Abbotsford House is the 19th century baronial home of Sir Walter Scott – Scotland's most prolific and successful Writer. It stands in the Scottish Borders just a short drive from the centre of the town of Melrose.
We had a lovely visit to this interesting estate, which in my opinion is excellent value for money due to the variety of interests it has and they way the entrance fees are structured.
The venue comprises of a modern, large visitor centre, a historic house, beautiful formal gardens and walks and Restaurant facilities.
With the exception of Dec 25 and Dec 26th, the Visitor Centre is open all year. However, the house and gardens are open April to November, seven days a week. The opening times are 10am and the closing times April to September are 5pm, October and November 4pm.
The Visitor Centre makes no charge for admission. Admission charges to the House and Gardens cost £8.75 with Concessions – seniors and students being admitted for £7.50. If you wish to just visit the gardens then the cost is £3.50 for adults with concessions being admitted for just £2.50.
There is a free car park with disabled car parking spaces, a short walk from the venue entrance, there are disabled drop off points close to the Entrance.
Pathways are all level and are smooth made from resin bound gravel.
The Visitor Centre is first class and considering it is free to enter I believe excellent value for money. It contains an Exhibition of Scott's;life and achievements. It includes books, manuscripts, accounts letters clothing and other personal possessions including an egg timer that Scott used to pace his writing. There are also paintings and engravings.
The tour of this magnificent house is suitable for those with poor mobility – there is respite seating and the house is wheelchair accessible. The tour consist of The grand entrance hall, Scott's study, an absolutely intriguing library, a beautifully drawing room. The dining room where Scott died in 1832. An exhibition room, a Chapel, A religious corridor complete with casts made from ancient stones.
The restaurant offers fine food, from meals to light snacks and drinks.
The gardens which were my favourite part of the visit were designed by Scott and although some changes have been made, the gardens remain fundamentally as he designed the. Scott wanted to create three outdoor rooms which is what these formal gardens today represent. The gardens are name The South Garden, The Morris Garden which is a sunken garden which leads you through a beautiful stone arch to the Walled Garden which was once Scott's kitchen garden
There is disabled/wheelchair accessible W.Cs.
Guide dogs are welcome.
We had a wonderful day out, my only regret is I left my camera at home, so maybe I need to make another visit to create the photographic memory!
