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 Ruins of Melrose Abbey
Attractions
| Floors Castle |
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 Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, was originally built in 1721 by William Adam and later transformed into its current fairy-tale appearance by architect William Playfair in the 1830s. The castle remains home to the 11th Duke of Roxburghe and features spectacular Victorian Walled Gardens, a Millennium Parterre, woodland walks, and cycling trails. Inside, visitors can explore several magnificent rooms housing an outstanding art collection, including Gobelin tapestries, works by Matisse and Bonnard, and a rare commode that matches one in the Louvre. The castle grounds include a riverside walk along the Tweed, a children's playground, and a historic Holly Tree marking the spot where King James II met his demise in 1460 when his cannon exploded. Current admission is £20 for adults, with children under 15 entering free, and visitors can enjoy two cafés, a gift shop, and a deli whilst exploring the estate. |
| Abbotsford House & Gardens |
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 Abbotsford is the extraordinary former residence of Sir Walter Scott, the renowned 19th-century novelist who became the biggest-selling author of his day. The mansion, which Scott playfully called his 'Conundrum Castle', pioneered the Scottish Baronial architectural style and features medieval battlements, ancient furniture, and a spectacular library overlooking the River Tweed. The estate comprises three formal Regency walled gardens designed as outdoor 'rooms', including a unique greenhouse modelled on a medieval jousting tent and a kitchen garden growing heritage vegetables. Today, visitors can explore the house, chapel, and gardens, which are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with entry costing £14 for adults. The on-site Ochiltree's café, named after a character from Scott's novel 'The Antiquary', serves seasonal local produce, whilst a new interactive garden experience and supernatural sculpture trail featuring Scott's favourite stories add modern appeal to this historic property |
| Jedburgh |
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 This historic royal burgh, situated just 10 miles from the English border, features the magnificent ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, which stands as one of Scotland's best-preserved monasteries. The town boasts over 140 listed buildings, the highest number for any comparable small town in Scotland. Visitors can explore the Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, housed in a Georgian prison, and Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, set in a 16th-century tower house where she stayed in 1566. The town holds scientific significance as the site where James Hutton made groundbreaking geological discoveries in 1787, commemorated by 'The Eel', a 40-foot stone sculpture in Lothian Park. Local delicacies include Jethart Snails, which are boiled sweets shaped like snails, reportedly created from a French prisoner's recipe during the Napoleonic Wars, and Jethart pears, which thrived in the area's fertile soil1. The town maintains its traditions through annual events such as the Callant's Festival and the unique Jethart Hand Ba' game. |
Other attractions
 Hirsel Gardens & Country Park
 Kelso Abbey (ruins)
 Manderston House & Garden
 Melrose Abbey (ruins)
Peebles
St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve
| Thirlestane Castle |
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Thirlestane Castle took an astounding 250 years to build, starting in the 16th century as a grand residence for John Maitland, Lord Chancellor of Scotland. The castle features magnificent State Rooms with 17th-century gold-gilded ceilings and houses one of Scotland's most extensive family portrait collections, along with an enchanting Toy Museum containing over 1,000 Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1745 during his march to England, and his chamber has been preserved for visitors to explore. The castle grounds offer diverse dining venues, from the formal State Dining Room to the rustic Victorian Kitchen and alfresco Cobbled Courtyard, whilst the surrounding meadows and the nearby River Leader provide opportunities for picnics and fishing8. During its rich history, the castle has served various purposes, including as a military hospital during World War I and a girls' school. |
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Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, was originally built in 1721 by William Adam and later transformed into its current fairy-tale appearance by architect William Playfair in the 1830s. The castle remains home to the 11th Duke of Roxburghe and features spectacular Victorian Walled Gardens, a Millennium Parterre, woodland walks, and cycling trails. Inside, visitors can explore several magnificent rooms housing an outstanding art collection, including Gobelin tapestries, works by Matisse and Bonnard, and a rare commode that matches one in the Louvre. The castle grounds include a riverside walk along the Tweed, a children's playground, and a historic Holly Tree marking the spot where King James II met his demise in 1460 when his cannon exploded. Current admission is £20 for adults, with children under 15 entering free, and visitors can enjoy two cafés, a gift shop, and a deli whilst exploring the estate.
Abbotsford is the extraordinary former residence of Sir Walter Scott, the renowned 19th-century novelist who became the biggest-selling author of his day. The mansion, which Scott playfully called his 'Conundrum Castle', pioneered the Scottish Baronial architectural style and features medieval battlements, ancient furniture, and a spectacular library overlooking the River Tweed. The estate comprises three formal Regency walled gardens designed as outdoor 'rooms', including a unique greenhouse modelled on a medieval jousting tent and a kitchen garden growing heritage vegetables. Today, visitors can explore the house, chapel, and gardens, which are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with entry costing £14 for adults. The on-site Ochiltree's café, named after a character from Scott's novel 'The Antiquary', serves seasonal local produce, whilst a new interactive garden experience and supernatural sculpture trail featuring Scott's favourite stories add modern appeal to this historic property
This historic royal burgh, situated just 10 miles from the English border, features the magnificent ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, which stands as one of Scotland's best-preserved monasteries. The town boasts over 140 listed buildings, the highest number for any comparable small town in Scotland. Visitors can explore the Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, housed in a Georgian prison, and Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, set in a 16th-century tower house where she stayed in 1566. The town holds scientific significance as the site where James Hutton made groundbreaking geological discoveries in 1787, commemorated by 'The Eel', a 40-foot stone sculpture in Lothian Park. Local delicacies include Jethart Snails, which are boiled sweets shaped like snails, reportedly created from a French prisoner's recipe during the Napoleonic Wars, and Jethart pears, which thrived in the area's fertile soil1. The town maintains its traditions through annual events such as the Callant's Festival and the unique Jethart Hand Ba' game.
Hirsel Gardens & Country Park
Kelso Abbey (ruins)
Manderston House & Garden
Melrose Abbey (ruins)
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