Melrose Abbey Tourist Information

Scottish Border Abbeys

If you're looking to explore the Scottish Borders, particularly the Scottish Border Abbeys and all things Sir Walter Scott, then Melrose makes the perfect central Borders base. Melrose town has a village feel, with an attractive choice of country pubs, hotels, B&Bs and arts and crafts shopping.

Melrose Abbey is the starting point for the 62 mile St Cuthbert's Way, a trail running all the way to Lindisfarne (weblink right). The glorious ruins of Melrose Abbey (which Sir Walter Scott went to great lengths to preserve in the 19th century) are one of the best of all the Border Abbeys. Intricate carvings are still visible on remains today which date mostly from the early 15th century. Next to the ruins finds from excavations at the abbey are on display in the Commendator's House. Melrose Abbey is particularly special because it is thought to be the burial site of Robert the Bruce's heart. A plaque marks the spot where the casket was found. Melrose Abbey was the first of Scotland's Cistercian Abbeys and became a literary pilgrimage for many during the 19th century courtesy of Scott's efforts.

Many point to Dryburgh Abbey, 8 miles to the south east of Melrose on the B6404 near St Boswells, as the most beautiful of the Border Abbeys. The completeness of the Dryburgh Abbey ruins make it particularly unique. What you see today isn't the original abbey structure set here. Dryburgh Abbey was destroyed 3 times by a combination of fire and war ravaging. Evidence of the stunning ecclesiastic masonry and architecture however remain. You'll marvel at the chapter house plaster and paintwork seen here at Dryburgh which dates from the Abbey's inception miraculously! Most of the Dryburgh Abbey remains date from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Both Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey are included in the Scottish Borders top 4 historic attractions Explorer Pass (pick up a discount ticket to enter both these abbeys plus Jedburgh Abbey,Hermitage Castle and Smailholm Tower). Checkout the Historic Scotland weblink right for Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey opening times. You can pre book entrance tickets here online.

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Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre Melrose & Melrose Attractions

The Roman Fort site, and now Roman Heritage Centre here in Melrose since 1991 has less of a profile than the Border Abbeys, but is of equal historical importance. From Melrose you can walk to the site of the Roman fort in nearby Newstead (details on the Trimontium Roman Heritage website right). The Roman Fort here was called Trimontium and dates from the First Century AD, covering two periods from 80 to 105AD and 140 to 185 AD. The Roman Heritage Centre in Melrose explores the fascinating details of Roman Forts and strongholds north of Hadrians Wall, and explodes the idea that the Romans were not active north of the Wall. They were, and they were trading and negotiating with local Borders tribes during these two periods.

The Eildon Hills were named by the Romans, and mentioned in Ptolemy of Alexandria's second century map of the area. It was in the 1840s when the Waverley Railway Line was being laid in the area that Roman artefacts began to be found by the navvies working on the line. Soldiers' rings and semi-precious stones have been found here.

Open from April to the end of October from 10.30am to 4.30pm, the Roman Heritage Centre at Melrose guides you through the history of the nearby Newstead Roman fort site. Various replicas are on display including a Roman kitchen, pottery, and armour. The Trimontium Guided Walk is also available every Thursday afternoon from April to October and on Tuesdays in peak July and August.

The Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre, The Ormiston, Market Square, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland TD6 9PN. Tel. 01896 822651

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Melrose Attractions

100 Aker Wood Visitor Centre, Annay Road, Melrose, TD6 9LW. Tel. 01896 822 163. (weblink right for details). A superb Melrose garden centre with on-site gift shop, coffee shop, kids bouncy castle, woodland walk and more.

Priorwood Garden & Dried Flower Shop (National Trust for Scotland), Abbey Street, Melrose, TD6 9PX. Tel. 01896 822493. (weblink right for details). The Whole Lot, Melrose Antiques Art & Gift Centre, St Dunstans, High Street, Melrose TD6 9RU. Tel. 01896 823039. (weblink right).

Thirlestane Castle, Thirlstane Castle Trust, Lauder, TD2 6RU. Tel. 01578 722430. (weblink right for details). Thirlestane Castle in Lauder to the north of Melrose is one of Scotland's lesser known castles, but actually a Scottish castle with one of the longest histories dating back to the 13th century. What you see today largely dates from 1590 with remodelling in the 1670s and later in the 1840s. The Maitlands have been there resident family for centuries, first coming over with William the Conqueror from France. One of the most interesting features for visitors is the Bonnie Prince Charlie Room - he stayed here in 1745 after victory at the Battle of Prestonpans. Tearooms, a kids playground and extensive grounds are also on-site. If you're planning to dip into Edinburgh and the Borders on holiday, then Lauder makes an ideal base with ample facilities, a choice of attractions locally plus easy access into Edinburgh via the A68 north, and down to Melrose via the A68 south.

Harmony Garden, St Mary's Road, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9LJ. Tel. 0844 4932257. See property and garden on the National Trust for Scotland weblink right.Combined tickets for Priorwood garden and Harmony Garden are available from the National Trust for Scotland.

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