Abbotsford
Extraordinary home of writer Sir Walter Scott sitting on the banks of the River Tweed in the glorious Scottish Borders.
Melrose, Roxburghshire
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Charged parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Hearing loops
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Visit Abbotsford, a monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator, one of Scotland’s most important national figures; a renowned nineteenth-century writer and ‘Great Scot’ who changed how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Borders countryside, Abbotsford was built by Sir Walter Scott in the nineteenth century as a family home, work space and private museum and his interests can be seen in the amazing gothic architecture and interiors jam-packed with fascinating curios, artefacts, books and stories galore.
Visitors can learn about Sir Walter Scott through visiting the historic house and free exhibition. Browse Abbotsford’s shop, enjoy seasonal food in Ochiltree’s café or simply relax in the beautiful Regency Walled Gardens and tranquil woodlands.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Abbotsford
Abbotsford, the historic home of Sir Walter Scott, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and conditions for each area and event:
General Opening Times
- The historic house, gardens, chapel, Witch Corner sculpture trail, and visitor centre (including the gift shop, café, and free exhibition) are open daily from 10 am until 31st December. Note that specific Christmas hours apply for the house and Witch Corner.
- The estate walks are open to the public year-round.
Winter Opening Hours (1st December 2025 - 1st March 2026)
- House and Gardens:
- 22–23 December: Open 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3 pm)
- 24 December: Open 10 am–2 pm (last entry 1 pm)
- 25–26 December: Closed
- 27–30 December: Open 11 am–3 pm (last entry 2 pm)
- 31 December: Open 11 am–2 pm (last entry 1 pm)
- 1-2 January: Closed
- January-February: Closed
- From 1 March: House reopens
- Visitor Centre & Witch Corner:
- 22-24 December: Open 10 am-4 pm
- 25-26 December: Closed
- 27-30 December: Open 10 am-4 pm
- 31 December: Open 11 am–3 pm
- 1-2 January: Closed
- 3-4 January: Open 10 am-4 pm
- 5 January – 28 February: Open Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm
- Ochiltree's Café:
- 22–23 December: Open 10 am–4 pm
- 24 December: Open 10 am-3 pm
- 25–26 December: Closed
- 27–30 December: Open 10 am–4 pm
- 31 December: Open 10 am–3 pm
- 1-2 January: Closed
- 3-4 January: Open 10 am-4 pm
- 5 January – 28 February: Open Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm
Special Events
- Family Fridays: From 19th December 2025 to 18th December 2026, Family Fridays offer monthly opportunities to explore Abbotsford with family-friendly activities.
- Chapel Closure: The chapel will be closed on 24th November 2025.
Admission Prices
- House and Gardens:
- Adult: £15.40
- Student: £14.30
- Children (Under 17): £7.20
- Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £39.60
- Children under 3: Free
- Gardens Only:
- Adult: £8.20
- Children (Under 17): £4.40
- Student: £7.70
- Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 under 17s): £23.10
- Children under 3: Free
- Witch Corner: Tickets available for the supernatural sculpture trail with interactive content for all ages.
Discounts and Free Admission
- Friends of Abbotsford/Circle members: Free
- Historic Houses Pass: Free*
- Young Scot Card: £1
- National Art Pass: 50% off admission
- Faculty of Advocates: Free family ticket available to all practising Advocates, judges, retired and inactive Advocates**
*Booking required for free Historic Houses tickets. **Tickets available on arrival only with Faculty of Advocates identity card.
Dog Policy
Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the grounds and gardens as well as the café. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.
For more information, visit Abbotsford and enjoy the historic and scenic attractions it offers.
Historic Houses members visit for free
House and Gardens
Adult £15.40
Student £14.30
Child £7.20
Family Ticket £39.60
https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/visit/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-opening-times
We warmly welcome groups and can help you plan all aspects of your visit to suit your interests and needs. Our friendly, knowledgeable guides and bookings team are ready to help you plan a visit to suit your itinerary and make your experience at Abbotsford one to treasure.
Pre-book your tour and be assured of maximum benefits from your visit. If there are 10 or more in your group, pre-book a visit to Abbotsford and enjoy additional benefits.
Our programme for schools takes pupils on a journey into the heart of Scott’s world with an exciting range of cross-curricular learning experiences for pupils of all ages.
Contact us to discuss a visit and discover Abbotsford and the world of Sir Walter Scott for yourself!
- Hearing loops
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Melrose, Roxburghshire
Train services from Edinburgh operate 7 days a week and takes just under an hour. Bus services including the ‘Border Weaver’, X62 and 72 stop a short stroll from Abbotsford.
A Hop On Hop Off Tour, complete with commentary, also stops also takes in Abbotsford.
What3words: main visitor car park entrance is at ///shops.chap.ranges
On Sir Walter Scott
Scott was a great and versatile writer, the author of splendidly long poems, of lyrics & short stories. Abbotsford reflects, almost like no other place, the mind, enthusiasms and preoccupations of the man who built it.
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