Venue Description

This 20 metre high stronghold, built in the 1400s, dominates the skyline. On a clear day you can see as far as Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. The author Sir Walter Scott spent much of his childhood n a farm below the tower, where he first heard the stories that made up him Minstrelsy of the Scottish borders, the subject of an exhibition here. Opening times 31 Mar to 30 Sept: Sun to Thur, 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Closed for lunch 12 noon to 1pm. 1 Oct to 30 Mar: Closed We recommend booking online to guarantee entry.

Accessibility

Approach to site There is a latched kissing gate leading from the car park up towards the castle. It is 90cm wide. The tower is approached along a 190m earth path. It has an average gradient of 1:20 over the first 100m and 1:9 over the last 90m. It can be very muddy in wet weather and there may be cattle. Entry to the site is through a metal gate 75cm wide (it can be opened up to a double gate of 2m wide). Visitor Centre Is entered through a low (96cm) and narrow (85cm) door. There is an original uneven threshold stone. There is a step up to the area in front of the counter. The upper level of the exhibition is reached by a modern spiral timber and steel staircase of 12 steps with a handrail on the outer side. Monument The architectural remains next to the tower are viewed from a deep gravel surface. The tower has three upper floors reached by an historic stone spiral stair. It is 89cm wide, has 63 steps and a rope handrail on the inner side. Surroundings Smailholm Tower sits on uneven ground on a hill within pasture land. Special features A free audio tour is available.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

Toilets There are no toilets at Smailholm The nearest accessible public toilets are in Horsemarket, Kelso.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.