Melrose

The most picturesque of the Borders towns and home of 7-a-side rugby. The Abbey (above), wrecked like the others by Henry VIII, is where Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried. The Abbey was further damaged by a local family, the Douglases, who used its stones to build their own house at the end of the Cloisters. Sir Walter Scott, the famous 19th century romantic novelist, superintended the subsequent repair works.
Abbotsford, Scott's home, is 3km from Melrose. If you have the time it is well worth a trip, stuffed as it is with Scottish curios. It is a monument to 19th century Scottish triumphalism - an utter delight (T:+44 (0)1896 752043). Abbotsford is where he composed some of his classics, which include Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake.
Sir Walter Scott purchased Cartleyhole farmhouse on the banks of the River Tweed in 1812. Together with his family and servants, he moved into the farm which he renamed Abbotsford.
Scott was a passionate collector of historic relics, including an impressive collection of armour and weapons, Rob Roy's gun and Montrose's sword, and over 9,000 rare volumes in his library.
Visitors will be able to Sir Walter Scott's study, library, drawing room, entrance hall and armouries, and the dining room overlooking the Tweed where Sir Walter died on 21st September, 1832.
Accommodation
Old Abbey School
Ann O'Neill, Waverley Rd, Melrose, TD6 9SH
Tel
01896 823432
Email
oneill@abbeyschool.fsnet.co.uk
Rooms
2D, 1T
B&B
£27.50
Packed lunch
£5
Comfortable family home
in 150 year old converted school house situated within
easy walking distance of the town centre and river
Tweed.
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Philip & Janette Titley
George & Abbotsford, George & Abbotsford, High St, Melrose, TD6 9PD
Tel
01896 822308
Fax
01896 823363
Web
www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Email
enquiries@georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Rooms
5S, 7D, 13T, 1Triple, 1F
B&B
£40-£50
Packed lunch
£5.50
Evening meal
£8.95 to £17.95
Safe storage, bike washing and drying facilities.
VisitBritain 2-star hotel
A former coaching inn
with lots of character close to the Abbey and the
Tweed. All rooms are en-suite, food is freshly prepared
and local; spacious bar and restaurant in a comfortable
and spacious family hotel. Sells locally brewed ales and locally sourced food.
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Fiorlin
Kenny Paterson, Fiorlin, Abbey St, TD6 9PX
Telephone
01896 822984
Email
fiorlin@btinternet.com
Web
www.melroseaccommodation.co.uk
Rooms
1D, 1T
B&B
£30-£40
Packed lunch
£5
VisitScotland
3 star
Right in the centre of Melrose. Lovely old house full of character within its own walled grounds. Secure lock up and ideal stop off
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Fauhope
Mrs Sheila Robson, Fauhope, Melrose, TD6 9LU
Telephone
01896 823184
Email
fauhope@bordernet.co.uk
Rooms
2D, 2T.
B&B
£23 or £25.
Packed Lunch
From £5
Evening meal
By arrangement.
Smoking
No
VisitScotland 4-star; AA 5-star
10 minutes from pubs & restaurants.
An Edwardian country house in 15
acres of grounds overlooking the Tweed and Melrose
Abbey; a stunning location. It is just a few minutes'
walk from the centre of Melrose, over the footbridge
which spans the river.
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