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 3 reviews
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Super adventures :) Graet trip across the forest and picnic in a Fatlips Castle plus a beautiful views from top of the tower.
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Hand screen printed artwork by Jane Fleming, commissioned by Scottish Ministers to mark the 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's 'Waverley' novels and the return of the Waverley Line. Individual posters for each station also hand screen printed by Jane can be viewed at each stop down the line.
The line from Edinburgh to Tweedbank is the newest railway in the UK and shows a great example of the Scottish Government to rebuild closed railways. The reopening was a big success and the line has a regular service to the Scottish capital. The stations are well tended and functional. I was interested to see at Gorebridge that the station is sponsored by people and organisations. A couple of other stations have plants which make them look more welcoming. All the stations were clean and tidy on my visit.
5.0 based on 73 reviews
A heart rending piece of art that somehow reaches deeper than any memorial I have ever seen. That says it all.
4.5 based on 135 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Find out more about our reopening plans. Soak up the eerie, powerful atmosphere of an imposing stronghold with a notorious reputation. One of the great Borders castles, Hermitage dates back to the 1300s. Look for the garrison's cesspit and seek shelter under the great arch if it rains.
This is a pretty iconic place, one of the most brooding and formidable examples of border fortification you will find. Always been on my "bucket list".It used to be known as “the guardhouse to the bloodiest valley in Britain” (referring to Liddesdale, where the castle sits today). Although not open right now, it’s still worth taking in the structure from the outside alone – there are plenty of informative orientation boards – and the atmosphere of the place can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet. Impressive! Looking forward to a "proper" visit in the (not to distant?) future.
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 147 reviews
Experience one of Scotland's finest stately homes. Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Mellerstain is a unique example of William & Robert Adam design, presenting a complete picture as it would have been some 240 years ago. •Admire the outstanding Robert Adam interiors •Enjoy the fine art, embroidery, china & furniture collections.•Relax within acres of parkland, gardens,lakeside/ woodland walks & playground •Treat yourself in the courtyard café •Holiday in our self-catering cottages.
Family visit to the gardens which were beautiful and stunning to walk round. A great woodland walk leading round the lake with the house as a backdrop - well signposted and clear paths. The gardens are well tended and bursting with colour. The cafe is only serving hot / cold drinks. We were served by a very efficient and mannerly young man who also sold the tickets for the gardens. The coffees were fantastic - cappuccino and espresso. Lovely to see barista style coffee being served. Definitely 5* service and would highly recommend visiting these beautiful gardens and grounds.
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