Border Abbeys, a Grand Castle, and Jedburgh Jail

Founded in 1128, Kelso Abbey is one of the four famous “Border Abbeys” in southern Scotland. Once a wealthy religious centre, today the abbey is a photogenic ruin in the heart of historic Kelso. You can admire the Romanesque architecture and explore the nave and western transept, but perhaps the best view is from the road beside the Kelso War Memorial.
Historic properties sometimes undergo renovation, so do check the official website to see if the abbey is open during your visit. Even if it’s closed, you can see most of it from the outside. Kelso Abbey Open Hours: April – September: 09:30 – 17:30 October – March: 10:00 – 16:00

On the green in front of the abbey is the Old Parish Churchyard, which has been the final resting place for many Kelso residents of note over the centuries. By standing in the graveyard you can enjoy great views of the abbey, and it’s a good spot for photos too.

Jump back in your car and continue your adventures with a scenic drive to the magnificent Floors Castle. It’s the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, and home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. You can explore the gardens around the estate, which are particularly lovely during summer, and take a tour of the castle itself if you’re visiting between spring and autumn.
Book tickets here
Floors Castle Open Hours: Castle: April – October, 10:30 - 17:00 Grounds, Café and Gift Shop: daily 10:00 – 17:00 Free parking is available on site.

Enjoy a scenic countryside drive through the Borderlands to the historic town and former Royal Burgh of Jedburgh. Convenient parking can be found in the town centre at Abbey Place Car Park, which is opposite the old abbey.

Although it looks like a rather magnificent castle, this was actually a prison! Built on the site of an ancient castle, Jedburgh Jail Museum gives you a glimpse of what 19th-century prison life was like. You can explore the cell blocks, hear tales of notorious prisoners, and visit the jailer's house which is now home to an exhibition about the Royal Burgh. Did you know that the town of Jedburgh produced some rather prominent figures through the centuries? Astronomer James Veitch and the inventor of the kaleidoscope, David Brewster, both came from Jedburgh. It's an atmospheric place, but do watch out for the ghosts!
Entry is free but donations are welcome. Visit the official website for more information.
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum Open Hours: The attraction is open between April and October. Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00

Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the Abbey View Cafe, which comes with a bonus view of the famous ruins themselves. Have a browse of the bookshop while you're waiting for your soup and sandwiches to arrive.
Abbey View Cafe Open Hours: Daily: 10:00 - 16:00 Closed on Sundays.

If you've only ever heard of one member of the Scottish royalty, the chances are that it'll be Mary Queen of Scots. This 16th-century tower house is a listed building, and the queen herself stayed here for a while during 1566. Today, it's a museum dedicated to the life of the fated queen. There are paintings and exhibits to discover, as well as the Last Letter Room which reveals Mary's final thoughts prior to her execution. You'll learn about secret plots and dashing rogues as you ponder the life and times of Scotland's most famous queen.
Entry is free but donations are welcome. Find out more on the official website.
Visitor Centre Open Hours: April - October: daily 10:00 - 16:00 (15:00 on Sundays) November: 10:00 - 15:00

Jedburgh Abbey is the most magnificent of the four Border Abbeys, thanks to its imposing nave. It took more than 70 years to build Jedburgh Abbey, and with all the ornate Gothic detailing and lofty towers, you can see why. Stroll around the grounds and check out the cloister gardens, the ancillary buildings, and of course the medieval abbey itself. There's a small museum on site too which has some superbly preserved early Christian artefacts on display. Before leaving, climb the tower for those iconic aerial views looking down over the ruins, and pose for photos beside the dramatic columns.
Book tickets here.
Jedburgh Abbey Open Hours: April - September: daily 10:00 - 17:00 October - March: daily 10:00 - 16:00

Return to your car and continue your road trip through the rural Scottish Borders.

Your next stop is the iconic Waterloo Monument, which can be seen from miles around. In fact, you've probably spotted it several times over the last couple of days and wondered what it is!
First up, this is the parking area, so leave your car here before the short walk up to the tower. If these parking bays are full, just continue along the track and you'll find a few more. There are no parking charges.

The towering 150-foot Waterloo Monument was built to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's triumph against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The tower is usually closed, but the views from here across the pastoral Borderlands are stunning so don't forget your camera.
To reach the monument from the parking area, just follow the track up the hill. The walk takes around 10 minutes.

Walk back down to the car and continue your journey north.

The Monteath Douglas Mausoleum is a quirky little stop on the way to St. Boswells, which is your next point of call. This imposing Victorian monument sits in a lonely field just outside the village of Ancrum. Guarded by two regal stone lions, the monument was built for General Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas, who was an army officer in the Bengal Infantry, and who died in 1868.
Parking is in the layby just before you reach the mausoleum, after the Lilliardsedge Holiday Park. Then, just walk up the road and continue along a farm track for 10 minutes to reach the monument.

Check into the Buccleuch Arms where you'll be staying for your final night in the Borders. This traditional coaching inn has a range of boutique bedrooms to choose from, as well as a field-to-fork restaurant on site.
Enjoy dinner in the beautiful Blue Coo Bistro, which still has many of its original features from 1836. The food here is locally sourced, with a fusion of traditional Scottish and international cuisine on offer. Try the haggis bonbons to get you in the mood!
Free parking is available on site, and if you would like to reserve a table for dinner, call 01835 822243.