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Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre

Museum | Jedburgh | Scotland | United Kingdom

The Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre in Jedburgh, Scotland, is located in a historic 16th-century building that was constructed as a Tower House. This building is closely associated with the Scottish Queen Mary Stuart, who resided in Jedburgh for a month in October 1566. During her stay, she experienced a severe illness that nearly cost her life.

Key features of the visitor centre:

Historical significance: The building, known as Queen Mary's House, was gifted to the town of Jedburgh in 1928 and opened as a museum in 1930. It is a three-story stone building with a four-story tower and was designated as a Category A listed building in 1971.

Collections and exhibitions: The centre showcases a variety of paintings, objects, and textiles related to Mary Stuart. The exhibitions not only shed light on her life and times, but also on the cult that has developed around her story.

Gardens: The extensive gardens of the centre include pear trees planted in the 21st century, matching the variety once grown in the region when pear cultivation was a significant occupation in the town.

The Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre provides a deep insight into the life and times of Mary Stuart and is a significant site for anyone interested in Scottish history.

Map view

Reviews

528 Reviews

Laurie Boyd
20.11.2024

Such history. And a sweet woman to greet us at the desk. Very well preserved history of Mary Queen of Scots.
Elizabeth Dickie
09.11.2024

A fabulous museum, thoughtfully curated with a fantastic audio tour. The quality of the displays, including excellent replica furniture by a local craftsman and replica tapestries. The museum exhibition comprehensively covers Mary's life, more concentrated info than anywhere else. The audio tour and information panels are thoughtfully designed to complement each other and guide you through the rooms through an interesting and thought-provoking narrative. The jewel in the crown is the poignant display in the final rooms of Mary's execution, and a beautiful glass and steel sculpture. The beautiful grounds are meticulously kept by local volunteers and offer a green haven for reflection following your visit - including famous Jeddart pears growing! The colleague at the desk was incredibly knowledgeable and really brought the place to life with excellent additional information about Mary, the exhibition, and other places to visit in Jedburgh.
Daniel Willingham
07.11.2024

Extremely interesting and intriguing museum/visitor centre situated in the Scottish Borders town of Jedburgh. As the name suggests it is dedicated to Mary Queens of Scots detailing the history of her life from life to to death in a very informative manner. The visitor centre houses the exhibition over 3 floors and it tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots in chronological order and some of the keys events that led to her being queen and also keys events leading up to her death. The exhibition over the three floors is laid out in a very easy to understand way and also the chronological order of the exhibition keeps you intrigued and focused on the story of Mary Queen of Scots as you go round. There are also some interesting artefacts to see such as The Portrait Miniature, Mary Queen of Scots Death Mask and also some tapestries which are in excellent condition and decently presented. Admission into the place is also free with donations welcome and this is a very welcome addition. There is a small gift shop at the place selling a decent range of gifts at affordable prices. Overall this is a marvellous and magnificent attraction to visit and makes for an interesting and intriguing day out. Definitely worth a visit whilst visiting Jedburgh.
LJ M
29.10.2024

We visited on a Saturday afternoon , it was quiet and we had plenty of time to go through each room. The steps are quite steep inside. There is a gift shop on the ground level with a lovely selection of items. The garden area is well maintained with seats to relax and admire the views.
Martin Whyte
22.10.2024

Lots of information excellent presentation
Jacqui Larke
18.10.2024

I rate this as 1st class for those who are fascinated by Mary Queen of Scots . So much to see. Would have loved to explore the gardens but the heavens opened up which was a pity. Nevertheless it's definitely worth a visit Not accessible for everyone as many steep steps
Anja Konings
12.10.2024

Voor de liefhebber van de geschiedenis van Queen Mary een leuk klein plekje.
nigel talman
27.09.2024

A small but very interesting attraction. Excellent information relating to Mary Queen of Scots and a few interesting relics from her life. It's free but donations are suggested.
Elaine Rawson
26.09.2024

Mary queen of Scots didn't actually live here. Just one of her many places she visited and stayed for awhile. However it has historical artifacts and facts about here life which if you're new to her terbulant life would be very interesting.
Hazel Lawson
25.09.2024

A really interesting house to visit which brought her plight out fully, plus seeing her death mask was very interesting. Very well done and lovely grounds also.
Richard Ireson - Musician
23.09.2024

Thoroughly enjoyed. Particularly liked the progressing story as you walked round.
Gary Ord
17.09.2024

Plenty of information boards and history around this house and situated in a lovely garden.
francois el-daher
10.09.2024

Nice museum worth a visit! I was impressed by the artefacts from Mary Queen of Scots, beautifully preserved and presented!
jim aiton
04.09.2024

An excellent small museum/house which doesn't overwhelm the visitor with information . It is run by a local charity so entry is free though we were happy to give a donation. Very friendly staff
D Bell
02.09.2024

Fantastic place and gives a great historical account of Mary Queen of Scots. Loved it!
Nicola Toole
01.09.2024

Very informative and was lovely to take in some history
simon osman
29.08.2024

Excellent attraction. Loads of info about mary and her downfall. Death mask was a bit eerie Very helpful reception staff
ian moncrieff
26.08.2024

Very interesting and a nice place to visit
Chris Science
24.08.2024

Excellent depiction of the life of a very sad lady
Sam Porter
23.08.2024

Ok fascinating items on display but other then that not much original
Roy Parkinson
21.08.2024

Great historical place with a narrative of the woman whose son united the crowns of Scotland and England don't miss it.
Gemma Shipman
18.08.2024

Free to enter , you can donate it you would like. Worth a visit. Educational and the children also likes exploring and looking at a the items Close by to castle, also free and the Abbey which you do pay to enter. Then you can browse around the local shops in the area. Worth a visit.
Dianna Lichtenwalner
17.08.2024

Beautifully done tour of an amazingly preserved historic building. The grounds were also very lovely, with lots of flowers and lush grass.
Emma Snailham
04.08.2024

Very good museum. Very informative. Fantastic that it's free
Adrian Rawle
09.08.2024

I didn't go inside as I looked after the dogs in the garden. Beautiful garden, clean and tidy. My wife and daughter went in and enjoyed it.
Bill Jackson
05.08.2024

Well worth the visit, some fantastic history.
Richard Moss
04.08.2024

If you are into History it's well worth a visit
Paul
31.07.2024

Free to enter (donations accepted) right next to Jedburghs free car park. Worth a visit to learn a bit of religious Scottish history. Castle nearby also free to visit. Well done Jedburgh 👏
Glenn Whitelaw
30.07.2024

Fantastic place to visit

 

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