A Trip Around the Borders Abbeys
A day by car, from Melrose Abbey to Kelso Abbey.
Written by Graeme Johncock
It’s not unusual for visitors to Scotland to immediately head into the Highlands after touching down in Edinburgh. However, there’s an incredible region to be found in the other direction, full of outstanding scenery and fascinating stories. There’s a lot to see in the Scottish Borders, but if you only have one day then I would explore the four medieval abbeys.
Pick your dates, and who is coming, and every stop will say whether it is open that day, and what it is like with children, a dog or a wheelchair.
- How
- A day by car
- Distance
- About 29 miles
- Starts
- Melrose Abbey
- Ends
- Kelso Abbey
- Good for
- Food and drink, History
The day
Melrose Abbey
An attraction
The first Borders Abbey that you reach is Melrose and it’s one of the most incredible. Not just because of its architecture or beautiful setting, but because this is the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart! The body of this famous King of Scots lies in Dunfermline, but his heart was taken on crusade. It was eventually returned and buried at Melrose Abbey in a location now marked with a commemorative stone. Don’t forget to look up as you explore the ruined abbey. High on the south side of the building you’ll make out a bagpipe-playing pig amongst the religious figures and gargoyles.
The rest of this day is for members.
8 more stops, what to do at each, and the drive between them. Members read every one of our days, and the magazine.
Rhymer’s Stone
An attraction
Scott’s View
An attraction
Wallace Statue
An attraction
Dryburgh Abbey
An attraction
Simply Scottish
Food and drink
Jedburgh Abbey
An attraction
Mary Queen of Scots' House
An attraction
Kelso Abbey
An attraction
Make it a weekend
Days that start near Kelso Abbey.
More days by Graeme
