Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Scotland
The Tweed Valley, the New Borders Railway and Edinburgh
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Mellerstain House and Gardens
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Floors Castle Drawing Room ©Courtsey of Roxburghe Estates
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Palace of Holyroodhouse side view ©Photographer Jane Massey, Royal Collection Trust ©His Majesty King Charles III 2023
This Tweed Valley tour combines a visit to Edinburgh, a ride on the scenic Borders Railway, and visits to Abbotsford (the home of Sir Walter Scott), Mellerstain House and Gardens, one of Scotland’s finest Stately Homes, and Floors Castle. There’s also an opportunity to discover the unique Ford and Etal Estates, including Heatherslaw Corn Mill and Lady Waterford Hal
Edinburgh is a city with a wealth of history, and preserves this in its culture to create a blend of old and new. Edinburgh is home to Scotland’s number one visitor attraction the Edinburgh Castle, situated at the top of the Royal Mile, with amazing views of the city. Edinburgh does not fall short of attractions to visit from Edinburgh Zoo, to the underground vaults and a variety of museums and galleries.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to the Scottish Borders
Day 2
Ford and Etal Estates, and Floors Castle
We take a leisurely journey through the scenic Tweed Valley to visit the Ford and Etal Estates. These private estates are home to two picturesque villages with a collection of unique visitor attractions. Lady Waterford Hall was commissioned in 1860 by Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford. She spent 21 years decorating the interior of the Hall with Biblical scenes as a teaching aid for pupils, using many of the children from the village school and other villagers as models. We then visit the restored 19th century Heatherslaw Cornmill. After lunch we visit Floors Castle near Kelso, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland.
Day 3
Edinburgh and a ride on the scenic Borders Railway
Today we take a trip on the recently opened Borders Railway from Tweedbank into Edinburgh. A guided walking tour of Scotland’s capital will reveal more about Royal Edinburgh. In the afternoon there’s free time to explore the city before we join our coach for a leisurely drive through the Pentland Hills to our hotel.
Day 4
Abbotsford and visit to Mellerstain House and Gardens
This morning we visit Abbotsford, the romantic mansion situated on the banks of the River Tweed that was home to the 19th century novelist, Sir Walter Scott. In the afternoon we travel to Mellerstain House and Gardens for a private visit to experience one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. Back to the hotel in time for a rest and dinner.
Day 5
Return home
Greatdays offer a selection of quality hotels in the Scottish Borders.
Optional Extras
Add an extra day to this itinerary and visit Traquair House Dawyck Botanic Garden, both attractions located close to Peebles. Traquair House is claimed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland and built in the style of a fortified mansion. Dawyck Botanic Garden, part of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is one of the world’s finest arboreta with seasonal displays of abundant exotic and native plants that provide a breathtaking backdrop of colour throughout the year.
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 2024 dates | From £345.00 per person |
| 2025 dates |
Prices available on request |
Single room supplement available upon request.
