Scotland: Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders
2nd Sep 2026
Key Highlights
- Georgian masterpieces at Mellerstain
- Regal connections at Traquair House
- Sir Walter Scott’s personal collections at Abbotsford
- The opulence of Floors Castle
- Lunch in the Victorian Kitchen at Thirlstane Castle
Summary
The Scottish Borders are often overlooked in comparison with the Highlands and Islands, whose grandeur and drama have an obvious attraction. Yet the Borders have a quiet, understated beauty of their own, with softly rolling hills draped in early morning mist, peaceful valleys dotted with sheep farms and the sinuous, salmon-filled River Tweed, which runs like a silver thread from the Lowther Hills to the sea at Berwick.
This prosperous region is also home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a huge slice of Scottish history and folklore in a short space of time.
These include Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland, with a host of royal connections, Mellerstain House, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. Perhaps the grandest of all is Floors Castle, the magnificent home of the Duke of Roxburghe.
Our tour is based at the Peebles Hydro, a landmark hotel with its own rich history and heritage.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Services of a professional tour manager
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points and drive into the Scottish Borders for our first visit to Paxton House, one of the finest Palladian houses in Britain. The house was completed in 1763 for Patrick Home of Billie, a member of one of the most important Scottish Border families. He wanted to impress a Prussian lady he planned to marry, however this did not happen, and he never lived in the house. The house was bought 10 years later by Patrick’s cousin, Ninian Home. During our guided tour we will learn more stories of the house’s history, designed by architect Robert Adam and cabinet maker, Thomas Chippendale. There is a fine collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings from Scotland’s National Collection, Adam interiors and Georgian costumes. Lunch facilities are available here (not included).
Following our visit, we continue to our accommodation, where dinner will be served in the evening.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Aberdeen - Opposite Denburn Car Park, behind library where Spa Street meets Skene Street | 08:30 | 18:20 |
| Stonehaven - Market Square | 09:00 | 17:50 |
| Forfar - Bus stop off the A90, near McDonalds | 09:55 | 16:55 |
| Dundee - Outside Discovery Point, Riverside Drive | 10:15 | 16:35 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride | 10:45 | 16:05 |
| Kinross - Moto Services, M90 | 12:00 | 14:50 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride | 12:20 | 14:30 |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 12:45 | 14:00 |
| Joining at first visit | 14:00 | |
| 12:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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