Melrose

Melrose is a charming little town in the heart of the Scottish Borders in southern Scotland. Despite its small size, the town has a long and fascinating history that you can discover while wandering among magnificent ruins, visiting historic houses and catching glimpses of the past at modern museums. Outdoor enthusiasts will particularly enjoy walks along the River Tweed and through the Eildon Hills as well as the chance to see where Sir Walter Scott used to marvel at one of his favourite views of the green Borders landscape.

Find out more about different eras of Scottish history, go for long walks among the rolling hills to uncover the area at your own pace or witness thrilling rugby fun at the Melrose Sevens.

A journey through history

Melrose takes you on a journey through millennia. Visit Trimontium Museum for an immersive journey into the history of Roman Scotland through virtual reality and archaeological finds. Stroll through formal gardens bursting with colour before you step into the wood-panelled rooms of Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, and picture the life of a best-selling author in the 19th century. The most remarkable historic landmark of the town is undoubtedly Melrose Abbey. Explore the graceful ruin and make sure to keep your eyes open to spot the stone carving of a bagpipe-playing pig!

Visit Melrose Abbey

Local walks and long-distance routes

Stretch your legs, fill your lungs with plenty of fresh air and explore Melrose and the Scottish Borders on foot. Go for a walk to see the hidden corners of Melrose or follow the meandering River Tweed to see famous landmarks like the Leaderfoot Viaduct. For more of a challenge, head to the three peaks of the Eildon Hills south of Melrose. The ascent is steep in places but worth it when you reach the top and catch your breath while you cast your eyes over the green landscape dotted with fields and woodlands. Melrose is also part of several long-distance routes such as the Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert’s Way that take you through the wider Scottish Borders.

Discover your ideal walk in Melrose

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027

St Cuthbert's Way is the only British destination featured on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list. The route starts in Melrose and offers walkers the opportunity to slow down and get to know the Scottish Borders at their own pace on their journey to Holy Island on the coast of Northumberland.

Find out more at Lonely Planet

Melrose Sevens

It was back in 1883 that rugby sevens was founded in Melrose, and the popularity spread across the globe. Well over a century later, the town still proudly hosts the annual Melrose Sevens, a weekend dedicated to rugby sevens. Be swept up in the excitement and competitive fun of this fast-paced game and watch teams from across the world go head-to-head to win the world’s oldest rugby sevens competition.

Enjoy two days of rugby fun