Sam
Abbotsford House is the home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish history. Abbotsford is located just outside Melrose in the Scottish Borders.
A visit to Abbotsford House will take you back in time, but it’s also educational, giving kids the opportunity to explore this iconic writer’s space and learn about what life was like in Scotland during Scott’s time.
Abbotsford House in Melrose
Who is Sir Walter Scott you may ask?
Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish author who is best known for his historical novels, including Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley. He also wrote poetry and plays. Abbotsford, his house in the Scottish Borders, is now owned and maintained by the Abbotsford Trust. It has been preserved largely as it was when he lived there in the early nineteenth century. It is now a museum open to the public.
Abbotsford House
The Abbotsford house is in a secluded area of the countryside, and it looks like something out of a fairy tale. With its turrets and magically gardens it’s a beautiful home and it’s hard to believe that it’s real.
The house features intricate carvings and woodwork, as well as ornate plasterwork. The interior of the house is decorated with antiques, and artwork just as they would have been back in Sir Scott’s day.
To keep the kids amused on the way around, there is a scavenger hunt for little Playmobil characters.
Exploring The Grounds
The beauty of the house expands outside where you can explore the grounds including the walled gardens.
If you have even more free time, then explore the extensive woodlands that surround the house. It is free to explore the woodlands, however, you need to pay for entry to the gardens and the house.
Tickets & Opening Times
It is best to book your tickets in advance directly from Abbotsford House Tickets. Here you can purchase tickets from just the gardens or the gardens, house and chapel.
For opening times, you can check directly too. However, it is usually 10 am to 5 pm. Double-check the opening seasons as Abbotsford House does close for the winter season.
Car parking is chargeable so make sure to pay at the machine before you try to leave.
If you are interested in exploring Abbotsford House, I recommend booking your tickets online before arriving. This will save time waiting in line and will allow you to get right into the experience.
In conclusion, Abbotsford House was an interesting place to explore. The tour guides were knowledgeable, and the exhibits were all very informative. The house also included exhibits on Scott’s life, which was very interesting to see.
