Gunsgreen house was built in 1753 by a local smuggler named John Nisbet. Gunsgreen house is located in the historic town of Eyemouth, just 5 miles north of the border with England and boasts a natural harbour and fine coastal scenery.
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Gunsgreen House Eyemouth

4.5
·121 reviews·, United Kingdom

Step into the shadowy world of 18th-century smugglers at Gunsgreen House, a historic gem on the Scottish Borders coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Staff are lovely and engaging

CrowdMedium
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Gunsgreen house was built in 1753 by a local smuggler named John Nisbet. Gunsgreen house is located in the historic town of Eyemouth, just 5 miles north of the border with England and boasts a natural harbour and fine coastal scenery.

Gunsgreen House Eyemouth

Best Time

Weekends

Staff are lovely and engaging

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the shadowy world of 18th-century smugglers at Gunsgreen House, a historic gem on the Scottish Borders coast.

4.5
(121 reviews)

"A really enjoyable experience. Strongly recommend to anyone visiting the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

Mobility Access

Park uphill & use steps; consider a drop-off for easier access. :wheelchair:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive exhibits in cellars and special events like Halloween are a hit with children. :child:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Smugglers' Cellars

The Smugglers' Cellars

Ground floor entrance

Discover the secrets of illicit trade with an excellent informational display and interactive exhibits.

Period Rooms

Period Rooms

Upper floors

Step back in time in the beautifully preserved rooms, showcasing historical furniture and wallpaper evolution.

Eyemouth Harbour

Eyemouth Harbour

Adjacent to the house

Enjoy scenic views of the working harbour and keep an eye out for local seals.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Accessibility

The car park is located uphill behind Gunsgreen House. Be aware of the steps down to the main entrance; consider a drop-off for those with mobility issues. The house itself has multiple levels, with some upper floors not accessible to the public.

Smuggling History Insights

Explore the fascinating history of smuggling and tax evasion in the Scottish Borders. The cellars offer an excellent informational display, with interactive exhibits that children will love.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Staff are lovely and engaging
Crowd
Medium
When
Halloween events
Why
Great for kids, fun activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@meridian.mysterie
55.5K likes • 1.2M views

Mobility Access

Park uphill & use steps; consider a drop-off for easier access. :wheelchair:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive exhibits in cellars and special events like Halloween are a hit with children. :child:

Berwick Upon Tweed | North East England | 1945 | #berwick #berwickuponteed #newcastle #nufc #north #northeastengland #nufc #newcastletiktok #nostalgia #tyneandwear #newcastleunited #northumbriauni
@billyjbarton.ncl
4K likes • 50.4K views
It’s time to get creative, little ghosts and ghouls! 🎨 Enter our Gunsgreen House Colouring Competition and show us who can haunt the smugglers’ home best! 🏠💀 🖍️ Collect your colouring sheet from: • GIFTED in Eyemouth • Occasions of Eyemouth Florist • Borders Pottery • Eyemouth CO-OP • Eyemouth Live Borders Or drop us a message to get your sheet! 📩 Spooky prizes await the most hauntingly creati...
gunsgreenhouse
1 likes • 76 views

Seal Spotting

Keep an eye out for seals near the harbour after your visit. :seal:

Local Eats

Enjoy wholesome fish and chips from the local chip shop nearby. :fishandchips:

Glorious few days wrapped in the charms of the often forgotten coast of the Scottish Borders. Eyemouth a superb base with great eats, rich history & the inspiring Gunsgreen House, @weareretweed, Harbour Trust & more. A town with some tragedy in its past now pushing forward together 👏 St Abbs too with the ace Mark from @discoverscottishborders for a life-affirming hike with baby seals AND dolphins!...
travelwriterinakilt
27 likes • 850 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Mobility Access

Park uphill & use steps; consider a drop-off for easier access. :wheelchair:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive exhibits in cellars and special events like Halloween are a hit with children. :child:

Seal Spotting

Keep an eye out for seals near the harbour after your visit. :seal:

Local Eats

Enjoy wholesome fish and chips from the local chip shop nearby. :fishandchips:

Historical Immersion

The cellars offer a deep dive into smuggling history with engaging displays. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(121 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Gunsgreen House a very good and interesting visit, strongly recommending it for its historical insights and engaging exhibits, especially for families. The house offers a fascinating look into smuggling history, with well-presented displays in the cellars and charming period rooms. While parking and accessibility require some planning due to steps, the overall experience is highly positive, often enhanced by friendly staff and the picturesque setting of Eyemouth Harbour.

