Kelso is set in the heart of the Borders countryside - which means that fishing and hill walking may be high on the list for many visitors. There are plenty of ruins to explore - together with hundreds of years of history associated with border conflicts, marching armies and of course the Border Reivers.
| Castles / Houses |
WebsiteAddress |
Description |
Abbotsford House |
Abbotsford
Melrose
TD6 9BQ
Tel: 01896 752043
www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk
enquiries@scottsabbotsford.co.uk |
This is Walter Scott's gothic mansion in the Scottish Borders. The famous author's impact on the heritage of the area is huge. In addition to attractive gardens running down to the banks of the Tweed, the house has lots of other items of interest including relics from the battle of Waterloo - picked up from the battlefields by Scott himself!
Open March-Oct daily Nov-March by appointment |
Chillingham Castle |
Chillingham
Northumberland
NE66 5NJ
Tel: 01668 215359
www.chillingham-castle.com
info@chillingham-castle.com |
Magnificant medieval fortress set in parkland just to the south of the Border.
With formal gardens, a lake, cafe and shop you can have a pleasant day out with the kids - if they don't behave in the garden, you can always chuck them in the lake before getingt a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Just joking - swimming isn't allowed!
Open all year |
Dryburgh Abbey |
St Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0RQ
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk |
A wonderfully atmospheric ruin to walk around. Also happens to be the burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Earl Haig.
Open April-Sept Mon-Sun 0930-18:00 Oct-March Mon-Sat 0930-16:00 |
Ferniehirst Castle |
Jedburgh
TD8 6NX
Tel: 01835 862201 |
Scotland's frontier fortress, museum and chapel
Open 2 months of the year only. |
Floors Castle |
Roxburghe Estates Office
Kelso
TD5 7SF
Tel: 01573 223333
www.floorscastle.com
marketing@floorscastle.com |
18th century castle and home of the Duke of Roxburgh. Visitors can tour the house and gardens, although sadly the stud (which is home to the magnificent Attraction) can only be viewed by invitation.
Both the tea rooms - there is one by the house and another next to the garden centre (located in the old walled garden) are very good. We recommend the fishcakes.
Open 1st April-29th Oct 2006 11am-5pm |
Jedburgh Abbey |
Abbey Bridge End
Jedburgh
TD8 6JQ
Tel: 01835 863925
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk |
It is difficult to say which is the best of the Border Abbeys, but the view of this one as you come into Jedburgh on the A68 from the south is majestic.
Founded in 1138, the stone work is fascinating and archeological digs have uncovered several interesting artefacts including an finely decorated comb. If that's not your cup of tea, you can always dress up as a medieval monk (costimes are provided) and pilfer the gooseberries down by the river - but don't tell anyone we told you.
Open daily |
Kelso Abbey |
Kelso
TD5 7JF
Tel: 01573 460365
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
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Unlike the other Border Abbeys, this one can be visited free of charge.
Admittedly there is much less of the building left to see, but it is still impressive and it is worth spending a few minutes here during a stroll around Kelso town square.
Open April-Dec daylight hours daily (Sun pm only) Jan-March for entry apply to key keeper |
Manderston House |
Manderston House
Duns
Tel: 01361 882636/883450
www.manderston.co.uk
palmer@manderston.co.uk |
Edwardian Country Pile and home to the world's only silver stair-case. Most people talk about the marble dairy, although racegoers will be equally impressed by the stables.
There are 56 acres of formal gardens to explore - so allow a good morning!
Open Mid-May-30 Sept Thurs & Sun |
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre |
Queen Street
Jedburgh
TD1 6EN
Tel: 01835 863331
www.scotborders.gov.uk/museums/ |
Set in the heart of Jedburgh and a short walk from the town’s 12th century abbey, this impressive 16th century house, set in a garden of pear trees, interprets the tragic life and times of Mary Queen of Scots, who visited the town in 1566.
Open 2007 daily 5th March - 30th November
VisitScotland Award: 4 Stars
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Mellerstain House |
The Mellerstain Trust
Mellerstain House
Gordon
TD3 6LG
Tel: 01573 410225
www.mellerstain.com
enquiries@mellerstain.com |
Begun in 1725 and finally completed in 1778, this grand stately home has a fascinating history. It is of unique architectural interest due to the involvement of successive generations of the Adam's family - no not Herman Munster & co - but architects Willian (the father) and Robert (one of his sons)
Open May-Sept daily except Tues & Sat |
| Melrose Abbey |
Melrose Abbey
Melrose
Tel: 01896 822562
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk |
The Abbey is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.
