Abbotsford
Abbotsford House
A castle-style home on the banks of the River Tweed, designed by Walter Scott, author of Ivanhoe, with a library of nearly 9,000 books.
Abbotsford was the home Sir Walter Scott built piece by piece starting in 1812. Its Scottish baronial towers and gables inspired many Victorian buildings that followed. The house preserves his study, a library of nearly 9,000 volumes, and his collection of weapons, including Rob Roy's gun and Napoleon's pen case. Outside are walled gardens and a riverside path. Admission is about £15. The visitor center has exhibits and a café, and the house is closed in winter. It is about 5 km from Melrose, and a 20-minute walk from Tweedbank station on the Borders Railway.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (Mar–Nov)
Nearby sights
- The Great Tapestry of Scotland
- Priorwood Garden
- Melrose Abbey
- Eildon Hills
- Leaderfoot Viaduct & Trimontium
- Thirlestane Castle
- Scott's View
- Dryburgh Abbey