Abbotsford's three walled gardens were designed by Sir Walter Scott in the 1820's to surround his 'Conundrum Castle' and remain virtually intact today.

The South Court was an exercise in new ideas exploring the transition from inside to outside, with a gallery of stone, an arcade with 144 botanical motifs and a fountain (planted to represent flowing wine). The kitchen garden has been in continuous cultivation, with a colourful herbaceous borders, trained fruit and heritage vegetables and a beautiful Gothic conservatory based on a medieval pavillion. The East Court is a quiet, sunken garden flanked by the lofty castle-like east facade, with its charming clairvoyee and flag-tower-cum-fruit and seed store. The North Terrace offers views to the River Tweed and is a start point for woodland and riverside walks around the 120 acres of designed Picturesque landscape.

How to find us

We offer free parking for cars, coaches as well as bicycles in the Visitor Centre car park.

Train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, roughly a mile from Abbotsford, run 7 days a week and take just under an hour.

From Tweedbank Station, you can either walk or catch the Abbotsford Minibus. The minibus is staffed entirely by volunteers, so times are subject to change. Please check our website for more information.

Alternatively, bus services X62 and 72 stop at Tweedbank roundabout, a short stroll from Abbotsford. Several local bus routes stop at Galafoot Bridge, 10 minutes walking distance via a public footpath to Abbotsford.

Walking and cycle routes are easy alternatives, with the walk from Tweedbank taking only 20 minutes, following the 'Abbotsford Link' or Borders Abbey Way.

Location

Awards

VisitScotland 5* Visitor Attraction

Highlights

• An authentic 1820s garden accompanying the wonderland that is Abbotsford.
• Tulip Festival from late April to late May.
• A riverside meadow with over 250 species of wild flowers
• Rose displays throughout gardens from late June to July onwards.
• Shady riverside walks in Scott's oak dense woodland in mid summer.

Guided tours

The garden tour offers an insight into the three walled gardens and its surrounding estate. Experts will help unravel the history of the site and Scott's innovative approach to garden design, and highlight key views, features and planting. Group Visits for both Garden Tours and House and Garden Tours are available throughout the season (March 1st until December 1st)
For detail and pricing please view our website.

Group visits

Group Visits for both Garden Tours and House and Garden Tours are available throughout the season (March 1st until December 1st)
For details and pricing please view our website.

Accessibility statement

You can find our accessibility statement here.

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• Daffodil Displays
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