Castle of St John
10 minute walk from Stranraer station · South West
The Castle of St John, also known as Stranraer Castle, is a historic L-plan tower house located in the centre of Stranraer. Built around 1510 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, this early 16th-century landmark stands as a significant piece of southwest Scotland’s heritage.
The castle boasts a diverse history, having served as a home, a court, and a military garrison during the "Killing Times" of the 1680s. Visitors can explore a building that has functioned as a Victorian prison, a police station, and a Second World War ARP base. Now a museum, the refurbished castle offers an informative look into centuries of local history.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Castle
- Good for
- Castles, Local & social history, Military history, Museums
- Characteristics
- Medieval
- Admission
- Free
- Region
- South West
Stations within walking distance
- Stranraer station — 10 min walk, 0.8 km
Other places near Stranraer
- Stranraer Museum — 12 min walk from the station
- Loch Ryan — 15 min walk from the station
- Stranraer FC (Stair Park) — 16 min walk from the station
- Agnew Park — 17 min walk from the station
- Ryan Centre — 18 min walk from the station