"Very good, interesting visit. Well worth a visit. The car park is a bit of a walk down several steps so anyone with a mobility issue needs to be dropped off outside the door before going to find a parking space. The car park is on the hill behind the building. It's only a couple of minutes walk away."

Paul Knighton

"Went for the halloween event and was pleasantly suprised. Great for the kids and the staff were lovely! Barely cost a thing and our girls (6year+8year olds) really enjoyed themselves. Free face painting and glitter tattoos and donut bobbing etc. Really good fun really great staff 😁"

Bethany Thomas

"A really enjoyable experience. Strongly recommend to anyone visiting the area. You may also catch sight of the seals and enjoy some holsome chip from the local chip shop. A really well situated museum and plentiful parking."

Thomas Madisson

What People Like

Fascinating smuggling history
Engaging for children
Well-preserved period rooms

What People Dislike

Parking requires steps
Some upper floors inaccessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gunsgreen House is located in Eyemouth, on the Scottish Borders coast. The nearest major town is Berwick-upon-Tweed. You can reach Eyemouth by car via the A1 and then the A1107. Public transport options include bus services from Berwick-upon-Tweed and other nearby towns. TikTok+1

The recommended parking is in the car park located on the hill behind Gunsgreen House. From there, it's a short walk down steps to the quayside entrance. Reddit

The car park is uphill from the house, and there are steps down to the main entrance. It's advisable to drop off individuals with mobility issues directly outside the door before parking. Some upper floors may not be accessible. Reddit

Yes, Eyemouth is accessible by bus. Services connect Eyemouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed and other towns in the region, making it feasible for day trips or as part of a wider Scottish Borders exploration. TikTok

Eyemouth and the surrounding Scottish Borders coast have a rich history of smuggling and tax evasion. Gunsgreen House itself was built by a notorious smuggler, and its cellars offer a detailed look into these activities. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Gunsgreen House website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special event schedules. Instagram

Admission fees apply for Gunsgreen House. Prices are generally reasonable, and special events like the Halloween event were noted as being very affordable. Check their website for current ticket prices. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on the official website. Keep an eye out for any special offers or group rates. Reddit

A standard ticket typically grants access to the historical rooms, the smugglers' cellars with their informational displays, and the opportunity to learn about the house's past. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the smugglers' cellars with interactive exhibits, wander through period rooms showcasing historical furniture and wallpaper, and learn about the house's fascinating past. You can also enjoy views of Eyemouth Harbour. InstagramReddit

Yes, Gunsgreen House is very family-friendly. The interactive exhibits in the cellars are particularly engaging for kids, and they often host special events like Halloween activities with face painting. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check with staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography rules inside the house. Personal photos for memories are usually permitted. :camerawithflash:

While the house has excellent informational displays, guided tours might be offered at specific times or for special groups. Inquire at the visitor centre or check their website for tour availability. Reddit

There are typically restroom facilities available. Information on gift shops or cafes should be checked on their official website, though local amenities in Eyemouth are plentiful. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Gunsgreen House itself may not have a full restaurant, but it's a popular spot for afternoon tea, which has been described as exquisite. Check their website for specific offerings. Reddit

Eyemouth is a coastal town with several dining options. You can find local chip shops for classic fish and chips, as well as other cafes and restaurants offering fresh seafood and local fare. InstagramReddit

Given its location, fresh seafood, particularly fish and chips, is a must-try in Eyemouth. You'll also find traditional Scottish dishes and pub fare in the local eateries. Reddit

Picnics are generally not permitted inside historical houses. However, you might be able to enjoy a picnic in designated outdoor areas or parks in Eyemouth before or after your visit. Reddit

