Rugby sevens was first played at the Greenyards playing field in Melrose in 1883. The town combines its sporting connections with the history of Melrose Abbey, Roman archaeology, gardens and paths in the Eildon Hills. If you are looking for accommodation in Melrose, these different themes can help you decide whether you want your stay to focus more on culture, gardens or hiking.
Abbey and Roman history
Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 by David I as Scotland’s first Cistercian monastery. Robert the Bruce chose the abbey as the final resting place for his heart. The Commendator's House Museum at Melrose Abbey displays medieval artefacts from the cloister. The monastery’s foundation, its historical connection to Robert the Bruce and the objects displayed in the museum each represent different aspects of the abbey.
Another historical focus is the Roman period. The Trimontium Museum in Melrose presents the Roman Empire’s invasions of Scotland and the interactions between the local population and the legions. Trimontium Fort is one of the largest and most archaeologically significant Roman forts north of Hadrian’s Wall. The focus here is therefore not only on Roman campaigns, but also on encounters between the legions and the local population.
Gardens with different points of interest
Priorwood Garden lies within the old monastic precinct of Melrose Abbey, opposite the Abbey Car Park. The walled garden includes a historic orchard and flower beds. More than 70 historic apple varieties are grown organically in the orchard. The garden’s history is also remarkable: historically, Priorwood was Scotland’s only garden dedicated to growing flowers for drying.
Harmony Garden is in the centre of Melrose, opposite the abbey. Part of the garden contains vegetable plots and a fruit cage; the plots are surrounded by level paths made of gravel and wood chippings. Together, the two gardens offer different points of interest: Priorwood combines an orchard and flower beds with a distinctive historic gardening tradition, while Harmony Garden also features vegetable plots and a fruit cage.
Hiking in the Eildon Hills
The Eildon Hills Path starts and ends at the Abbey Car Park on Buccleuch Street. It is 4 miles (6.5 km) long. The path offers hikers views from the summit of North Hill. Almost 300 Bronze Age hut platforms have been preserved on this hill. The Eildon Hills are part of the Eildon and Leader foot National Scenic Area, and there is evidence that prehistoric people regarded the hills as a sacred place.
The St Cuthbert's Way is a different kind of route. It starts in Melrose, heads roughly east through several historic settlements, crosses the border into England and ends in Lindisfarne (Holy Island). The two routes can be distinguished by their layout: the Eildon Hills Path starts and ends in the same place and has a specified length; the St Cuthbert's Way crosses the national border and leads to a separate destination. This can help you decide whether to include a hike that starts and ends in Melrose or a cross-border route in your trip.
Discover more destinations: Lauder, Ettrickbridge, Gordon, Coldstream, Houndslow, Selkirk, Swinton, West Linton
For the main travel overview: The Scottish Borders.
