The beautiful Scottish Borders is steeped in history, with so many hidden gems to discover and museums to learn more about the fascinating heritage which surrounds us. Here are some of our favourite museums in the Scottish Borders and places of interest near Melrose to check out while you are here.
1. Trimontium Museum, Melrose
We start with this recently restored Museum which is situated just down the road from Eildon Melrose. If you are interested in learning about the Romans in the Scottish Borders, you have come to the right place. The Museum boasts one of the largest collections of Roman and Iron Age collections north of Hadrian’s Wall. In addition to the Museum on the High Street of Melrose you can visit the Fort Site and go on Trimontium walks as well as guided walks around Melrose Town.
To plan your visit go to The face of Roman Scotland – Trimontium Museum
2. Abbotsford, Melrose
Is a visit to the Scottish Borders complete without a visit to Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott? Possibly not! The House, Gardens, Chapel, Visitors Centre and a walk through the Estate, along the banks of the Tweed make this a charming way to spend a few hours. The exhibition in the Visitor’s Centre is free and tells of the life and times of Sir Walter Scott, the shop and café are popular all year round. For those looking to fully immerse themselves in Scott’s life there at the time, a trip to the House, Chapel and Walled Gardens is always a good idea. Look out for seasonal events on the website below.
To plan your visit go to Abbotsford – The Home of Sir Walter Scott
3. Melrose Abbey, Melrose
A short stroll down the road lies Melrose Abbey which is too magnificent not to mention. The Abbey was founded in 1186 by King David I and built as the first Cistercian Monastery in Scotland. Although only a small part of the Abbey survived, it is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Medieval church architecture to be found in Britain and described as ‘possibly the most famous ruin in Scotland.’ Visitors can explore the Grounds, Cloisters and Abbey at a discounted rate while conservation work is ongoing. Look out for a stone carved plaque in the Abbey which is thought to be the resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart!
To plan your visit go to: Melrose Abbey
4. Mary Queen of Scot’s Visitor Centre, Jedburgh
Nestled in the heart of Jedburgh, surrounded by quaint gardens and lush pear trees, this 16th Century Tower-house tells the fascinating story of Mary’s life through the artefacts, paintings and textiles. It is thought that Mary may have stayed there in 1566 to hold court before leaving to see her husband The Earl of Bothwell who lay injured at Hermitage.
To plan your visit go to: Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre
5. Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
Don’t be fooled by this grand castle, it was actually a prison in the 1820’s. Visitors can see round the original cell blocks, learn about some of the inmates and the experiences of living in what was known by some as Scotland’s ‘most comfortable jail.’ It is known for it’s ghostly sightings so be prepared!
The museum is located in the jailors house and tells the history of the ancient Burgh of Jedburgh.
To plan your visit go to : Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
6. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels
This impressive work of art tells the story of Scotland which spans over 420 million years of history, heritage and culture. The Tapestry was the idea of renowned Author Alexander McCall Smith and together with a team of artists, historians and stitchers a beautiful narrative is told which covers key events and the changing landscape of Scotland.
To plan your visit go to: The Great Tapestry of Scotland
7. William Wallace Statue, St Boswells
A commemorative statue of William Wallace, Scotland’s ‘Braveheart’ sits proudly looking over the valley of the River Tweed at Beymerside Estate, in nearby Dryburgh. The statue was commissioned by Steuart Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan. A scenic and peaceful spot with beautiful views and walks.
8. Mining Museum, Newtongrange
If you jump on the train to Edinburgh at Tweedbank and hop off at Newtongrange (approx. 40 mins) there is a pathway that will lead you straight to the National Mining Museum. Set in the restored Lady Victoria Colliery it tells the story of coal mining though exhibitions and guided tours of the pithead and recreations of what life was like for the miners and their families.
To plan your visit to go: https://www.nationalminingmuseum.com
9. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns
If you visit the Jim Clark (Formula One racing Legend from the Scottish Borders) Museum in Duns you will be able to see two of the most iconic race cars of all time – The Lotus Elan S3 Coupe and the Lotus Type 25 Chassis R6. The museum also is home to one of the largest motorsport trophy collections of all time. Films and photographs keep this Borders Legend’s story alive.
Plan your visit go to: Jim Clark Motorsport Museum
10. Borders Distillary
Hawick is home to the Borders Distillery, the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. It’s not all whisky as they also craft Gin and Vodka. Tour the distillery, learn about how they make whisky and you can even buy your own cask! What’s not to like!
To plan your visit go to: The Borders Distillery
11. Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick
The Scottish Borders is known for its knitwear and tweed and the Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick is the perfect stop to dip a toe into the 200 years of history of the woollen industry. See how this industry has evolved through the exhibition which showcases contemporary fashion, design, art and craft while you marvel at the restoration of the 16th century towerhouse.
To plan your visit go to: Borders Textile Towerhouse
12. Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen
This living museum of Victorian history is one of the oldest working commercial letter printers in the UK. Along with seeing the original printing presses in action, which date back to 1866, and the waterwheel that once powered the printing works, you can find out how newspapers, tickets, posters and letterheads were printed before the digital age and explore Robert Smail’s office, and see the waterwheel that powered the printing press.
To plan your visit go to: Robert Smail’s Printing Works
13. Halliwell’s House Museum, Selkirk
Nestled in one of the oldest rows of dwellings in Selkirk, Halliwell’s House promises a unique experience to find out more about the Borders town of Selkirk and its long history. This history includes the town’s industrial heritage, the history of the Common Ridings and the ‘Casting of the Colours’ Ceremony which commemorates the Battle of Flodden.
To plan your visit go to: Halliwell’s House Museum
14. Hawick Museum
The oldest museum in the Borders is home to artefacts and works of art about Hawick and around the world. You can expect displays on local history, natural history and Ancient Egypt. A war memorial room details what the people of Hawick experienced through Britain’s wars. The story of Hawick’s two local motorbike champions will also make this a hit with motorcycle enthusiasts.
To plan your visit go to: Hawick Museum