A day trip to Rosslyn Chapel may be within seven miles of Edinburgh, but it feels like stepping…read moreinto another realm. The chapel is easily accessible by bus--a roughly 50-minute journey from the city centre. Our route had more than forty stops, yet I didn't mind at all. We were seated on the top deck of a double-decker, watching the city slowly give way to the Lowlands, enjoying glimpses of Edinburgh's outer edges as we made our way toward the chapel. Rosslyn Chapel is steeped in mystery, but if it looks familiar, that's because it is! Rosslyn Chapel was the inspiration for the book and film the Da Vinci Code. As such, she's a magnet for tourists looking to get a taste of intrigue. Dan Brown may have brought this chapel into popular culture in his book The Da Vinci Code, but this chapel was famous in its own right long before that. Rosslyn Chapel has been loved for both its amazing decorative artwork as well as the mystery that surrounds it with people for decades. After the "Da Vinci Code" movie, thousands of people came here every day looking to find some truth in the story, and thousands of people walked away disappointed. But whether you believe in the Da Vinci and Templar theories or not, this church is still an interesting place to visit. The chapel was founded by William Sinclair of the Sinclair family, a noble family descended from Norman knights who moved to Scotland when they fell out with William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The chapel itself is actually quite small. Standing 12 meters tall and 21 meters long, it was originally built to be a full style Gothic cathedral in the shape of a cross. However, when William Sinclair died his son decided to stop construction. He closed up the "top" and just made the existing building into a much smaller chapel. You can spend hours looking over all the reliefs, statues, and images. They are fascinating. The most fascinating one is the American maize (corn), which was not discovered at the time this church was built. Over one of the windows, there is clearly maize, leading many people to theorize the Sinclairs had contact with America years before Columbus did. (Though that isn't exactly revolutionary, as it's well documented that Columbus was not the first European to discover America.) we had a timed ticket and they have their own guide tht gives you a tour (on certain time). so check out the time when you enter.

I thought it was worth the cost. You have to buy a years pass but we were only going to be there…read moreonce. They do give discounts if you are in military, unemployed, disabled or over 65. Im unemployed and disabled but my hubby didnt mess with the discounts. It's a smaller place than i expected but the detail was stunning. I wish they had allowed photography id have been there all day. So much symbolism and history in every detail but you need a zoom lens to really see it. It was beautiful and so much stone detail it was gaudy. There are yours and information but I'm more visual. I asked why no photos and they claimed someone tripped and try to sue. I would pay extra to be able to do my thang with camera without having to sneak.

A wonderful reflection of a very significant part of Scottish history. Abbotsford House and its…read moreabsolutely delightful, simple gardens that invite reflection on what grows and how nature sustains us is an absolute must visit when in the area. The beautifully designed visitors' center with its thoughtfully assembled collection of gift items including very high quality scarves (made in Scotland!) is worth a detour in and of itself. The library, Sir Walter Scott's office, the dining room, they are all reflections of what made this man and his contribution to what Scotland is today so worthwhile.

I'm not a fan of Sir Scott's writings. Indeed, reading Ivanhoe in junior high might have set back…read moremy novel reading by decades. Nevertheless, Abbotsford is a fascinating place, well worth the visit. We started with a tasty lunch in the cafe-highly recommend your doing so. The audio tour was one of the best we've ever had. We did the one where actors play Sir Scott and others around him, as he gives you a personal tour. Very clever and well done.

This lovely building is a prominent landmark in Galashiels, found at the top of Bank Street. It…read moredates from 1867, having been built by Robert Hall & Co. From 1924-27 there were substantial additions by the architect, R.S. Lorimer, chiefly consisting of Scottish Renaissance-style buildings including the clock tower, war memorial and a three storey extension. The building is mainly used as the burgh chambers and the rest of it houses the council offices. I can't write much about the interior as I haven't been inside but I have read it is very beautiful (fine entrance hall, quality timber panelling, decorative wrought iron work, painted panel depicting the town motto, 'Sour Plums', brass ram light fittings and a mural of Pan). The basement was once used as a police station and apparently some evidence of the cells remains. My photo was taken from the guest house where we stayed a while ago really a lovely view of the Burgh Chambers from there and some of the attractive surrounding countryside.

This is a sleeper hit--small but memorable. Seeing what a historical border house looks like is…read moreinteresting. The audio guide is fantastic. I know much more about Mary than I did before my tour. Pro tip, grab a takeaway lunch and eat in the lovely gardens before your tour. Please donate generosity! They don't ask for enough money and it take more than sheep to keep that garden trimmed and looking beautiful.

