Top Things to do in Melrose
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What to do and see in Melrose, Scotland: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Melrose, United Kingdom including St. Cuthberts Way, Melrose Abbey, Abbotsford House, Eildon Hills, The Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct, Trimontium Museum, The Gallery, Melrose, Harmony Garden, The Abbey Mill, Priorwood Garden.
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1. St. Cuthberts Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
A hundred KM walk through the Scottish countryside off the coast of Northumberland.
Reviewed By SteveBraysher - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Over the years we have walked a lot of Britain's long distance foot paths and have used a nuber of firms to organise our treks, but this was the first time with Shepherds Walks - They were OUTSTANDING, the best we have used. They were helpful and accommodating when we were planning the trip, the information and advice they provided was spot on, the organisation excellent and the standard of accommodation we were booked into along the route was consistently top notch, a step up from what seems to be the norm. The walk itself is one of the most clearly way marked we have come across , so you don't need to be particularly good at navigation - at least in good weather (which we were lucky enough to get). One of the nice things about the route is the wide variety of scenery; small towns, lowland river valleys, the wilder, hilly sections and then the coast. All in all, an excellent trip and a big thank you to Shepherds Walks
2. Melrose Abbey
Overall Ratings
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.
Reviewed By Termer13 - Swanage, United Kingdom
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!
3. Abbotsford House
Overall Ratings
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.
Reviewed By captcalculus
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. Eildon Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By TimN781 - Lymington, United Kingdom
We walked up the 2 tallest hills to have fantastic views from each summit. Starting from Melrose, it was a hard 80 minute climb to the Mid hill summit at 422m. Down the same path, a bit of a scramble, then up to the north summit. Breathtaking views at both summits, in all directions. Carried on down steep path to Newstead and back to Melrose. Nearly 4 hours in all. A great walk.
5. The Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Q3750YCsueg - Accrington, United Kingdom
We had seen this from the main road while driving into Melrose. On the way back we saw signs for the viaduct so we pulled off down the road, which isn't very long and you can just park on the road side as there is a sign that says no vehicles past this point, parking is free of charge with no time restrictions. It is only a very short walk (as I am disabled this is important for me). The viaduct stands majestically in the landscape, it is beautiful as you stand looking down into the river Tweed will the viaduct on your left hand side and to the right a bridge that is older and today's modern bridge behind it. There is a large information board which tells you the history of all three bridges. There are also signposted walks for other attractions in the area. There is some seating available if you want to just rest awhile.
6. Trimontium Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Roman history museum that displays, curates, promotes and cares for the remarkable, Trimontium Roman Fort complex at nearby Newstead. Currently run a small free to enter Roman history museum, guided tours to the fort site and various public activities for all. Always recruiting keen volunteers to help with all museum activities, training provided, no experience but enthusiasm required !
Reviewed By minervamidsummer
An independent museum open to the public from March to October. Trimontium Museum Trust also offers a range of guided walks to the nearby site of an important Roman fort complex at Newstead which was a major strategic point north of Hadrian's Wall and the base of a series of Roman Cavalry units and troops stationed in South of Scotland. The relationship between the Roman military and native people in lowland Scotland is also presented via interpretation formats including text panels and an audio tour. Group visits are also made very welcome during the season, with pre-booking advised. Special arrangements for out of season for group visits can be negotiated by calling the Honorary Curator on the main phone number. Trimontium Museum is located in the beautiful Market Square of Melrose. The Museum is a single room display but provides excellent value as it offers a great deal to read, cased displays of Roman objects, coins, intaglios, glass, pottery and amazing highlight loan objects from the collections of National Museums of Scotland plus a wonderful silver coin hoard of 228 Roman silver denarii. There is an fascinating audio visual film immediately on arrival in the corridor leading to the museum so dn't miss that as it includes aerial film footage of the nearby important archeological locations - The Eildon Hills and Newstead farmland where the Roman army was stationed. There is a lot of reading material with extensive written interpretation and high quality replicas on display to help visitors make sense of the type of buildings, tools, equipment, weaponry and horse harness used by Roman cavalry units stationed at the military garrison at Newstead. There are some activities for younger children including dressing up section and a cavalry saddle to sit on. Please be aware that the Museum is currently in the process of undertaking a major development programme which will see an important extension added to the displays and entirely new interpretation/new interactives. It is expected that phase 1 of the renovations will roll out in late 2018-2019 so advice is to phone in advance of visiting during 2018 to check opening hours/arrangements, The Museum is also actively fundraising to support these improvements and new museum extension so will welcome any cash donations (which can be increased through Gift Aid at no cost to UK donors). This modest museum is a wee gem. it is entirely run by volunteers and well worth supporting as the only museum dedicated to Roman history of the South of Scotland. Books, post cards, souvenirs are available to purchase and you can even join the Trust and become a member of the Trimontium Legion!
7. The Gallery, Melrose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Privately owned Art Gallery offering original contemporary art and gifts situated in the beautiful, historic town of Melrose in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art, pottery, glassware, woodcraft, jewellery and prints.
8. Harmony Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By Y6564TAdaveh - Chichester, United Kingdom
Harmony garden is a beautiful garden area, which is free to enter and has within it, well presented Harmony house, surrounded by sunken gardens, well laid bulb gardens, together with nurtured salad gardens and is accompanied by an interesting quiz on a sheet, available from a dispenser at the entrance to the garden The tour of the gardens takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your interest level, but is fun and enjoyable
9. The Abbey Mill
10. Priorwood Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By jubamac - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Right beside the abbey this National Trust of Scotland garden is another tranquil haven. Smaller than the other NTS garden down the road, but still full of interest. With it's many and varied shrubs and flowers and a really interesting collection of heritage apple trees. Spend a relaxing while here before taking in the magnificent abbey.