While not always a full cafe, Gunsgreen House has been noted for offering afternoon tea. For more extensive options, the town of Eyemouth has various cafes and eateries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic architecture of the house from the outside, the atmospheric smugglers' cellars, and the charming details within the period rooms. The views of Eyemouth Harbour are also picturesque. Instagram

For professional photoshoots or commercial filming, it's essential to contact Gunsgreen House management in advance to inquire about permissions, fees, and specific guidelines. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday light can be harsh, but the interior lighting and atmospheric cellars are great year-round. Instagram

While personal photography is often allowed, flash photography might be restricted to protect delicate interiors. Always check for signage or ask staff for clarification. :camerawithflash:

Besides Gunsgreen House, Eyemouth Harbour offers great shots of boats and coastal scenery. The colourful buildings along the harbour and the surrounding cliffs also make for excellent photographs. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gunsgreen House is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive exhibits in the smugglers' cellars are a major draw for children, making history engaging and fun. Reddit Special events, like the Halloween activities mentioned, often include free face painting and games, ensuring a memorable experience for younger visitors. Reddit

Beyond the house, the nearby Eyemouth Harbour offers opportunities to spot seals, adding an element of wildlife discovery. The town also has excellent fish and chip shops, perfect for a casual family meal after exploring. Consider the accessibility of the house, as there are steps involved, but the engaging content makes it well worth the visit. Reddit

📚 History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history, Gunsgreen House offers a deep dive into the world of 18th-century smuggling and tax evasion on the Scottish Borders. The detailed displays in the cellars, built by a notorious smuggler, provide a unique insight into illicit trade practices of the era. Reddit

The house itself showcases period rooms with authentic furniture and evolving wallpaper designs, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of the time. The broader region, including nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed, has a rich and often contested history between Scotland and England, adding further layers of historical exploration to a visit. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

Gunsgreen House is an ideal stop for day-trippers exploring the Scottish Borders coast. Its location in Eyemouth makes it easily accessible, especially if arriving by car. TikTokInstagram

Combine your visit with a stroll around Eyemouth Harbour, enjoy some local fish and chips, and perhaps even spot some seals. The house offers a concentrated dose of history and local lore, making it a fulfilling stop without requiring an entire day. Nearby coastal villages and towns like St Abbs are also perfect additions to a day trip itinerary. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Smuggling Legacy of Gunsgreen House

Gunsgreen House is intrinsically linked to the history of smuggling along the Scottish Borders. Built in the 18th century by the notorious smuggler John Nisbet, the house was designed with clandestine activities in mind. Its strategic location overlooking Eyemouth Harbour provided easy access for illicit cargo. The house's cellars, in particular, are a testament to this era, featuring an excellent informational display that details the methods and scale of smuggling operations in the region. Reddit

Visitors can explore these atmospheric cellars, which often include touchy-feely exhibits that are a hit with children, making the history come alive. The displays cover not only smuggling but also tax evasion, highlighting the complex economic and social landscape of the time. Understanding this context adds a layer of intrigue to the visit, transforming the house from a mere historical building into a portal to a daring past. Reddit

Beyond the cellars, the house itself showcases the wealth and lifestyle of those involved in such enterprises. The period rooms offer a glimpse into the domestic life of the era, with interesting furniture and evolving wallpaper designs. This blend of the illicit and the domestic provides a comprehensive picture of 18th-century life on the coast. TikTok+1

Exploring Eyemouth and its Coastal Charm

Eyemouth is a picturesque fishing town on the Berwickshire coast, offering a charming base for exploring the Scottish Borders. The town's harbour is a focal point, bustling with fishing boats and providing scenic views. It's a place where you can still feel the pulse of traditional maritime life. Instagram+1

Beyond Gunsgreen House, Eyemouth boasts a lovely coastline. Visitors often recommend enjoying 'wholesome chip' from the local chip shop while taking in the harbour views. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; seals are frequently spotted in the harbour area, adding a delightful natural element to the visit. Reddit

The town's location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the wider Scottish Borders. Nearby attractions like St Abbs, with its dramatic cliffs and coastal paths, are easily accessible. The area is rich in history, with towns like Berwick-upon-Tweed having a complex past of changing allegiances between Scotland and England, adding another layer of historical interest to the region. TikTokInstagram+1

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