Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Departing: September 2027 - September 2027

The Scottish Borders combine rolling hills, the River Tweed and a remarkable collection of historic houses, including Paxton House, Abbotsford, Traquair, Mellerstain and Floors Castle. Staying at Peebles Hydro, this tour showcases elegant architecture, royal connections and centuries of Border history in one of Scotland’s most quietly captivating regions.

Included

Explore Floors Castle & Traquair House, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
3 nights at the Cardrona Hotel, Peebles
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

Georgian masterpieces at Mellerstain
Regal connections at Traquair House
Sir Walter Scott’s personal collections at Abbotsford
The opulence of Floors Castle
Lunch in the Victorian Kitchen at Thirlestane Castle

David Hurrion

David has explored every continent except Antarctica, discovering plants and gardens on over 70 trips accompanying groups of gardeners. He has more than 20 years’ experience writing and editing garden magazines and websites, including as Deputy and Associate Editor of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.

Tour Itinerary

We travel into the Scottish Borders to visit Paxton House, one of Britain’s finest Palladian mansions. Completed in 1763 and designed by Robert Adam, it houses an outstanding collection of Chippendale furniture, fine paintings and elegant Georgian interiors. After our guided tour, we continue to our hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles

Day 1 Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

We journey through Tweeddale to Abbotsford, the romantic home created by Sir Walter Scott on the banks of the River Tweed. Inside are armour, rare books and personal treasures reflecting Scott’s life and legacy. Later, we visit Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited home, rich with Jacobite history, royal connections and the famous Bear Gates, closed in 1745.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles

Day 2 Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

At Mellerstain House, begun by William Adam and completed by his son Robert, we admire magnificent 18th-century interiors, fine plasterwork and an impressive art collection. We then visit Floors Castle at Kelso, remodelled in the 19th century into a picturesque castle of turrets and pinnacles, set above the River Tweed.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles

Day 3 Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Our final visit is Thirlestane Castle, seat of the Maitland family since the 16th century. A guided tour reveals centuries of history before we begin our journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders

Accommodation

Peebles Hydro is a landmark hotel with a rich history of its own, having originally been established as a centre for hydropathic treatments in the 19th century. Today it offers all modern amenities with full leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool and spa. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer, together with TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free wifi throughout. There is a lift to all floors.

Availability & Booking

2027

13th September from $1,675

Call to Book

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