Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

The Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum is located in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. The jailer’s house is home to the town’s museum and it charters the history from ancient times. It looks like a grand castle but inside it tells a different story. The building today was built on the site of the old Jedburgh Castle in the 1820s. It gives visitors a taste of what prison life would have been like in the 19th century.

You can visit the cell blocks, find out about the prisoners who were held there and discover why some thought it was ‘the most comfortable jail in Scotland’. In the museum, there are displays focusing on Jedburgh’s rich history including the stories of some of the town’s most famous people. These include the mathematician Mary Somerville, David Brewster who invented the kaleidoscope and James Vietch who was an astronomer.

Children can enjoy hands-on activities including dressing up. The building is said to be haunted and paranormal investigations and overnight visits can be pre-arranged. The grounds offer fine views over the town and the surrounding countryside.

Further Information Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

Is there food and drink available?

There are cafes nearby serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

A museum with cell blocks and a jailer’s house which is home to the town’s museum that charters the history of the town from ancient times. There are toilets.