Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders
Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders

Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders

Want to visit a place close to Robert the Bruce’s heart? Literally? Melrose Abbey is the perfect location to visit as this is where he chose his heart to be buried! The Abbey is a beautiful ruin and used to be a very desirable place to be laid to rest.

The Abbey’s close proximity to the border made the building a target for the English during the middle ages and this led to Abbey’s reconstruction in the 1380s! The building was used as an abbey until 1560 and afterwards was populated by monks until 1590.

Where can I find Melrose Abbey?

Found close to the centre of the town and very accessible to all visitors, Melrose Abbey is waiting for you to learn about its history!

When visiting the Abbey you can expect to see and admire the beautiful architecture of Abbey’s church, and if you are lucky you might spot the famous bagpipe-playing pig!

Or why not check out the chapter house? Where a heart believed to belong to Robert the Bruce is buried.

While you are at the Abbey, take a 2-minute walk through the grounds and set foot in the Commendator’s House Museum where you can discover a plethora of medieval objects and exhibitions!

  • Toilets
  • Audio Guide (Mobile device needed)
  • Open 1st April – 30th September Daily (10 am to 5 pm)
  • Tickets and prices are available on the website starting from £3

Things to do in Borders

Trimontium Roman Museum in the Scottish Borders

Interested in learning about the History of the Romans in the Borders? The Trimontium museum in Melrose offers a great insight into what the town was like during Roman times! Whether you step into the doors of the newly renovated museum or ...

Sir Walter Scott’s House in Melrose

Want to tread the same path as a Scottish Literary Household Name? Situated on the banks of the River Tweed, 19th century Scottish Baronial style Abbotsford opens its gates to literature, history and interested visitors alike to spend a day in the ...

The Great Tapestry of Scotland in the Scottish Borders

Interested in discovering over 420 million years of Scottish history and culture? The Great Tapestry of Scotland is the place for you! The brand new Tapestry building was opened publicly in August 2021 and consists of a discovery centre and 2 galleries ...

Creative Workshops in Galashiels

Creative Borders isn’t just a fantastic café, it’s also a space where creative workshops and events, The Creative Borders café runs an extensive range of creative workshops for all inspiring artists, Regular workshops and art events are hosted in-store by partners or ...

Kayak and SUP Hire and Sales in Selkirk

Tour the Scottish Borders in a totally new way! Kayak and SUP Hires operate from the beautiful Scottish Borders. They have Dagger Katana Kayaks and JOBE inflatable SUPboards available to rent for daily, weekend, or even weekly hire! Whatever suits your specifications. ...

Inclusive Play Park at Harestanes Visitor Centre in the Scottish Borders

With a brand new large-scale play park, takeaway cafe, and gorgeous walking trails that wind throughout the Teviot Valley, Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre is definitely worth adding to the list of places for families to visit in the Scottish Borders. Harestanes offers ...

Bowhill in the Scottish Borders

Come and discover the Scottish Borders’ hidden gem, Bowhill! Located deep in the heart of the Borders, surrounded by scenic valleys and heather-covered hills, this gem is hidden in the country and is waiting for you to come and visit! Bowhill House ...

Nenthorn Equestrian Centre and Horse Riding Lessons in the Borders

Are you looking for horse riding lessons in the Borders? Nenthorn Equestrian Centre provide horse-riding lessons, equine facilities, stables, dressage, saddlery and livery services. Based in the beautiful countryside, just north of the town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, the Equestrian Centre ...

Floors Castle and Gardens in the Scottish Borders

Floors Castle is a historic castle located near Kelso, in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The castle was built in the late ...

Mary Queen of Scots Centre in Jedburgh

Walk the halls of the 16h century house where Mary Queen of Scots stayed in the year 1566 and very nearly died from a mysterious illness following a gruelling journey to visit the gravely injured Earl of Bothwell who would later become ...

Take a Tour of The Borders Distillery

Take a tour of the beautifully converted Edwardian electrical works where Borders Distillery makes their Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Kerr’s Gin, and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka. Based in Hawick, the birthplace of tweed and a town with industrial roots going back hundreds ...

Candle Making Workshop in Edinburgh

Learn how to make your own scented candles. Join a highly rated candle making workshop.  It’s fun and all materials are provided. Head over to the rural village of Temple and spend time learning how to make a soy wax candle in ...
Browse more things to do in Borders