Castle of St John

The recently renovated Castle of St John is an early 17th century tower house. It was built by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in late medieval Wigtownshire and used by lairds in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Over the years it has been a family home, a courthouse and a military garrison. In 1820 it was converted to the town jail. The view from the roof – the prison exercise yard – takes in the whole of Loch Ryan.

For Doors Open Days there will be guided tours by costumed volunteers, relevant to the time period of the castle area.

Castle suitable for all the family.

Visitors can visit freely during opening hours

toilets and disabled toilet facilities are available in the nearby Stranraer Museum