Melrose

Melrose is a town in the Borders region in southeast Scotland, 39 miles south of Edinburgh, a good base to explore the Borders.

Melrose is popular for its Roman Museum, Priorwood Garden, Abbey that is the burial place of King Robert the Bruce heart, Harmony Garden, Rugby Club with a Museum, walk to the Roman Fort remains and Leaderfoot Viaduct 2 miles east, and Abbotsford House home of Sir Walter Scott 3 miles west. The Hike to the 422 m / 1,385 ft Eildon Hill from the Town centre is also very popular.

For Images on Mobile swipe right

Click On Map for area Attractions

Camping & Touring Parks in area

The image top is of Melrose Market Square and Market Cross.

Burts Hotel is at the Market Square and George & Abbotsford Hotel a few blocks down the High Street.

Trimontium Museum of Roman Scotland is at the Market Square giving information on the Romans that occupied the area from 80 AD, with their fort named Trimontium about 2 miles east along the banks of the River Tweed. The Museum provides guided walks to Trimontium on Thursday afternoons in summer. Other Area Walks.

Abbey Street leads from the Market Square downhill to Melrose Abbey. Just before the Abbey is Priorwood Garden with 70 heritage varieties of Apple Trees, and a David Annand bronze Dove Sculpture.

By Priorwood Garden and the entrance to the Abbey is a large Car Park with Diners and Map of the Town.

Melrose Abbey is famous for being the burial place of the heart of King Robert the Bruce. There is a small round Plaque on the north side of the Abbey showing where his heart is buried.

The Abbey was founded in 1136 by King David I. King Robert was buried at Dunfermline Abbey in 1329 with his heart cut out to be taken on a Crusade. After the return of his heart from the Crusade, it was buried at Melrose Abbey.

The Commendator's House Museum is across the road from the Abbey with your entrance ticket to the Abbey covering the Museum as well, not to be missed.

Harmony Garden is a short walk down Abbey Street. Harmony hosts the Borders Book Festival in June each year. The House was built in 1807 for Robert Waugh, a local from Melrose who made his fortune in Jamaica from a Plantation worked by Slaves. Harmony House and Garden were gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1996.

Melrose Rugby Club is a short walk west along the High Street from the Market Square. There is a small Museum at the Club, that can be visited at times.

Melrose Golf Club is 1 mile south of Melrose centre, founded in 1880.

Abbotsford House, home of Sir Walter Scott, 1771 – 1832, is 3 miles west of Melrose, one of the top attractions in the area.