Gardens of the Scottish Borders

Gardens of the Scottish Borders

Gardens of the Scottish BordersScotland
Fully GuidedFully Guided
33 Nights
Nights
-
B&B
Transport: Flights & TransfersFlights & Transfers

    Your Guided Garden Tour of the Scottish Borders

    Let's uncover some remarkable scenery in Scotland on this 3-night garden break. Our tour will begin at Dawyck Botanic Garden to see its impressive worldwide tree collection and then we make our way to our base in the market town of Kelso, which is known for its historic architecture. On a tour of Abbotsford House & Garden, we'll learn more about Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish historian, novelist and playwright who lived there from 1812 until his death in 1832 and who even designed the gardens himself. We'll discover Carolside - an 18th century mansion, Harmony Garden which offers wonderful views across Melrose Abbey and Floors Castle & Garden, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. We'll also explore Mertoun House Gardens, which overlooks the River Tweed, and Kailzie Gardens with its array of diverse plants. Travel with us and be inspired by these incredible gardens of Scotland.

    Tour Map

    Trip Itinerary

    Activity Level 2

    Activity Level: Leisurely

    What does this level mean?

    Day

    Dawyck Botanic Garden & Kelso

    1

    Depart Dublin & Dawyck Botanic Garden

    Time: MorningMorning

    We begin our journey by meeting our expert gardener, Iain MacDonald, at Dublin Airport for our flight to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to Dawyck Botanic Garden, located in the scenic Scottish Borders. This garden boasts one of Scotland’s most impressive tree collections and is home to a wealth of plant species from regions such as Nepal, Chile, China, and more.

    Kelso

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    In the afternoon, we’ll head to our hotel in the charming market town of Kelso, where we’ll be based for the remainder of our tour. 

    Enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening.

    Abbotsford House & Garden, Carolside Garden and Harmony Garden

    2

    Abbotsford House & Garden

    Time: MorningMorning

    After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll visit Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott. The house remains much as Scott left it, filled with his fascinating collection of artifacts. The garden, designed by Scott himself, is a rare example of a Regency-style garden, with three distinct outdoor “rooms” offering picturesque views of the main house.

    Carolside Gardens

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    Next, we’ll explore Carolside Gardens, which have been cultivated for over 200 years. Known for its soft herbaceous planting, vibrant Delphinium beds, and subtle colour schemes, the garden features distinct “rooms,” including a Secret Garden, Winter Garden, Herb Garden, and an oval Walled Garden.

    Harmony Garden

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    Our final stop today is Harmony Garden at Melrose Abbey, a tranquil space with manicured lawns, fragrant borders, and well-maintained fruit and vegetable beds, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully proportioned Georgian manor house.

    Floors Castle & Garden and Mertoun House Gardens

    3

    Floors Castle & Garden

    Time: MorningMorning

    This morning, we’ll visit Floors Castle & Garden, Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. Built between 1721 and 1726 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe, the estate’s gardens include a Walled Garden, Tapestry Garden, and the formal Millennium Garden, all offering stunning views and unique features.

    Mertoun House Gardens

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    In the afternoon, we’ll explore Mertoun House Gardens, which overlook the River Tweed. The garden features a fascinating array of plants, shrubs, and trees, along with a preserved circular dovecot dating to 1567, ornamental ponds, herbaceous borders, and sweeping lawns.

    Kailzie Gardens, Portmore Gardens & Return Home

    4

    Kailzie Gardens

    Time: MorningMorning

    After checking out of our hotel, we’ll head to Kailzie Gardens for a morning visit. This 20-acre garden and woodland area has been nurtured over generations and showcases all the elements of a classic garden. Highlights include the 19th-century walled garden, Mackenzie and Moncur Glasshouses, herbaceous borders, hedges, and a formal rose garden.

    Portmore Gardens

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    This afternoon, join us on a visit to Portmore Gardens, a beautiful Victorian garden featuring a 1.5-acre Walled Garden with herbaceous borders, a potager, a rose garden, and an ornamental fruit cage. The site also includes large Victorian glasshouses, home to an Italianate Grotto.

    Return to Dublin

    Time: EveningEvening

    After a memorable few days exploring the stunning gardens of the Scottish Borders, we’ll transfer to Edinburgh Airport for our return flight to Dublin.

    * We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

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    Know before you go

    What if there is an emergency?

    We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

    Do I need a Visa?

    Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

    Will I be met at the airport?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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