When entering the graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, the visitor might understand why the contemplative life of a medieval monk was attractive being nestle in wooded seclusion close to the River Tweed. There is an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity; and the abbey church and cloister – the spiritual and domestic homes of the brethren – remain substantially complete. Overall, monastic life was lived out quietly though the sound of war occasionally visited the idyllic spot, most famously in 1322, when Edward II’s retreating army, on hearing the abbey’s bells ringing in the distance, turned aside, and set fire to the place. The Protestant Reformation effectively ended Dryburgh Abbey’s days.
In the 18th century, the ivy-clad ruin attracted the attention of David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan. He purchased Dryburgh House, which is nearby, and set about creating a charming landscape, in which the ancient abbey became a prominent feature.
Sir Walter Scott and others are buried here.
Opening Hours: 1 April to 30 September:
Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October to 31 March:
Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Melrose Abbey is magnificent. Even in its state of ruin it is a grand sight decorated lavishly with masonry.
It is regarded as one of the most magnificent examples of medieval church architecture anywhere in the British Isles. The presbytery at the east end, where the...
When you climb the battlements of the 15th century Smailholm Tower your imagination will be as captivated as was that of Sir Walter Scott when he stayed in the vicinity of the Tower, his ancestral home. On a clear day you can see Bamburgh Castle across the...
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford, stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. Abbotsford sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its...
The abbey was founded by King David I as a priory of Augustinian canons around 1138, raised to abbey status by 1154. The Augustinians were noted for contributing to royal governance and were generally located close to royal power centres, in this case the royal castle...
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford, stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. Abbotsford sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its...
Established in 1998, The Flat Cat Gallery presents changing exhibitions of contemporary art, ceramics, sculptures and jewellery. The workshop of Tim Stead's furniture also enhances the art gallery with choice pieces. Artists from around the Scottish Borders and other...
The Heart of Hawick is an arts and heritage centre comprising the
Towermill - a multi award-winning 108 seat auditorium for film and live theatre with café bar where you can pop in and enjoy refreshments at any time.
Heritage Hub - home to the Scottish Borders...