TEN THINGS TO DO IN THE BORDERS
ABBOTSFORD HOUSE GLENTRESS EILDON HILLS ST ABBS
The much-loved home of Sir Walter Scott, this 200-yearold historic house is one of Scotland’s most fascinating houses. It is packed full of the fascinating objects and extraordinary artefacts that inspired Scott’s great novels.
MELROSE ABBEY
Established in the 12th century, Melrose Abbey is best known for its detailed carvings, including likenesses of saints, dragons and gargoyles. The abbey is also well known for hosting the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce in its grounds. Glentress Forest is a designated mountain biking area on the rough terrain of the stunning Tweed valley. The forest contains various biking courses including green, blue, red or black graded trails as well as a multi-graded free-ride area.
FLOORS CASTLE
The castle, which was built by William Adam and embellished by William Playfair, lies on the River Tweed and is surrounded by magnificent grounds. Once you have explored these, take a tour of the impressive interiors and visit the cafe. This dormant triple-peak volcano is surrounded by large areas of woodland that are home to roe deer and foxes. Climb to the top of the middle peak and you’ll be greeted by a monument to Sir Walter Scott and superb views over Melrose.
MELLERSTAIN HOUSE
This fine stately home is the work of the great Scottish architect Robert Adam. Visitors will enjoy Mellerstain’s collections of fine art, ceramics and furniture, and can explore its acres of parkland, gardens and lakeside. St Abbs is a small village on the coast, famous for its fishing heritage. The waters are unusually clear, making it a popular spot for divers. The nearby St Abb’s Head is a national nature reserve, run by the National Trust for Scotland, and is famous for its seabird colonies.
SCOTT’S VIEW
This viewpoint was one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourite spots. It is dominated by the three peaks of the Eildon hills and is a great place to take in the rolling farmland beyond the village of Newton St Boswells and the Tweed.
DAWYCK BOTANIC JEDBURGH ABBEY GARDEN
An outpost of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, Dawyck’s 62 acres on the banks of the River Tweed are home to many exotic and native plants. The Azalea Terrace and the Beech Walk are just two of its outstanding highlights. You’ll find an award-winning visitor centre here. this abbey was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is still remarkably complete. Explore the fragrant cloister herb garden and the display of excavated artefacts, including the intricately carved ivory Jedburgh comb.