- Heritage

Jedburgh Abbey

Founded by David I c1138 for Augustinian Canons. The abbey is mostly in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. The award winning visitor centre contains the priceless 12th century ‘Jedburgh Comb’ and other artefacts found during archaeological excavations…

Melrose Abbey

The abbey was founded about 1136 by David I and at one time was probably the richest in Scotland. Richard II’s English army largely destroyed it in 1385 but it was rebuilt and the surviving remains are mostly 14th century. Burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. Local history displays…

Dryburgh Abbey

Remarkably complete ruins of Dryburgh Abbey by the River Tweed. The chapter house reveals plaster and paintwork dating back to its inception…

Hermitage Castle

An eerie fortress at the heart of the bloodiest events in the history of the Borders. Mary Queen of Scots made her famous ride here to visit her future husband…

Smailholm Tower

Set on a high rocky knoll this well preserved 16th century tower houses an exhibition of tapestries and costume dolls depicting characters from Sir Walter Scott’s Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders…

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle is an impressive medieval stronghold which sits on a triangular site surrounded by moats. The castle’s remarkable features include the twin-towered gatehouse and the Renaissance Nithsdale lodging. Today visitors can enjoy a siege warfare exhibition, a children’s adventure park and a nature trail leading to an earlier castle…

Cardoness Castle

A well preserved ruin of a six storey tower house dating back to the 15th century. Standing on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet the castle was the ancient home of the McCulloch clan. Very fine fireplaces and excellent views over Fleet Bay…

Crossraguel Abbey

Founded in the early 13th century by the Earl of Carrick. Remarkably complete remains include church, cloister, chapter house and much of the domestic premises…

Dundrennan Abbey

This 12th century Cistercian abbey stands in a small and secluded valley and was founded by David I. Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil here in 1568…

Glenluce Abbey

Glenluce Abbey, founded around 1192 by Roland, Lord of Galloway, is set in the secluded valley of the Water of Luce. Its remains include a 16th century chapter house with fine architectural features and wonderful acoustics. The abbey’s museum of monastic life houses a fascinating collection of artefacts…