility issues and is informative in a way that will intrigue visitors of all ages. And it's free! (although you can tap and donate £2 at the door, which we did.)

JocelynJocelyn
10
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I'm so glad we found this Castle to visit whilst we had a week holiday in Eyemouth. A lovely castle, free of charge to enter. Lots of history and cells to look inside. With added bonus of near by Queen Mary house , also free and an Abbey. I would 100% recommend a little tour of this castle. Great for kids to explore too. Little gift shop at the end of you want to take a souvenir home with you. Be a fantastic picnic area

Gemma ShipmanGemma Shipman
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Address

Castle Gate, Jedburgh TD8 6AS, United Kingdom

Map

Phone

+44 1835 864750

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Website

liveborders.org.uk

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Overview

4.5(414 reviews)
cultural
family friendly

Description

Jedburgh Castle was a castle at Jedburgh in Scotland. It was fought over during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was demolished by the Scots commanded by Sir James Douglas of Balvenie in 1409.

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