Melrose, Scotland Tourist Attractions

Many regard Melrose Abbey as the finest of the Borders region abbeys. Built from red sandstone for Cistercian monks in 1136, it was later plundered and desecrated on several occasions with some of the stones re-used in other buildings nearby. However, what remains - mostly from the 15th century - makes an impressive sight. The artistic stonework, the ornate carving on the capitals and sculptures including a well-known water fountain in the form of a bagpipe-playing pig are particularly fine. The tracery for the transept windows and the east window are also much admired. The German writer Theodor Fontane spoke in glowing terms of the "herbarium scoticum in stone" containing flowers, leaves, lilies, thistles, oak leaves and clover leaves. The heart of Robert the Bruce, who authorized the reconstruction of the abbey after its destruction by Edward II, is said to have been buried beneath the east window - a mummified heart was in fact found in the chapterhouse in 1920. Part of the popularity of the abbey stems from William Turner's evocative drawings and Sir Walter Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel".

Vintage cars in the Motor Museum on Annay Road include a 1909 Albion and a 1926 Arrol Johnston, both of which were built in Scotland.

Pooh, Rupert, Bully, Paddington and many other children's favorites from 1900 onwards are among the exhibits in Melrose's High Street museum.

Scott's View, the famous novelist's favorite panoramic viewpoint, lies about 2mi/3.2km east of Melrose and should not be missed. The scenery includes the Eildon Hills and the green Tweed valley, where in spring the slopes are smothered in yellow broom.

Michael Scott is also linked with the Eildon Hills, a three-pointed peak of volcanic origin that rises to a height of 1,387ft/423m. The magician/mathematician is said to have caused the hill to break into three. The view from the top is truly magnificent.

On a small hill about 2mi/3.2km east of Scott's View stands a 16th century rectangular peel tower about 60ft/18m in height, which appears in one of William Turner's sketches. An exhibition inside contains dolls and wall hangings that relate to Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel".

Thirlestane border fortress lies 11mi/18km north of Melrose and was built in the 13th century. In the 16th century it was converted for use by the Maidlands family. This picture-book castle is fitted out with splendid 17th century wooden ceilings and now belongs to the Lauderdale family. It houses a collection of old toys and the Border Country Life Museum that documents in some detail the turbulent past of the Borders region.

Priorwood Garden is located in Melrose. It features flowers which are suitable for drying. Day courses in flower drying are offered throughout the year.Visitors may also stroll through the adjacent orchard yard that contains many varieties of historic apple trees.

Harmony Garden is an attractive walled garden set around Harmony Hall in Melrose. The garden is comprised of lawns, herbaceous and mixed borders, vegetable and fruit areas and spring bulbs.