Abbotsford the home of Sir Walter Scott

Tourist attraction · Scottish Borders ·

Abbotsford the home of Sir Walter Scott

Tourist attraction · Scottish Borders ·

Author's home, collections, study, and landscaped gardens

Information

J62C+46 Abbotsford House, Melrose TD6 9BQ, United Kingdom Get directions

@cntraveler

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The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

"Abbotsford House is described as a suspenseful neo‑medieval home where Sir Walter Scott penned many of his famous works, making it a literary and historical highlight in the Borders." - Mike MacEacheran

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-places-to-visit-in-scotland

Abbotsford the home of Sir Walter Scott

@afar

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"Abbotsford The former home of Scottish historical novelist Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford contains a treasure trove of objects that the great 19th-century author collected during his eventful life. Having popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote, and rediscovered his country’s crown jewels, Scott ended up with a variety of unique mementos—from Mary Queen of Scot’s crucifix to Rob Roy’s hunting knife—that inspired his greatest poems and novels. Tour the house where he spent some of his most productive writing years, and take note of the arched entrance copied from Linlithgow Palace and the door from Edinburgh’s Old Tolbooth building incorporated into a side wall. Then walk through the Regency-style gardens, where you’ll find a greenhouse based on a medieval jousting tent. Also on-site is a visitor center that hosts rotating exhibitions as well as a permanent display on Sir Walter Scott, a gift shop, and a café serving tea, cakes, and snacks."

The Essential Guide to the Scottish Borders and Southwest

Photo courtesy of The Abbotsford Trust

Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott

Jamie P.

Google

Fascinating place, very well preserved and so much to look at. Visited here on a Saturday, but early so not too busy. Short walk to the house from the visitor centre and entrance - £15.40 for the day pass for the house and gardens, unfortunately the chapel was closed. Friendly guides at the entrance explained a bit about the house and gave us the audio guides. These were essential really as there was so much in each room to see. There are not actually that many rooms, but the audio guides are really good at explaining the history and function of each, especially if you choose the storytelling guide (as opposed to just the information read out). Great views over the river, and even in November the gardens are good to look around. We also had a walk along the river, there are plenty that start from here.

Michael S.

Google

This is a beautiful house of modest size set in a sublime aspect. It is best viewed after entering from the car park from the first floor balcony of the visitor centre. Happily you can also enjoy a pleasant meal while taking in the view. Taking the path down to the house you pass adjacent to the walled garden. First enter the chapel on the left hand side. A beautifully peaceful place to dwell. Then retrace your steps back outside and enter the house after passing through a stone archway. Friendly volunteers welcome you and offer an audio tour should you wish. Only the ground floor is open to visitors but there is a tremendous amount to take in including the interesting range of artifacts which Scott collected. Once finished in the house then the gardens, which are remarkable well maintained, are worth a gentle stroll. Whrn we visited it was a very hot day so we took advantage of sitting on one of the traditional deckchairs near visitor centre. There is a very reasonable parking charge of £2 per day (August 2025). This is a very worthwhile place to visit.

Mark R.

Google

We visited late to September 2025 to this particular heritage site and found it fascinating. Not only were we enchanted with the interior of the house but also the the gardens and of course the history. Well recommended and we found it easy to park. A++

Rachel F.

Google

Lovely visit, guides in the house very welcoming and knowledgeable. Used the recorded information - there were 2 to choose from, one factual and one in the style of Walter Scott himself which I used, it was brilliant. Lovely walk by the river and back through the gardens. Staff in the visitor centre with very welcoming and keen to share where the dogs could go (everywhere except the house). Free entry with Historic Houses membership.

Paula

Google

Bought an unlimited ticket to experience the whole of Abbotsford as had never visited before & neither had mother in law who's lived in the Borders for over 80yrs! We ranged in ages from teens to 80+ & we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The house tour was very interesting & well thought out with 'Sir Walter' taking us round his home. The gardens were lovely & there was plenty of seating dotted around if you got a little weary. The cafe was good accommodating various dietary requirements. There was also a 'snack' area out to the front of the main building with picnic benches. Us younger ones visited Witch's Corner & enjoyed the quiz collecting the trophy bookmarks afterwards! All staff, from the knowledgeable & passionate volunteers to the workers in the main building & cafe were friendly & polite. The facilities were nice & clean too. Plenty of on site parking available at a reasonable price. Would quite happily return & highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Dmitrii S.

Google

Walter Scott passed away more than two centuries ago, yet this house still breathes as a living home rather than a mere museum. All the attributes of a museum are present, and still the spirit of Scott’s character and his extraordinary genius lingers in every room. The estate is delightful in every way – from the gardens to the hunting trophies and firearms, and, of course, the warmth of the staff.

Lauren S.

Google

One of the highlights of our trip to Scotland! Abbotsford is so interesting! This home has history, literature, culture and most of all insights into a fascinating life. One of the two audio tours available uses actors and excerpts from Sir Walter Scott’s diary to tell his story. It is beautifully done. The gardens, restaurant and gift shop are also wonderful! Both my husband and I loved it!

Erin M.

Google

Absolutely wonderful visit here with my mom in May! The house was so fascinating and well kept and we really enjoyed the audio guide from Sir Walter Scott's perspective. The staff were all very friendly too. The gardens were stunning and we had a beautiful sunny day so it all looked like a fairytale castle. We were also lucky to be there on a day when they had an exhibit from the volunteers who observe the wildlife on the grounds and we got to see videos and specimens from a truly lovely lady who was so passionate- it was such a highlight!