Abbotsford
Extraordinary home of writer Sir Walter Scott sitting on the banks of the River Tweed in the glorious Scottish Borders.
Melrose, Roxburghshire
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Charged parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Hearing loops
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Visit Abbotsford, a monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator, one of Scotland’s most important national figures; a renowned nineteenth-century writer and ‘Great Scot’ who changed how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Borders countryside, Abbotsford was built by Sir Walter Scott in the nineteenth century as a family home, work space and private museum and his interests can be seen in the amazing gothic architecture and interiors jam-packed with fascinating curios, artefacts, books and stories galore.
Visitors can learn about Sir Walter Scott through visiting the historic house and free exhibition. Browse Abbotsford’s shop, enjoy seasonal food in Ochiltree’s café or simply relax in the beautiful Regency Walled Gardens and tranquil woodlands.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Abbotsford’s historic house, chapel, gardens, Witch Corner sculpture trail and Visitor Centre including gift shop, café and free exhibition are open every day 10am-5pm (last entry to house and Witch Corner 4pm). Our estate walks are always open to the public.
Reduced opening hours during winter months, please see website for details.
https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/visit/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-opening-times
Historic Houses members visit for free
House and Gardens
Adult £14.00
Student £13.00
Child £6.50
Family Ticket £36.00
Gardens only
Adult £7.50
Student £7.00
Children (Under 17) £4.00
Family Ticket £21.00
https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/visit/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-opening-times
2025
Adult £14.50
Student £13.40
Child £6.70
Family Ticket £37.20
Gardens only
Adult £7.80
Student £7.20
Children (Under 17) £4.10
Family Ticket £21.70
We warmly welcome groups and can help you plan all aspects of your visit to suit your interests and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable guides and bookings team are ready to help you plan a visit to suit your itinerary and make your experience at Abbotsford one to treasure.
Pre-book your tour and be assured of maximum benefits from your visit. If there are 10 or more in your group, pre-book a visit to Abbotsford and enjoy additional benefits.
Our programme for schools takes pupils on a journey into the heart of Scott’s world with an exciting range of cross-curricular learning experiences for pupils of all ages.
Contact us to discuss a visit and discover Abbotsford and the world of Sir Walter Scott for yourself!
- Hearing loops
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Melrose, Roxburghshire
Train services from Edinburgh operate 7 days a week and takes just under an hour. Bus services including the ‘Border Weaver’, X62 and 72 stop a short stroll from Abbotsford.
A Hop On Hop Off Tour, complete with commentary, also stops also takes in Abbotsford.
What3words: main visitor car park entrance is at ///shops.chap.ranges
Forthcoming events
Remember, special events are excluded from free entry for members
Christmas in the Historic House
Abbotsford
Christmas at Witch Corner
Abbotsford
Visit Santa
Abbotsford
Breakfast with Santa
Abbotsford
Storytelling with Mrs Claus
Abbotsford
On Sir Walter Scott
Scott was a great and versatile writer, the author of splendidly long poems, of lyrics & short stories. Abbotsford reflects, almost like no other place, the mind, enthusiasms and preoccupations of the man who built it.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £68 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
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