4 Abbeys in 4 Days – The Scottish Borders by Public Transport

From Newtown St Boswells, make your way to the River Tweed and cross by the pedestrian bridge, a charming suspension bridge with wonderful views of the valley. Once across, turn left and follow the riverside path for a short distance until you reach the Temple of the Muses, which stands on a rise overlooking the bridge and river.

The Temple of the Muses is a neoclassical monument set on the banks of the River Tweed, dedicated to James Thomson, the Scottish poet best known for The Seasons and the lyrics to Rule, Britannia!. Overlooking the iconic Dryburgh Suspension Bridge, it’s a popular stopping point for walkers, cyclists, and history lovers exploring the Borders.

Wander around this remarkably complete medieval ruin by the River Tweed to grasp the appeal of monastic life. You can still see plaster and paintwork inside the chapter house dating from when it was built. Other fine examples of ecclesiastic architecture and masonry also remain – despite three fires and four attacks all but destroying the abbey buildings.

The Wallace Statue is a dramatic 31-foot sandstone monument dedicated to Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace. Erected in 1814 by David Stuart Erskine, the 11th Earl of Buchan, it stands proudly on a wooded hillside above the River Tweed, a short walk from Dryburgh Abbey. The statue not only celebrates Wallace’s role in Scotland’s fight for independence but also provides visitors with stunning views across the Tweed Valley and towards the Eildon Hills.

St Boswells is a charming village on the River Tweed, known for its picturesque setting, riverside walks, historic landmarks, and welcoming community atmosphere. Stop by the famous Mainstreet Trading Company, an award-winning independent bookshop, café, and deli that attracts visitors from across Scotland before hopping back on the bus to continue onwards to Jedburgh.

Explore the rich history of Jedburgh with the Blue Plaque Trail, a self-guided walking tour that highlights 32 historic landmarks across the Scottish Borders town. The trail covers approximately 2.5 km with blue plaques marking key sites such as Jedburggh Abbey and the jail, locations linked to famous figures, architectural gems, and local legends.

Each plaque features a QR code, giving you instant access to historical stories right from your phone. Alternatively, download the digital map of the trail on the Visit Jedburgh website or pick up a print copy for a small donation in the town.

Explore one of four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s. Built over more than 70 years, Jedburgh is striking for its unusual mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen. Mary’s month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times, but the cult that has grown up around her.
The period feel inside the house has been preserved with thoughtful design, which allows the story of Mary’s life to be told in an engaging way. The Rogues Gallery introduces the individuals in the drama of Mary’s life, while the Last Letter Room reveals her final thoughts before her execution. Also find out about her ill-fated ride to Hermitage Castle to meet her adviser and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, which resulted in her falling gravely ill. She would later lament ‘Would that I had died in Jedburgh.’
The house sits in attractive gardens, home to some of Jedburgh’s famous pear trees, descendants of the original pear trees planted around Jedburgh Abbey in the early 1800s.

Jedburgh Jail looks like a grand castle, but inside it’s a different story! The museum gives visitors a taste of what life was like in a 1820s prison. You can walk through the original cell blocks, see some of inmates and their conditions and follow their stories. Find out why some people thought it was the most comfortable jail in Scotland. The building has also gained a reputation for ghostly sightings!

The Jailer’s house is home to the town museum, telling the story of the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh from ancient times, with exhibitions focusing on traditions, industries and the town’s rich history. Displays trace the stories of some of the town’s famous people – Mary Somerville the mathematician, David Brewster the inventor of the kaleidoscope and James Veitch the astronomer.

Follow one of the scenic walks starting in Jedburgh. The route to Inchbonny and Ferniehirst heads south and on the route, you’ll pass the ancient Capon Tree, a massive oak believed to be over 500 years old. It is one of the last survivors of the old Jedforest. As you continue along quiet roads and countryside paths to reach Ferniehirst Castle, a 15th-century stronghold of Clan Kerr.

When you return to the town, catch the bus to continue your journey to Kelso.

Begin in the heart of Kelso Square and wander through Shedden Park out of town. Proceed past the houses before slipping through a gate onto a quiet grassy path, with the Golf Course on one side and the historic Racecourse on the other.

Looping back, the route passes Poynder Park, home of Kelso Rugby Club, and meanders towards the River Tweed. Here the Cobby Riverside Walk offers one of the highlights: wide views of the river, Kelso North Parish Church spire, and traces of the Abbey’s old mill.

The walk finishes back in the Square, giving you a perfect blend of history, green spaces, and riverside charm — all within an easy circuit.

Wander among the remains of a spectacular example of Scottish monastic architecture. Kelso Abbey was founded in the 1100s and was one of Scotland’s largest and wealthiest religious houses.

The abbey was founded by monks invited by King David I. Originally settling at Selkirk, the monks relocated to Kelso in 1128, moving close to David’s new castle at Roxburgh. Next to nothing remains of the once-sprawling monastery precinct. But what survives of the church is one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in medieval Scotland.

Discover the story of the River Tweed’s famous salmon and their impact on the people, culture, and economy of the Scottish Borders over the last 8,000 years. The museum highlights the River Tweed’s central role in the history of salmon fishing with rod, line, and fly, tracing how the sport developed over the past 250 years.

Floors Castle is not only a Duke’s family home, but also the heart of the diverse Roxburghe Estates in a beautiful part of the Scottish Borders. Visit the stunning castle and see for yourself the collection of fine art, porcelain, newly restored tapestries, grand rooms and superb views. There are woodland and riverside walks, formal and informal gardens and lots of lovely places to walk the dog, or to sit and watch the world go by. There is also the chance to sample fantastic local produce at the Terrace and Courtyard Cafes.

Discover a place so beloved by Robert the Bruce, he chose it as the final resting place for his heart. Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale, and it was a highly desirable place to be buried.

Trimontium Museum explores one hundred years of Roman occupation through the stories told by some of the extraordinary finds from this key fort near Melrose. Trimontium is of international importance as the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall and the site of one of the largest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the British Isles. The mystery of this great cache found in 117 pits and wells remains unexplained.

The 5-star awarded museum in Melrose tells its story providing a modern window on the pivotal and turbulent history of this frontier post, which for much of its existence was the main forward base for the continued Roman invasion and occupation of Scotland.

The Eildon Hills are an iconic part of the Scottish Borders landscape. Recent archaeological surveys revealed nearly 500 hut circles atop Eildon Hill North, each being the base of a timber roundhouse containing an extended family. Its population 2,000 years ago was greater than that of Melrose today. It was likely a regional capital of the Selgovae tribe, a name bestowed by the Romans meaning ‘the hunters’. It may not have been permanently occupied, instead used as a seasonal and ceremonial gathering place.

If you have time, why not make your way to the top: Climbing the Eildons rewards you with spectacular panoramic views. There are many ways into the hills, with the popular walking route of St Cuthbert’s Way ascending from Melrose to the saddle between Eildon Hill North and Eildon Mid Hill. Under the ever-shifting light and with many details only revealed on repeat visits, no two walks into the Eildons are ever quite the same.