Jedburgh’s history can be seen in many different forms: in the tower house of the Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, in the prison building on the site of the original Jedburgh Castle, in gardens with historic plantings, and in local customs. When planning a stay, this offers a range of possible themes—from architectural and town history to gardens and seasonal traditions.

Tower House, Prison and Town History

At the heart of historic Jedburgh is the Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, a 16th-century tower house. The Centre displays paintings, objects and textiles relating to Mary; the details of the exhibition may change. This puts the architecture of the tower house and the exhibits relating to Mary side by side as two distinct aspects.

Jedburgh Castle Jail was built in the 1820s on the site of the original Jedburgh Castle. Visitors can explore the original cell blocks. The Jedburgh town museum is housed in the jailer's house. The prison building and a museum about the town’s history thus come together within the site, offering two different perspectives on Jedburgh’s past.

Gardens, Abbey Ruins and Remembrance

The gardens of the Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre are home to some of Jedburgh’s famous pear trees. They are descendants of the original trees planted around Jedburgh Abbey in the early 19th century.

The remains of the most extensive Franciscan monastery visible in Scotland are preserved in Greyfriars Garden. At the same time, the grounds reflect the medieval interest in gardening. The abbey ruins and the garden tell different stories: one is architectural and Franciscan, while the other relates to medieval gardening culture.

In Lothian Park, the Hutton's Unconformity Sculpture commemorates James Hutton’s discovery. This adds a memorial in the park that differs from Greyfriars Garden’s medieval associations.

Customs and Seasons

The Jethart Callant's Festival takes place every year in summer. During the festival, the Callant receives the Jethart flag and carries it on horseback on Festival Day. If this festival is the reason for your trip, check the date of Festival Day before booking.

Another recurring custom is the annual hand ba’ game, a 300-year-old ball game. The uppies compete against the doonies. Compared with the flag ceremony in summer, the game centres on a contest between two named groups. Jethart Snails are among the local specialities visitors can try. Jedburgh Abbey also continues to host important local ceremonies.

Location and Hotel Planning

Jedburgh is on the A68, the main road between Newcastle and Edinburgh. When searching for hotels in Jedburgh, the reason for your trip can help structure your plans: is your main interest architectural and town history, gardens and abbey ruins, or a summer custom? If you’re travelling for the Jethart Callant's Festival, check the date of Festival Day before booking.

Discover more destinations: Newtonmore, Edinburgh, Forfar, Carrbridge, Longniddry, Kingussie, Hawick.

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