Bowhill showcases remarkable tapestries with new Great Tapestry of Scotland ticket collaboration

Bowhill House, the historic residence of the Duke of Buccleuch in the Scottish Borders, is inviting visitors to discover two remarkable tapestry stories this August as it unveils a new ticket collaboration with The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels.

The partnership encourages visitors to experience both Bowhill’s historic tapestry collection and The Great Tapestry of Scotland, two attractions just 20 minutes apart that together offer complementary perspectives on Scotland’s history, heritage and textile craftsmanship. This year’s Bowhill House tour will take visitors through the Victorian side of the House while essential works are undertaken elsewhere in the building.

Bowhill is home to an impressive collection of historic tapestries, forming part of the internationally renowned Buccleuch Collection. Although parts of the House are currently undergoing essential works, visitors joining the guided tour will still be able to enjoy a carefully curated route through the Victorian side of the House, with the opportunity to see magnificent textiles, woven upholstery and decorative furnishings that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and collecting by generations of the Buccleuch family.

The tour presents a rare opportunity to explore seldom-seen rooms within the House, focusing on the private and social spaces originally created for the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Francis, and his wife, Charlotte Anne. Renowned for their close friendship with Queen Victoria, the couple played a prominent role in the Victorian era. This tour will showcase how Bowhill was not only a grand estate but also a vibrant, lived-in home during their time — and remains so to this day.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland, based in Galashiels, is one of the world’s largest community art projects. Its 160 hand-stitched panels bring Scotland’s history, heritage and culture to life, sharing thousands of years of stories through vivid detail, craftsmanship and interpretation.

Throughout August 2026, visitors who pay full admission at either attraction can receive 10% off full-price admission to the other. To claim the discount, visitors simply present their admission ticket when they visit the second attraction.

Rory Powell, House Manager, said: “Bowhill’s tapestries are among the House’s most striking treasures, bringing colour, warmth and storytelling into some of our most memorable rooms. This collaboration with The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring art of tapestry, from historic works woven for great houses to a contemporary national artwork created by communities across Scotland. We hope visitors will take the chance to enjoy both experiences and make a day of discovering the Scottish Borders.”

The collaboration forms part of The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s wider “Follow the Thread” programme, which connects visitors with historic houses, museums, landscapes and cultural attractions across the Scottish Borders.

Bowhill House is open daily in August with tours running at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

At Bowhill, a House ticket includes access to the grounds, meaning visitors can combine a guided tour of the Victorian side of the House with time exploring the wider estate, including lochside walks, way-marked woodland trails, the Victorian Kitchen exhibition, the Old Kitchen Café and family-friendly activities.

Tickets can be purchased from www.bowhillhouse.co.uk. Visitors can keep up to date with Bowhill House on Facebook and Instagram @bowhillhouse. Contact Bowhill House by calling 01750 22204 or email [email protected].