Visit Floors Castle: Scotland’s Largest Inhabited Castle

The stuff of innumerable movies of the British high society, Floors Castle is an estate house built in the style of a fortress that dominates the land around it. It is located in the Scottish borders close to the border with England and is open to the public. A visit to Floors Castle will feel like stepping back into a period British movie – or perhaps a James Bond adventure.

Floors Castle is certainly a sight to behold and is Scotland’s largest inhabited Castle and one of the main attractions in the Scottish Borders region. Floors Castle is arguably one of those dreamy locations that one can’t leave Scotland before visiting. If one would like to visit more castles in Scotland, then Glamis Castle is sometimes said to be the most beautiful castle in the country.

What To Know Of Floors Castle

Floors Castle was built in the 1720s and was further embellished in the 19th century with turrets and battlements to make it resemble a castle or fortress. The 1800s works are certainly impressive, so much so that the Scottish architect William Playfair wrote in 1838:

The Duke and Duchess are extremely cordial and much pleased with the alterations on their house and are quite resolved to do all I recommend inside as well as outside.Floorscastle.com

The castle is made up of the main block with two symmetrical service wings and is situated on the banks of the River Tweed overlooking the Cheviot Hills.

Today Floors Castle is one of the most iconic buildings in Scotland.

  • Home: The Home Of the Innes-Ker Family – The Dukes of Roxburghe

The two main attractions of the estate is the Floors Castle itself and its magnificent grounds. It continues to be the home of the Innes-Ker family as it has for hundreds of years, it remains the home of the Dukes of Roxburghe – now in their 11th generation.

  • Built: 300 Years Ago In 1721
  • Status: The Home Of The Dukes of Roxburghe
  • Largest: It Is The larges Inhabited Castle Or House In Scotland

In the castle, one will see a fine collection of art, porcelain, newly restored tapestries, grand rooms, and superb views. Related: Stirling Castle: Visiting One of Scotland’s Most Entertaining And Rewarding Living Castles

The Gardens and Grounds of Floors Castle

Just a short walk from the Castle one will find the spectacular Victorian Walled Garden with glasshouses, herbaceous borders, and a formal Millennium Garden.

There are woodlands and riverside walks where one can soak in the Scottish countryside. Here one will find the Terrace and Courtyard Cafes where one can enjoy a tea or lunch. The gardens combine one of the finest Victorian kitchen gardens with the Millennium Garden.

Come in the right season and see a frenzy of color. Explore the glasshouses that burst with soft fruit while also seeing the charming summerhouse named after Queen Victoria (she visited in 1867). The Castle also has vast estates that continue to be farmed as well as involved in conservation projects – like that of the Grey Patridge.

There is also traditional hunting for pheasants and grouse. Learn more about the vast estates on their website. Related: See The Best Roman Ruins In Scotland (North Of Hadrian’s Wall)

Planning One’s Visit To Floors Castle

Floors Castle is located around an hour’s drive from the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and from the northern English city of Newcastle.

While it is open to the public, one should also keep in mind that it remains the home of the Duke and his family. Dogs are welcome in the gardens and riverside walks. While the doggies are not permitted inside the castle, there are a number of tie-up/water points to leave one’s best friend while exploring the castle.

The castle also strives to be a family-friendly attraction offering a number of kid-friendly attractions like playgrounds and kids menus in addition to being pooch-friendly. Admission:

  • Adult: GBP18.00 (Castle, Gardens & Grounds – Other Tickets Also Available)
  • Children: Free (Under 16 When Accompanied By An Adult)
  • Dogs: Welcome On A Leash Throughout the Grounds and Gardens (Not Inside The Castle)

If one is on a budget, then feel free to enjoy a picnic in the grounds, otherwise enjoy the Terrace Cafe in the gardens (open daily year-round). Additionally, there is the Courtyard Cafe in the Castle (open daily from 1st May to 30th September.

  • Opening Hours: Floors Castle opens 9th April 2022 – 30th September 2022 daily


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Cons To Camping With A Hard-Shell Rooftop TentRelated TopicsAbout The AuthorAaron Joshua Spray (1276 Articles Published)

Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 70 countries around the world.

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