Melrose, Scotland Attractions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A monument on Leaderfoot Hill in neighboring Newstead marks the spot where the Roman Trimontium camp once stood. Finds from here are displayed in the national Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.

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.

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