Smailholm Tower

Loved visiting here even on a typical dreich day. Not far from where we were staying but until you were quite close to it you would have no idea it was there. Arrived first thing so got the whole tower to ourselves so it gave us time to look at everything. The staff member was great and very friendly/ knowledgeable, telling us about the history of the tower etcWould highly recommend going to this tower if in the area. Not a busy site unfortunately unless in summer time so would encourage more people to go see it

Smailholm is one of the smaller tower houses, but its wonderful character and lofty situation atop a crag in an isolated countryside setting makes up for its size.Equally important, it is a museum with several scenes on each floor using miniature dolls to depict Scottish Border ballads that Sir Walter Scott and his colleagues collected from local folk. Visitors do self-tours of the several floors, with the audio guide summarizing each ballad and providing some of the song. A written summary of these tales is also provided on each floor.Smailholm tower has little furniture, but visitors can sit on the stone alcove seats while listening to the narrative. Another treat is the two top-floor stone balconies that provide excellent views of the area. As a tower house, climb a circular turret staircase to each level. These stairs are somewhat smaller than in larger castle turrets, but still manageable with the rope handrail.Smailholm tower is located on a narrow country road; it actually passes through a farm. The path from the small car park (Northside of the tower) is up the crag to the tower entrance (located on the south side).

The building is in good condition capped by a turf roof that was a bit of a surprise. Unfortunately there were few story boards so very little of the history to read but an audio guide is available although my hearing prevents me using them.Access to the various floors is by the original stone spiral staircase and each floor is essentially just one large room. The top floor affords access to the two parapets with fabulous views.For me this is only worth a visit if you're passing en route to somewhere else. We were there about 20mins but several others were in and out in less than 10mins.

Wonderful place to see surrounding scenery and fabulous miniatures of Scottish history and fairie folklore with audio. No accessible bathrooms and very steep winding staircase.

One of the premier examples of a Border Reiver Tower House. Associated with Sir Walter Scott so a good place to gain an appreciation of the Border Ballads. Tremendous views from the parapet; be sure to check those out. One of the rare towers where the outer barmkin walls are still largely in place. Small gift shop but no bathroom facilities.

Lovely views and a very interesting history. We didn't spend the £7.50 to go in though. That seems a bit steep for the length of time it would take to see round inside. I'd have paid maybe £4.

Lovely place to visit, surprisingly educational & well worth a visit. Great views from top of tower

Amazing tower/castle defo worth the visit such amazing views from the top of it. Their is a charge to enter worth the cost in my opinion £7.50 but if you have a explorer pass it’s free entry it’s worth getting if your visiting many places in same week. Their is a small car park nearby well maintained but their is no access for disabled. Bring some good boots short walk on grass/muddy if raining and uphill :)

Lovely place, but a bit of a hike to get there. There's only a path in the grass to get to the tower. And you must ascend steep spiral staircases. A lot of fun exploring the different levels and the fairy and superstition folklore. We spend about an hour and it is included in Historical Scotland past, but must reserve ahead of time. The views at the top of the tower are breathtaking.

Just fab. We're historic Scotland members. It was a dreich day. The views were still amazing but would be spectacular on a clear day. I think because of the weather we were the only ones there.It's very underrated, however it's a great place to visit.