Melrose Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Melrose Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Melrose packs a lot into a small town. The star attraction is Melrose Abbey (TD6 9LG, open daily 10am-4pm), where Robert the Bruce's heart is buried. The abbey scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the detailed carvings and peaceful atmosphere.

Abbotsford House (TD6 9BQ), Sir Walter Scott's home, is just 3 miles away. It's open 10am-5pm March to October and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The gardens alone are worth the trip and the house contains Scott's study exactly as he left it.

The Trimontium Roman Museum (TD6 9PN) tells the story of the nearby Roman fort. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and offers guided walks to the actual fort site on Tuesdays and Thursdays (April-October).

For garden lovers, Harmony Garden (TD6 9LJ) and Priorwood Garden (TD6 9PX) are both National Trust properties in the town centre. They're perfect for a peaceful afternoon and both score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love the walking opportunities around Melrose. The Eildon Hills paths start right from town and offer spectacular views. I recommend the circular route that takes in all three peaks - it's about 6 miles and takes 3-4 hours.

Many local pubs welcome dogs, including The Ship Inn (TD6 9PN) which has water bowls and treats at the bar. The Townhouse Hotel (TD6 9PN) allows dogs in its bar area and has a good lunch menu.

The Borders Pet Shop (TD6 9PY) stocks emergency supplies and the local vet (Border Vets, TD6 9RS) is open 8:30am-6:30pm weekdays with emergency cover.

Most of the historic sites allow dogs in the grounds but not inside buildings. Abbotsford's gardens welcome dogs on leads and you can walk for miles along the River Tweed with your four-legged friend.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Melrose

The Eildon Hills dominate the skyline and offer the best views in the Borders. The three-peaked hill was considered sacred by ancient peoples and later housed a major Roman signal station. The walk from town takes about 45 minutes to the first summit. On clear days, you can see all the way to Edinburgh. A local told me: "I've climbed mountains all over Scotland, but the view from the Eildons is special because you can see how the Borders landscape fits together."

Melrose Abbey is simply spectacular. The pink sandstone ruins are among the most complete Cistercian remains in Britain. Look for the famous bagpipe-playing pig carving on the roof! The small museum houses interesting finds including medieval floor tiles. Robert the Bruce's heart is buried in the grounds, marked by a small stone plaque. A recent visitor wrote: "Even on a rainy day, the abbey has an atmosphere that transports you back centuries."

The River Tweed path offers a flat, easy walk with constantly changing views. Head east from town for about a mile to reach the Chain Bridge, a Victorian suspension footbridge that gently sways as you cross. Continue to Leaderfoot Viaduct, an impressive 19th-century railway bridge with 19 arches spanning the river. The path is well-maintained and suitable for all abilities. Perfect for a morning stroll before returning to your cottage for lunch and perhaps a dip in the hot tub!

When is the best time to visit Melrose?

April for the famous Rugby Sevens tournament, June-August for best weather, or September for quieter sightseeing and good light for photography. The Borders Book Festival in June attracts big-name authors.

Do I need a car in Melrose?

It helps but isn't essential. The town centre has shops, restaurants and several attractions within walking distance. Buses connect to Edinburgh (journey time 1.5 hours) and other Border towns. Taxis are available for local trips.

Where can I buy groceries in Melrose?

The Co-op (TD6 9RU) on High Street is open 7am-10pm daily. There's also a butcher, bakery and deli in town. For bigger shops, Galashiels (5 miles) has Tesco, Asda and M&S.

What's the best restaurant in Melrose?

Provender (TD6 9PU) consistently gets top reviews for its seasonal Scottish menu. Burts Hotel (TD6 9PN) offers more traditional fare. For casual dining, try Marmions Brasserie (TD6 9PN).

Is Melrose suitable for children?

Yes! Kids love exploring the abbey ruins, climbing the Eildon Hills and visiting nearby Abbotsford House which has a good playground. The Gibson Park has tennis courts and a play area.

How far is Melrose from Edinburgh?

It's about 40 miles and takes around 1 hour by car. The Borders Railway goes to Tweedbank (2 miles from Melrose) with connections to Edinburgh Waverley (journey time approximately 55 minutes).

1. Historic Scotland - Melrose Abbey
2. Scottish Borders Council - Walking Routes
3. Visit Scotland - Borders Information