Introduction
Melrose is the Scottish Borders distilled. A small town of handsome sandstone buildings gathered around one of Scotland's most atmospheric abbey ruins, roofless, red and enormous, with Robert the Bruce's heart buried beneath the nave. The Eildon Hills rise directly behind the town, triple-peaked and walkable in an afternoon.
It operates at a slower speed than anywhere. The independent bookshop at Main Street Trading is one of the best in the Borders. Priorwood Garden, hidden behind the abbey walls, is a National Trust gem almost no one finds.
Melrose is not a party town. It's for people who want good walking, interesting history, excellent food in small restaurants and evenings that involve wine and books.
Getting There
An hour south of Edinburgh on the A68 or A7. Bus connections from Edinburgh (Galashiels interchange). No direct train, the Borders Railway reaches Galashiels, 4 miles away, with onward bus.
Areas to Know
Market Square and Abbey Street surround the abbey. The high street runs west with shops and restaurants. Eildon Hills access begins from several points on the south side of town.
