Oxenfoord Castle, Category A listed castle in Cranston, Scotland
Oxenfoord Castle is a category A listed castle in Cranston, Midlothian, Scotland, set on the west bank of the River Tyne. The property brings together a main house, formal terraced gardens, a Dutch Garden, and yew hedges that give structure to the grounds.
The estate dates back to the 12th century, and the Makgill family built a four-story tower house on the site in the 16th century. A major redesign came in the 18th century, and further extensions in the 19th century gave the building its current appearance.
The name Oxenfoord comes from the old practice of driving oxen across a ford on the estate, a reminder of how the land was once used for farming. Walking through the grounds today, you can still see traces of that working rural past in the layout of the fields and gardens.
The castle is available for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings, with indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. It is worth checking ahead of your visit to confirm access on the day you plan to come.
In the mid-19th century, a group of Sequoia trees was planted on the grounds to mark a royal occasion, which was unusual for a private Scottish estate at the time. These trees are still standing and can be spotted during a walk through the grounds.
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