HOLIDAY PROPERTIES SCOTTISH BORDERS
Holiday lets across the Scottish Borders
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Heritage
Abbeys, castles, historic houses and museums — organised by town. Each suggestion includes typical time and practical notes like where to start, parking and whether tickets are needed.
Melrose
Melrose Abbey
Where: Abbey Street, Melrose Parking: Town centre car parks / street parking Tickets: Tickets on arrival (busy in summer)
One of the Scottish Borders’ most famous landmarks. Easy to pair with cafés and shops in town.
Trimontium Museum (Roman history)
Where: Melrose town centre Parking: Town centre parking Tickets: Check seasonal opening hours
Great rainy-day option. Focuses on Roman-era history around Newstead (Trimontium).
Harmony Garden & historic town stroll
Where: Near Melrose Abbey Parking: Town centre parking Tickets: No
Quiet, beautiful gardens and a gentle heritage walk around the older parts of Melrose.
Abbotsford House (Sir Walter Scott)
Where: Short drive from Melrose Parking: On-site parking Tickets: Tickets available (check opening days)
Fascinating historic home and visitor attraction on the River Tweed. Brilliant half‑day visit.
Gattonside
Chain Bridge (historic crossing)
Where: Gattonside village Parking: Walk from the village / on-street (be considerate) Tickets: No
A lovely bit of local history and a key feature for guests walking between Gattonside and Melrose.
Heritage access to Melrose Abbey
Where: Walk over the Chain Bridge Parking: No need — walk from Gattonside Tickets: See Melrose Abbey notes
Most heritage visits for Gattonside guests are centred on Melrose: abbey, museum and historic town.
Kelso
Floors Castle
Where: Floors Castle, near Kelso Parking: On-site parking Tickets: Tickets (check seasonal opening)
A standout Borders attraction: castle interiors (when open), gardens and grounds. Great for a half‑day.
Kelso Abbey (ruins)
Where: Town centre, Kelso Parking: Town centre parking nearby Tickets: No (viewing is straightforward)
Historic abbey ruins right in town — easy to combine with food & drink in the Square.
Kelso Town Square & historic walk
Where: The Square, Kelso Parking: Public car parks nearby Tickets: No
Classic market-town architecture with easy riverside access. Great low-effort heritage walk.
Roxburgh area (historic sites nearby)
Where: Short drive from Kelso Parking: Small parking areas / laybys Tickets: No
Good option for guests who want a quieter, “off-the-beaten-track” historic outing.
Peebles
Neidpath Castle (viewpoints / exterior)
Where: Peebles (short walk / drive to viewpoints) Parking: Town parking then walk Tickets: Check if tours are running (seasonal)
Iconic Borders castle near Peebles. Even without a tour, it’s a brilliant photo stop from nearby viewpoints.
Peebles Museum
Where: Chambers Institute, Peebles Parking: Town centre parking Tickets: Check opening times
Good rainy-day option covering local history. Handy if you want something light and informative.
Old Town heritage stroll
Where: Peebles High Street / Old Town Parking: Town centre parking Tickets: No
A simple self-guided wander through the older parts of town — combine with cafés and shops.
Dawyck Botanic Garden (heritage landscapes)
Where: Short drive from Peebles Parking: On-site parking Tickets: Tickets (check seasonal hours)
Outstanding historic landscapes and seasonal colour. Great half‑day outing in good weather.