Castle of St John
Early sixteenth-century tower house in the centre of Stranraer with free exhibitions on its history as a garrison and a jail.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Castle of St John is an L-plan tower house in the centre of Stranraer, built in the early sixteenth century by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire. It is a fine example of the tower houses that Scottish lairds built and used in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
In the late 1670s the castle served as a military garrison for government troops under John Graham of Claverhouse. In the Victorian period it was converted to a jail, and the story of the castle and its many inhabitants is told in the exhibitions inside. During the Second World War it was used as an air raid precautions base.
Today the castle is looked after by Dumfries and Galloway Council's DG Culture service and is open to visitors in the summer season. Entry is free. Access to the upper floors is by the original steep spiral staircase, and on special event days costumed interpreters bring the history to life.
Highlights
- Sixteenth-century tower house in the centre of Stranraer
- Exhibitions on the castle's use as a garrison and Victorian jail
- Original steep spiral staircase
- Costumed interpreters on special event days
- Free entry
Permanent exhibition
- The story of the castle and its inhabitants – Exhibitions on the castle's history from the Adair family to its use as a garrison and a Victorian jail.
- Founded
- 1600
- Operated by
- Dumfries and Galloway Council (DG Culture)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
There is level access to the ground floor through the front door. All other areas are reached by the original steep spiral staircase. The castle has no toilet facilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The castle is in a prominent position in the centre of Stranraer, on Charlotte Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There are no toilet facilities in the castle.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Costumed interpreters appear on special event days; details are on the Stranraer Museum Facebook page. |
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