Things to see and do Melrose

Lovers of literature, history and fine stone will all find themselves here in the splendid gothic house that Sir Walter Scott fashioned in his own image. As Sheriff of Selkirkshire, he had to spend time near the Selkirk court when he was not living in Edinburgh. For a time he was content to rent a house from a cousin in Ashestiel. In 1811, he bought a small farm near Melrose. He renamed it Abbotsford and began converting the place to his liking. To begin with, the idea was not to build a gigantic palace, but simply to enlarge the existing building and acquire more land. In a few years, with the money from his success, he went from 44 hectares to 567 and planted many trees. From 1817 onwards, he called upon several architect, designer and artist friends to create more and more new pieces. George Bullock, James Skene, Edward Blore were among them, but it was the very famous William Atkinson who made the biggest contribution. Scott quickly revised his plans upwards and took advantage of a long visit to London, between 1819 and 1820, to discuss with him the destruction of the original farmhouse, in favor of the colossus that we see today. By 1824, the bulk of the work was completed and David Ramsay Hay, who later redecorated the Palace of Holyroodhouse for Queen Victoria, was responsible for the magnificent interiors. Three new walled gardens were also created. The author saw them as chapters in a novel and defined them as his antidote to long hours at his desk. After his death in 1832, Abbotsford was opened to the public. A modern visitor center traces the life and work of the genius writer, before you can walk in his footsteps to his writing room, library, drawing room, armory, reception room and chapel.

As French-speaking visitors, you will be delighted to find audio guides in French (at no extra charge): each room has its own terminals and its own set of explanations, always striking and astonishing... which will allow you to grasp all the magic of this "castle of enigmas", as Walter Scott had named and conceived it.

Not to be missed when visiting the Borders!

You can now stay in Abbotsford. The Hope Scott Wing has opened and offers 7 rooms for up to 15 people, and activities to live a few days in the manner of the great Scottish writer!

Founded in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey did not reach the levels of wealth of its neighbours, Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh. Nevertheless, she was just as overwhelmed by the wars. In 1322, as King Edward II's army withdrew south, the soldiers set fire to it. It was one of three fires in his history. It remains a bewitching ruin. The cloister and some of the painted walls have survived admirably through the ages, but perhaps the main attraction is the tomb of Sir Walter Scott, which lies here not far from his sumptuous home.

Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, Melrose Abbey was heavily damaged by the English troops of Richard II in 1385. It was then completely rebuilt and most of the visible remains date from this period. Outside, some of the sculptures are very surprising, like goblin cooks and a pig playing the bagpipes. Inside, several Scottish kings are buried, like Alexander II. Above all, it contains the heart of Robert the Bruce, making it an important place of pilgrimage in the country.

This sumptuous castle with its curious architecture has its roots in the 13th century. It was for a long time a powerful defensive dungeon before being transformed into a noble palace over the years. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1745 after the battle of Prestonpans and you can see the room that housed him. The interiors are very pleasant to visit, with painted ceilings, rare furniture, numerous paintings, porcelain and a collection of period toys. You can even rent luxury apartments.