Mertoun Gardens
Located in an outstanding setting overlooking the River Tweed, a garden full of interesting plants, shrubs and specimen trees.
St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EA
Facilities
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Garden only
Mertoun House was designed by Sir William Bruce for Sir William Scott of Harden and was built in 1703-05. It occupies an outstanding situation on a high bank overlooking the River Tweed and ornamental parkland beyond.
Little is known of the early history of the gardens, but it is assumed from the great age of many of the specimen trees that they were laid out at the time the mansion was built.
It is possible that at least part of the gardens existed prior to that date, since the former mansion house, known as Old Mertoun House – now the head gardener’s house in the walled garden – dates from 1677 and nearby is a well preserved, circular dovecot dated 1567, thought to be the oldest in the county.
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.
Mertoun Gardens is a historic and beautifully maintained garden located near St Boswells, Scotland. The gardens are open to the public during specific times of the year and offer a variety of attractions and features for visitors to enjoy.
Opening Times
The gardens are open from 1st April to 30th September on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. The opening hours are from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry allowed at 5:30 PM. Visits outside these times can be arranged by appointment. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the gardens.
Attractions
- The Gardens: The gardens feature a variety of plant species, including herbaceous plants, shrub roses, azaleas, and an arboretum with conifers and hardwoods. Visitors can enjoy circular walks with views over the River Tweed.
- The Walled Garden: This area includes Old Mertoun House, a variety of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and greenhouses. Visitors are asked to respect the privacy of Old Mertoun House and not to enter the greenhouses.
- The Arboretum: Established over the last 60 years, the arboretum contains a wide variety of trees and is accessible via paths throughout the gardens.
Location
Mertoun Gardens is located by the B6404, 2 miles north-east of St Boswells. Free parking is available adjacent to the walled garden.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online. Visitors can show their QR code or booking reference upon arrival for entry.
Enjoy your visit to Mertoun Gardens!
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Getting here
St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EA
Mertoun Gardens can be found by the B6404, 2 miles north-east of St Boswells.
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