Start | Discover places | United Kingdom | Scotland | Canonbie | Museums | Clan Armstrong Centre

Clan Armstrong Centre

Museum | Canonbie | Scotland | United Kingdom

The Clan Armstrong Centre in Canonbie, Scotland, is located in the historic Gilnockie Tower, the ancestral seat of the Clan Armstrong. The tower was built around 1520 and served as the residence of Johnnie Armstrong, a notorious Border Reiver. After centuries of decay, the tower was extensively restored and opened to the public in 2018.

Inside the tower is the Clan Armstrong Centre, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts and archives of the clan. This includes historical documents, photographs, and personal items that illustrate the life and history of the Armstrongs. A special area is dedicated to astronaut Neil Armstrong, a famous bearer of the family name.

The tower itself consists of five floors, including a vault, a great hall, and a spiral staircase. Visitors can explore the restored rooms and gain insights into the lives of the Border Reivers and the Armstrong family. From the top of the tower, there is an impressive 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.

The Clan Armstrong Centre is also involved in educational projects and offers tours and events that keep the clan's heritage alive. It is a significant place for descendants of the clan and for all those interested in the history of the Border Reivers.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Gilnockie Tower
DG14 0XD Canonbie

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Monday10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Reviews

22 Reviews

Dave Armstrong
15.03.2024

The place will be closed until 29 3 24 for building works.
Maxine Blaylock
12.06.2023

It was a brilliant visit today.
Billy Armstrong
12.06.2023

I recommend this fascinating insight into life in the 16th century.
alan armsrong
11.06.2023

I would recommend visiting this excellent place.
Lindsay Armstrong
09.05.2023

It's a lovely little place to visit with welcoming and knowledgeable staff. The pre-recorded tour of the tower allows you to explore at your own pace and learn all about the history. The coffee is lovely and the gift shop has some cute items. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
Katy vdB
01.04.2023

This is an interesting small museum inside a pele tower associated with Johnny Armstrong. It's a good visit for those interested in the history of the reivers. They offer tea, coffee, and biscuits, but for a larger meal, you may need to go to Newcastleton or Langholm.
Brian Mcc
12.03.2023

After a long journey, we were disappointed to find the centre closed. Conflicting information on the website led us to believe it would be open.
Michael Harker
23.02.2023

Unfortunately, the tower was closed when we visited. However, we met a very nice man named Ian who informed us about the planned renovation work. There are some wonderful walks in the beautiful countryside around which I highly recommend.
Pattie A
24.09.2022

Delightful place steeped in history. The audio tour is very informative.
Les Armstrong
14.04.2022

A great historic place for us Armstrongs 👍
peter robert
11.04.2022

Lovely little museum with very informative staff and a great view.
Darrin Armstrong
05.04.2022

A great place to explore reiver life and family history.
Alex Rouch
15.12.2020

Just learned that a peer is an Armstrong, feeling disappointed.
Alex Rouch
15.12.2020

Cobblestone blob
Helen Smith
16.09.2019

So much work has been put into this building since it was a ruin in 2003. As an Armstrong, I may have a special connection, but I found it very interesting and would love to visit again.

 

Close by