The small historical and picturesque town of Ayton is situated in Berwickshire, in the Borders Region of Scotland. Berwickshire is dominated by castles and monuments as a testament to its strategic border position during the bygone battles between Scotland and England.
Whilst many castles in the area have longer, more troubled histories than Ayton Castle, few dominate the skyline in such a dramatic fashion.
The town of Ayton is located close to the main A1 road and Berwick train station. Containing an ancient toll booth town hall, complete with clock tower, the town once had a popular coaching inn, and has a noted history as a stop-over on the Great North Road from Edinburgh to London.
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The landscape of the town was changed forever with the building of Ayton Castle in 1851.
The original owner of the castle had strong links with the Royal Bank of Scotland, shown by a large branch of the bank in his home town.
The castle was built in Scots Baronial style, in red sandstone, and is one of the finest examples of these majestic family homes in the country.
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Still a family home for the second owner, much of the interior fitments and furnishings remain faithful to the original designs.
Celebrated American author and humorist Mark Twain visited the castle in 1873 and was so impressed with the dining room fireplace, he insisted on taking it home to Connecticut where it remains, in the Mark Twain museum, to this day.
Ayton Castle is open to the public and offers a rare chance to experience the very finest in Scots Baronial style structures and interiors. The stunning castle façade and grounds make the perfect backdrop for weddings and the main hall can be hired for select gatherings that require only the highest class environment.
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