Carolside House & Gardens
One of Scotland's finest private gardens.
Earlston, Scottish Borders, TD4 6AL
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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No loos
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Carolside is an 18th-century mansion in beautiful parkland, in a valley in the Scottish Borders .Its setting is romantic and serene; framed by steep wooded hills with the River Leader running through.
It’s facade is thought to have been modelled on Chesterfield House, Mayfair, London ,demolished in 1937 . The design was by Isaac Ware, the Palladian architect (1704-1766). There has been a settlement there since at least the 16th century. Carolside has been cultivated for over 200 years and has a long history of good gardeners and was a well-known Rose garden in Edwardian days.
Carolside Is considered to be one of Scotland’s finest private gardens and is best known for its Collection of historic roses and National Collection of Gallica Roses.
The Garden has evolved into a series of rooms in the last 30 years, each with a unique atmosphere and planted in different colours but each filled with roses amongst the soft, delicate and subtle planting of herbaceous plants .
Visit the Herb garden with yellow and white roses amongst the fresh yellow and greens of the herbs , the Secret garden planted in silver and pale pinks or the Hidden garden through the green Gothic door only planted in white roses and violets with roses tumbling from the apple trees or the contrast of the Winter garden, which in the summer relies on the texture and colour of leaves and uses burgundy and white to delicately bring it to life for the summer .
Take a tranquil walk through the Rose gates into the beautiful parkland and the river beyond and enjoy the view from the 18th century bridge.
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.
Carolside Gardens is a beautiful 18th-century mansion surrounded by parkland and gardens, known for its collection of historic roses, including the National Collection of Gallica Roses. The gardens are open to the public during specific times each year.
Opening Times
The gardens are open annually from 2nd May to 26th July, inclusive. During this period, the gardens are open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From 12th June to 26th July, the opening hours are extended until 7:00 PM.
Currently, the gardens are closed and will reopen in May 2026.
Admission Prices
- Adults: £8.00 per person
- Children under 16: Free
- Historic Houses members: Free
Donations can be left in the honesty box at the main door to the Walled Garden.
Private Tours and Group Visits
- Groups are welcome but must book in advance. Admission is £8.00 per person.
- Refreshments (tea/coffee and homemade cake) are available for £7.00 per person, with a minimum group charge of £30.00.
- Admission with an introductory talk is £20.00 per person without refreshments or £25.00 per person with refreshments. The minimum charge for this option is £200.00.
- Private guided tours with the owner are available upon request and can include private lunches, champagne evening tours, or dinners in the house for up to 28 guests. Private lunches or dinners are available year-round.
For bookings or inquiries, contact via telephone at +44(0)1896849272 or +44(0)7967354173, or email [email protected].
Additional Information
- Dogs are welcome in the park but must be kept on a lead.
- Private garden tours can include exclusive lunches, dinners, cocktails, afternoon teas, or champagne teas, which can be booked throughout the year.
Carolside Gardens is a romantic and beautiful destination, offering a unique experience for visitors to enjoy its historic roses and serene atmosphere.
Historic Houses members visit for free and can make a booking by emailing [email protected].
£8 per person for entrance to garden
Children visit for free.
Groups are welcome but please book your visit. Refreshments can be provided.
ADMISSION WITH INTRODUCTORY TALK –
£25 per person including refreshments. Minimum charge £200
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS with the owner – please enquire. Can include Private Lunches, Champagne Evening Tours or Dinner in the house for up to 28 guests.
(Private lunches or dinners are available all year)
Please email: [email protected]
Tel: 01896849272 or 07967354173
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Getting here
Earlston, Scottish Borders, TD4 6AL
Car: Please use TD46AL when driving. We are on the A68, 1 mile North of Earlston. Entrance is on the left when travelling North, through black wrought iron gates.
Public Transport: The nearest mainline train station – Berwick Upon Tweed (35 miles)
Connecting bus no 60 to Earlston village centre, walk/taxi.
Direct bus from Edinburgh/ Jedburgh /Kelso- No 51or 52. Ask driver to stop at Carolside entrance.
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