Name: Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre
Rating: 5.0

Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre

Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre, Queen Street, Jedburgh, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre is a 16th-century tower house located in the heart of historic Jedburgh. It tells the dramatic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, focusing on her crucial month in Jedburgh in 1566 - a turning point in her life. The museum explores the mystery surrounding her character, from devoted martyr to controversial ruler.

Inside, visitors can explore period rooms filled with paintings, objects, and textiles linked to Mary’s life and legacy. Highlights include the Rogues Gallery, introducing key figures in her story, and the Last Letter Room, revealing her final thoughts before execution. The house also shares the story of her ill-fated ride to Hermitage Castle and sits within attractive gardens featuring Jedburgh’s famous pear trees.

Admission is completely free, though donations are encouraged to help keep the museum open to everyone. Free parking is available on site.

Overall, the Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre offers an intimate and thought-provoking look at one of Scotland’s most debated historical figures. With preserved interiors, engaging displays, and peaceful gardens, it provides a meaningful cultural stop in the Scottish Borders.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen – Mary’s month in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life.
The displays of paintings, objects and textiles associated with Mary explore not only her life and times, but also the cult that has grown up around her story.
The period feel inside the house has been preserved with thoughtful design that allows the story of Mary’s life to be presented in an engaging way.
The Rogues Gallery introduces the individuals in the drama of Mary’s life, while the Last Letter Room reveals her final thoughts before her execution.
Also find out about her ill-fated ride to Hermitage Castle to meet her adviser and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, which resulted in her falling gravely ill.
She would later lament ‘Would that I had died in Jedburgh.’ The house sits in attractive gardens, home to some of Jedburgh’s famous pear trees, descendants of the original trees planted around Jedburgh Abbey in the early 1800s.
The museum welcomes visitors and tour groups with a new audio tour available in several languages as well as printed children's guide and foreign language guides.