Melrose: Abbey, Gardens and Trails in the Eildon Hills

Melrose combines significant Scottish history with gardens, walking trails and surprising archaeological traces. Anyone planning a trip can choose between culture, landscape and active days here: Melrose Abbey tells the story of medieval monastic history, the St Cuthbert’s Way begins in the town and the Eildon Hills offer a completely different perspective on the surrounding area.

Discover Melrose Abbey and Roman history

Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 by David I as Scotland’s first Cistercian monastery. Robert the Bruce is also associated with the abbey, having chosen it as the final resting place for his heart. The Commendator’s House Museum at Melrose Abbey displays medieval artefacts from the cloister and adds tangible evidence of monastic life to the visit.

Another historical trace leads into Scotland’s Roman past. The Trimontium Museum in Melrose explores the invasions of Scotland by the Roman Empire as well as interactions between the local population and the legions. Trimontium Fort is considered one of the largest and archaeologically most significant Roman forts north of Hadrian’s Wall. Melrose therefore offers not just a single historical perspective, but combines medieval and Roman themes.

Walking trails for different day plans

The St Cuthbert’s Way begins in Melrose and heads roughly eastwards through several historic settlements. The long-distance trail crosses the border into England and ends at Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island. Anyone looking for a longer tour with changing historical points of interest can plan the route as a special travel project; for a more compact circuit, the Eildon Hills Path is available.

The Eildon Hills Path begins and ends at the Abbey Car Park on Buccleuch Street and is 4 miles or 6.5 km long. At the summit of North Hill, the trail offers walkers views. The Eildon Hills are part of the Eildon and Leader foot National Scenic Area. Almost 300 Bronze Age hut platforms have been preserved on North Hill, and there is evidence that prehistoric people regarded the Eildon Hills as a sacred place. Landscape and history are therefore closely combined in the same walking experience here, without requiring you to commit to a purely museum-based programme.

Gardens and distinctive details of the town

Priorwood Garden is located in Melrose opposite the Abbey Car Park and within the old monastic precinct of Melrose Abbey. The walled garden includes a historic orchard and flowerbeds. More than 70 historic apple varieties are grown organically in the orchard. Historically, Priorwood was Scotland’s only garden dedicated to producing flowers for drying.

Harmony Garden is also located in the centre of Melrose, opposite the abbey. Part of the garden contains vegetable beds and a fruit cage; the beds are surrounded by level paths made of gravel and wood chippings. This creates a different garden focus from Priorwood’s apple varieties and drying flowers. Anyone looking for a quieter activity between visits can include both garden concepts in their travel plans.

Which location suits your trip

When searching for a holiday apartment in Melrose, it is worth deciding first on your preferred pace of travel. For a cultural and historical stay, Melrose Abbey, the two museums and the Roman traces are the main attractions. For active days, the Eildon Hills Path and the start of the St Cuthbert’s Way are the defining themes.

For further trip planning, you can also discover Peebles, Gordon, Lauder, Cockburnspath, Roxburgh, Ednam, Swinton and Earlston.

To the overarching travel overview: The Scottish Borders.