Melrose
is an ancient settlement on the south side of the River Tweed. The Eildon Hills a mile to the south were an important base of the Votadini tribe in the Iron Age. The remains of a huge hill fort around the top of the most easterly of the Eildons acts as a reminder as their presence.
The name of Melrose, or Mailros, was confusingly applied first to a loop in the River Tweed two miles east of today's town. This was home to a monastery founded by St Aidan from 650AD and destroyed by the Scots in AD839. When King David I asked the Cistercians to set up an abbey at Melrose in 1136 he had in mind the site of St Aidan's earlier monastery.
Contacts (information courtesy of http://www.undiscoveredscotland.com)
Things to Do
Abbotsford House. Sir Walter Scott's home from 1812-1832. House and Gardens open to the public. Abbotsford House, Melrose, TD6 9BQ. Tel: 01896 752043. WWW: www.melrose.bordernet.co.uk/abbotsford/. Email: abbotsford@melrose.bordernet.co.uk. Open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5.00pm, 17 March to 31 October. Sundays: 2.00pm to 5pm in March, April May and October. Sundays: 9.30am to 5.00pm, June through September.Admission: Adults £4.00, Children £2.00. Group Rates: Adults £3.20, Children £1.60.
Harmony Garden. A tranquil garden with varied planting. St Mary's Road, Melrose. Tel: 01721 722502. Opening Hours. Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 5.30pm, Sunday: 1.30pm to 5.30pm 1 April to 30 Sepember. Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 6.00pm, Sunday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm 1 April to 31 October. Admission: £2.00.
Priorwood Garden & Dried Flower Shop. Walled garden and orchard specialising in flowers for drying and historic apple varieties. NTS Gift Shop on site. Melrose. Tel: 01896 822493. Opening Hours. Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm 1 April to 31 December. Admission: Adults £2.00, Children £1.
'Three Hills' Roman Heritage Centre. Exhibition of life on the Scottish Roman Frontier. The Ormiston, Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PN. Tel: 01896 822651/822463. WWW: www.trimontium.net. Email: secretary@trimontium.fsworld.co.uk. Opening Hours. Daily 10.30am to 4.30pm, 1 April to 31 October (closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday 1.00pm to 2.00pm). Open November to March on request. Guided Walks: Thursdays 1.30pm to 5.15pm April through October, also Tuesdays in July and August. Admission: Adults £1.50, Children/OAP/Concessions £1.00, Family £4.00. Guided Walks: Adults £2.50, Children/OAP/Concessions £2.00, Family £5.00.
Eating Out
Abbotsford Tearoom. In the grounds of Sir Walter Scott's home, serving light lunches and home baking. Abbotsford House, Melrose, TD6 9BQ. Tel: 01896 752043. WWW: www.melrose.bordernet.co.uk/abbotsford/. Email: abbotsford@melrose.bordernet.co.uk. Open Daily 18 March to 31 October: 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Burts Hotel. Restaurant and bar specialising in innovative food prepared using fresh local produce. Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PN. Tel: 01896 822285. WWW: www.burtshotel.co.uk. Email: reservations@burtshotel.co.uk. Open Daily: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm and 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
The George and Abbotsford Hotel. Traditional 18th Century coaching inn with restaurant. High Street, Melrose, TD6 9PD. Tel: 01896 822308. WWW: www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk. Email: enquiries@georgeandabbotsford.co.uk. Open Daily: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm and 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
Kings Arms Hotel. Traditional coaching inn providing a varied menu and offering a Sunday carvery. High Street, Melrose, TD6 9PB. Tel: 01896 822143. WWW: www.kingsarmsmelrose.co.uk. Email: enquiries@kingsarmsmelrose.co.uk. Open Daily: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm, Sunday to Friday 6.30pm to 9.30pm and Saturday 6.30pm to 10.00pm.
Marmions Brasserie. A lively meeting place in elegant surroundings, offering food all day. Buccleuch Street, Melrose, TD6 9LB. Tel: 01896 822245. Open Daily: 9.00am to 6.00pm and 6.30pm to 10.00pm.
Millars Hotel. Restaurant and Lounge Bar serving a selection of local produce complemented by a range of fine wines. Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PQ. Tel: 01896 822645. WWW: www.millarshotel.co.uk. Email: enquiries@millarshotel.co.uk. Open Monday to Friday: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12.30pm to 2.30pm, 4.30 to 5.45pm (for High Tea) and 6.00pm to 9.30pm.
Russell's Restaurant. Licensed Coffee House and Restaurant serving traditional Scottish produce. 28 Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PP. Tel: 01896 822335. Open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sunday: 12.00 noon to 5.00pm.
Golf Courses
Melrose Golf Club. Open parkland south of Melrose. Dingleton Road, Melrose TD6 9HS. Tel: 01896 822855. Visitors welcome, but check ahead. Green fees from £16 per round.
for further information on accommodation in the Melrose area, contact Unique Cottage Holidays
