About Abbotsford
Step into the historic Scottish Borders estate where Sir Walter Scott lived and worked, featuring beautiful gardens and fully accessible grounds perfect for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs.
What's nearby
- Ochiltree's Café 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Abbotsford the former home of Sir Walter Scott is a ramrkably beautiful property set within stunning gardens. There is easy parking on site and the location is also easy to access. The facility provides a very high quality cafe, gift shop and more. The staff are superb and the property itself does not disappoint. Only the ground floor can be explored by the visitor but it's worth it. This property feels like a thousand stories were turned into bricks, doors and walls as there are so many stories behind every curiosity you'll see. It's quite something. If you're in the area I highly recommend a visit to Abbotsford.
· via Google
Visited with family over from Canada on Tuesday 12th. Went first to restaurant for lunch and it was very good. Friendly service and a table was quickly arranged as restaurant was busy; staff kept all updated on progress of table availability. Food was lovely and good portions. Went on to the house and were welcomed at the entrance door by an absolutely lovely lady guide called Nancy; she was fantastic and so knowledgable on the contents of the entrance hallway and on how best to go through the house, she was a credit to the team. The other lady on duty was also lovely but I didn’t get her name, she joined in a chat as we left. Take time to look at everything as there is so much detail!! Great visit and will be back!!
· via Google
Unbelievable experience of a 19th century home in historical condition surround by beautiful gardens on the River Tweed. Heaven on earth!! I was a little disappointed to have to pay £2 for parking. It seems a bit silly. We arrived late so we decided to walk around the gardens, which was FREE. The home is so beautiful. We came back and paid for a walk through the house and support this amazing historical home. ❤️
· via Google
Overall great experience with a lot to see and discover. There is quite a lot of ground to cover and although you cannot go everywhere you can mostly do everything you want. Just a few comments for improvements saying Scot was the most known author of his time is a straight up lie, most known author of his time from Scotland maybe but definitely not the world and not even Britain. Also why is the car park paying for visitors, if you do not want others to park here then just make it free for visitors by either providing a ticket or the car park price as a refund on the ticket.
· via Google
Visitors say this historic house offers a fascinating glimpse into Sir Walter Scott's life, with well-preserved interiors and engaging audio tours. They also highlight the beautifully maintained gardens, scenic riverside walks, and the excellent cafe with delicious food. Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- J62C+46 Abbotsford House, Melrose, TD6 9BQ Get directions
- Category
- Garden Centres & Home
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (2,503 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 2-3 hours
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Melrose