The best place to park is in the free car park with the bottle bank on the main road and the house…read moreis a street away, its well signed It was £3 to get in but has a really good audio tour included The tour starts downstairs in the gift shop and works its way up through the house to a suprsing number of rooms A very detailed tour with some rooms set out the way they would have been when she was there and a lot of information on here life and its downfall There are lots of boards to read and mementos from her life and some very touching info from before she was excecuted Its a very interesting place I now know a lot more about mary queen of scots Well worth a visit when you are in jedburgh

Just had my son's wedding here and stayed two nights in the castle as well. Can't say enough…read morewonderful things about our experience, everything was absolutely perfect. Jenna, Jamie, and all of the staff are simply amazing. Beautiful, peaceful grounds provided the most beautiful backdrop for indeed a very special day.

Definitely recommend! The tour guide Lesley is very friendly and helpful. The rooms are beautiful…read moreinside, and you can take photos and videos. Super interesting to hear the history of the castle! Can take an uber from Edinburgh, but will have to call a private car for a ride to the closest train station.

This is more like a fairy tale palace than a castle - It was built in the 18th century as a country…read morehouse I love all the old swords and guns on one wall of the entrance hall It is full of wonderful decor the drawing room has some lovely tapestries There are two places to eat which do wonderful meals and you can get some to take away at the Castle Kitchen Produce shop where they do all sorts of great food They have jars of dulche de leche here which is one of the few places I have managed to find them The gardens are lovely and there is a garden shop which has a giant selection of plants I got a jasmine here a few years ago which flowers wondefully

What a beautiful castle, we were driving passed and thought hey let's go and have a look…read more The staff were very knowledgable and were really kind to our little boy . Very friendly and highly recommend a visit here.

SMAILHOLM is not only a tower to look at, no, it also comes with it's surrounding hills, walkways…read moreand amazing views towards Kelso, Northumberland and much more. On a good sunny day the views are clear and breathtaking. Fresh air, hummingbirds and solace are your companions. Best way is down the A68. It's not far from Kelso in the Borders. The 20 meter high tower is still in tact, and although some of the outbuildings might be destroyed, you can still feel its strength. The lands were once held by the powerful Pringle family of which a few family members gave their lives in the nearby battle of Flodden. On occasion the lands and tower were subject to raids from the English. Smailholm is also linked to Sir Walter Scott and his connection and inspirations are presented in various rooms in the castle. On the ground floor there is a small Historic Scotland shop and the admission is £4.50 for an adult. Commissions apply. No toilets. Open summer only. There is a little walk up the hill towards the castle, such not really ideal for wheelchairs. Don't miss out on the fantastic views from the roof top!

This looks small from the outside It is a short walk up to…read morethe tower from the car park Inside it has a suprising amount there is a gift shop in the first room and an exhibition on the castle It was built as a 15th century pele towers to protect against the maurding english and steal the cattle and there are some interesting stories about the raids Throughout the rooms over the four storeys are figures in cases represeting the lift of walter scott His poem Marmion mentions smailhom The roof gives a lovely view of the surronding area but be careful as the steps up are very steep

I'm literally speechless how awesome this place is and not to mention its remote location makes it…read moreone jewel of its kind. Crichton castle is kept and maintained by Historic Scotland and only open to visitors from April to September. Entry for non members is about £4.50. There is a small car park not far from the castle and a 10 min walk to get to the main castle entrance. The scenery surrounding the castle is awe inspiring. No need to hurry, just walk slowly, take in the amazing scenery and breath the fresh air. I believe the tower was build in the 14th century by John Crichton. His son became a very powerful magnate in Scottish history and started the castle's extension. During the 1600's the castle changed hands and later was neglected and became a ruin. The inside is not large and you can get around very quickly. You can see the italian style inpired inner wall, the old ruined tower, a well, wonderful views surrounding the castle and various chambers. It was a windy day and the walls offered me shelter.I could also listen to the sounds of pigeons giving the place a mystic background. There is a keeper who watches the place and ensures that the entrance is paid. He is a lovely soul. Outside I walked down to the stables that sheltered the horses. Needless to say, the horses were spoilt :-) Above the entrance you can still see a horseshoe imprint. Behind the stable starts a hiking path. Best you wear ideal shoes for the adventure. I defo will be back and a picnic will definitiely be on the cards as well as a wee wonder around.

This place is totally forgotten... this makes it perfect for very private, romantic picnic ;-)read more