Holiday rentals in Melrose

At the foot of the Eildon Hills marking the gateway to the Scottish Borders, Melrose is a small town with a rich history. Once a significant Roman army base, today the town centre is home to independent boutiques, craft shops, and art galleries. The three peaks of the Eildon Hills have been a national landmark for centuries, inspiring artists and adventurers alike to explore and capture the surrounding countryside. This is the birthplace of rugby sevens, and cycling is popular in the region, with dedicated routes of varying lengths and difficulty. Tweed Valley Forest Park is about an hour away, with seven forests crisscrossed by popular walking and mountain bike trails.

Priorwood Garden, which is home to heritage apples and plums and fragrant flowers grown for potpourri, is one of two National Trust for Scotland gardens in Melrose. After exploring the magnificent medieval ruins of Melrose Abbey, there are plenty of traditional pubs where you can relax and sample ales from local breweries; you can even pop in for a tour to learn how your favourite pint is made.

The region enjoys mild summers, when you can take sunny strolls along the River Tweed from your accommodation in Melrose. Autumn brings cooler days and changing foliage, best admired from the commanding vantage point of the Eildon Hills. Winters are chilly, with low daytime temperatures requiring warm layers. Whenever you visit, you’re likely to experience rain, so bring an umbrella, and consider visiting in spring and summer for the best chance to see the sun.

Melrose Abbey

The abbey was built in 1136 and attacked by English armies in the 14th and 15th centuries. The partial ruins of the building include unusual engravings and gargoyles, including a pig playing the bagpipes. A modern burial stone marks the point where a casket was reburied containing what is believed to be the heart of Robert the Bruce. The on-site museum details the events that took place on this spot over the centuries.

Eildon Hills

This regional landmark has three summits to conquer for sweeping views across the Borders. Starting from the town centre, the full walk takes around half a day to complete, and some parts are fairly steep. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy as you take in the same views once monitored by Roman forces.

Trimontium Museum

The Romans arrived in the area in 80 AD and established a fort at Trimontium, named for the three distinctive peaks in the local landscape. It was the most northerly point in the Roman Empire. Today, the Trimontium Museum in the town centre tells the story of Roman and Iron Age life in Scotland with interactive exhibitions, guided tours, and collections of artefacts found nearby, including clothing, shoes, tools, and jewellery.