Visitors can also visit a small museum housing a display of artefacts found within the abbey.
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| Smailholm Tower |
Smailholm
Nr Kelso
Tel: 01573 460365
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk |
Just a few miles to the north-west of Kelso, this romantic 15th Century tower is set high on a rocky outcrop and was an inspiration to the young Walter Scott, who came to the area as a child.
A tour around the inside doesn't take long, although the view from the top is lovely on a clear day. Great place for a picnic.
Open all year 9.30am to 4.30pm (later in summer)
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Thirlestane Castle |
Thirlestane Castle Trust
Thirlestane Castle
Lauder
TD2 6RU
Tel: 01578 722430
www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk
enquiries@thirlestanecastle.co.uk |
Heading towards Musselburgh from Kelso, Thirlestane is a potential stopping-off point for castle lovers.
Originating from the 13th century, the building has seen many changes and now resembles a fairytale castle with many turrets.
Open 14 April-29 Sept Mon Wed Thurs Sun July & August daily |
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| Visitor Centres |
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Borders Family History Society Centre |
Old Gala House
Scott Crescent
Galashiels
TD1 3JS
Tel: 01896 850264
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A centre to help those interested in tracing their ancestors in the Border shires of Berwick, Peebles, Roxburgh and Selkirk.
Open April-October Tues & Thurs 1330-1545 plus Sundays in July & August. |
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre |
Scottish Borders Council
Ancrum
Jedburgh
TD8 6UQ
Tel: 01835 830306
www.scotborders.gov.uk/harestanes
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Events, activities, exhibitions and countryside walks for all the family.
Tea Room and gift shop. Free annual events brochure available. Free admission.
Green Tourism Business Scheme: Gold
VisitScotland Award: 4 Stars
Open 2007 daily 31 Mar - 31 Oct 10am-5pm
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Jedforest Deer and Farm Park |
Mervinslaw Estate
Jedburgh TD8 6PL
Tel: 01835 840364
www.aboutscotland.com
mervinslaw@ecosse.net |
Modern working farm and deer park with visitor centre.
Open daily |
Teviot Smokery and Watergardens Visitor Centre |
Kirkbank House
Kelso
TD5 8LE
Tel: 01835 850253
www.teviotgamefaresmokery.co.uk teviot.gamefare@btconnect.com |
Garden ornaments, smokery and tea-rooms. Useful stopping off point on the road between Jebburgh and Kelso.
Open all year 1000-1700 |
Whitrope Rail Heritage Visitor Centre |
Signal Box Cottage
Whitrope Siding
Hawick TD9 9TY
Tel: 01387 376701
leonardashton@hotmail.com |
Closed during the 60's, the Borders railway could soon be ressurrected - but the line will not extend this far.
Set in the stunning Liddesdale valley, just off the A7 between Carlisile and Hawick, the centre follows the history of the building and development of the southern section of the Waverley Route by the North British Railway Company in 1859.
Open all year. |
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| Museums |
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Coldstream Museum |
12 Market Square
Coldstream
TD12 48D
Tel: 01890 882630
www.scotborders.gov.uk/museums/ |
Local history museum including exhibition of the history of the Coldstream Regiment.
Open 2007 26 Mar - 30 Sept daily, Oct Mon-Sat
Free admission
VisitScotland Award: 4 Stars
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Eyemouth Museum |
Auld Kirk
Manse Road
Eyemouth
TD!4 5JE
Tel: 01890 750678 |
Discover the history of Eyemouth and surrounding area and see how it's people have lived through the ages. The museum houses a unique tapestry worked to commemorate the centenary of the tragic disaster of 1881 when the community suffered the loss of 189 local fishermen at sea.
Open 2007 Apr-Sept daily, Oct Mon-Sat |
Hirsel County Park |
Hirsel Estate Office
Coldstream
TD12 4LP
Tel: 01890 882834
www.hirselcountrypark.co.uk |
Something for everyone, including the homestead museum.
Open all year during daylight hours |
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum |
Castlegate
Jedburgh
TD8 6QD
Tel: 01835 864750
www.scotborders.gov.uk/museums/ |
Relive the harsh realities of prison life in the 19th Century. Built in the 1820s, on the site of the Royal Burgh’s medieval castle, displays in the cellblocks recreate the lives of prisoners and staff, while the Jailer’s House explores the history of the town. .
Open 2007 30 Mar-31 Oct daily
VisitScotland Award: 3 Stars
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