A short distance from Edinburgh is a landscape strewn with sturdy hill forts, ancient castles and ruined abbeys that hints at the tumult of the past. It's quite at odds with the picturesque rolling, if windswept, sheep-studded hills and quiet valleys that make all seem agreeably placid to today’s visitor. At its heart are the ruins of four medieval abbeys with Jedburgh, the most complete, the best to visit first for its insights into monastic life. Of the others, Melrose is both the pick of the bunch, and also close to Abbotsford, the sometime home of the Romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, and a splendid receptacle for his engrossing collection of historical curios. There are fine country houses to visit, notably Mellerstain for its exquisite Robert Adam interiors, and Manderston, the enjoyable swan song of the Edwardian Country House. Anglers should note that the River Tweed is also one of Scotland’s finest salmon-fishing rivers.
Restaurants in Scottish Borders
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A 187 acre estate encompassing ancient woodland, breathtaking scenery of the Scottish moorlands, and an Iron Age Hill Fort. The Chisholme Institute is a school for meditation and contemplation, but the grounds are open to all. Tea and Cake is offered to all visitors at 4pm. You are welcome to visit at any time; guided walks are held every Sunday at 2:15pm.
4.5 based on 1,136 reviews
Melrose Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. The exterior of this magnificent ruin is decorated by unusual sculptures, including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and a bagpipe playing pig. The abbey is also thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.
Prominently situation in Melrose, the Abbey is an integral part of the identity of Melrose. Imposing and full of atmosphere the Abbey is well worth a visit and while you’re there there’s loads more to see in this lovely borders town where I happily grew up!
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. In 2021-2022 Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott. Visit Abbotsford during this special occasion to meet the man behind the monument, whose imagination and patriotism shaped the Scotland of today. Discover a treasure trove of fascinating objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels. Learn about Scott's life, browse the gift shop, enjoy seasonal food in our cafe or simply relax in the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands.
if you're anywhere near Melrose. Fascinating house of Sir Walter Scott with an excellent hand-held audio guide that allows you to wander through at your own pace, providing optional commentary on additional items in each room/area. Also, the gardens are quite nice, even in September. I am one of those driven people who like to get in and get out, but even so, we spent close to 3 hours here. Don't miss.
4.5 based on 635 reviews
Jedburgh Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Explore the fascinating Jedburgh Abbey along with its visitor centre and surrounding herb garden with aromatic plants and a stone display at the west end. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies. Remains of the cloister buildings have been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century 'Jedburgh comb' and an eighth century shrine are on display.
We didn't get to go inside but we could walk all around it. They had a well maintained cemetery with special blue plaques around the abbey and throughout the town with historical information.
4.5 based on 152 reviews
We are very excited to be re-opening from Tuesday 18 May 2021 for guided tours of this magnificent 16th Century Castle. Tours will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10:30am and 2pm), and Saturdays (10:30am). Tickets must be pre-booked in advance. Please note that our Tearoom and grounds will remain closed to the public in 2021. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit our website. Let one of our experienced guides show you around the grand state rooms and discover some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe, as well one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland, fine furnishings, and Maitland family treasures. New in 2021 is the Toy Museum ‘School Room’ featuring Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys.
From first email contact with the wonderful Jacqueline to our welcome on arrival by Colin, and fabulous tour of the Castle with Eugene, the whole experience was fantastic. The Lauderdale self-catering apartment is beautifully decorated with gorgeous furnishings. It was immaculate on arrival and our pre-ordered extras were delicious. A lovely view across the parkland was made even more special when we saw a family of deer having an early morning stroll on our last day. The team are so friendly and helpful, we were made to feel at home from the outset. It really was a wonderful way to spend a long birthday weekend. This is a very special place, and we will definitely be back very soon.
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Gunsgreen House is a visitor attraction in Eyemouth, Scottish Borders. The Smuggling museum and historical house is open to the public from 1st April-31st October Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm. Last admission 4pm.
We booked a private tour of the Museum and were very glad we had done as the weather was atrocious! My five year old son loved the interactive activities and we all found out some interesting facts about Eyemouth and the smugglers! The staff were very friendly and helpful, too.
4.0 based on 261 reviews
This 12th-century abbey was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture.
I was up in Kelso for the racing, and had been told so much about the abbey, that I just had to visit. Considering it’s age, it’s remarkable. Steeped in history along with beautiful ground to admire, this has to be a “must visit” whenever you’re in Kelso.
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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