The most picturesque of the Borders towns and home of 7-a-side rugby. The Abbey (above), wrecked like the others by Henry VIII, is where Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried. The Abbey was further damaged by a local family, the Douglases, who used its stones to build their own house at the end of the Cloisters. Sir Walter Scott, the famous 19th century romantic novelist, superintended the subsequent repair works.

Abbotsford, Scott's home, is 3km from Melrose. If you have the time it is well worth a trip, stuffed as it is with Scottish curios. It is a monument to 19th century Scottish triumphalism - an utter delight (T:+44 (0)1896 752043). Abbotsford is where he composed some of his classics, which include Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake.

Sir Walter Scott purchased Cartleyhole farmhouse on the banks of the River Tweed in 1812. Together with his family and servants, he moved into the farm which he renamed Abbotsford.

Scott was a passionate collector of historic relics, including an impressive collection of armour and weapons, Rob Roy's gun and Montrose's sword, and over 9,000 rare volumes in his library.

Visitors will be able to Sir Walter Scott's study, library, drawing room, entrance hall and armouries, and the dining room overlooking the Tweed where Sir Walter died on 21st September, 1832.

21. Melrose		Back to
Ann O'Neill		Old Abbey School, Waverley Rd, Melrose, TD6 9SH
T		01896 823432
E		oneill@abbeyschool.fsnet.co.uk
Rooms		2D, 1T
B&B		£25-£27.50
Packed lunch		£4

Comfortable family home in 150 year old converted school house situated within easy walking distance of the town centre and river Tweed.

Kenny Paterson		Fiorlin, Abbey St, TD6 9PX
Telephone		01896 822984
Email		fiorlin@btinternet.com
Web		www.melroseaccommodation.co.uk
Rooms		1D, 1T
B&B		£30-£40
Packed lunch		£5
VisitScotland		3 star

Right in the centre of Melrose. Lovely old house full of character within its own walled grounds. Secure lock up and ideal stop off

Malcolm McDonald		Kings Arms Hotel, High St, TD6 9PB
T		01896 822143
F		01896 823812
E		enquiries@kingsarmshotel.co.uk
W		www.kingsarmsmelrose.co.uk
Rooms		1 single, 4D/T, 2F plus courtyard cottage with 2T (£90 for 4 sharing)
B&B		£32.50-£45.
PL		From £3.50
EM		£5.95 to £17.95

Original meeting place of Melrose Rugby Club and one of Scotland's oldest coaching inns. Good food, lively company and welcoming. Perfect Pub Award by Greene King brewery; Good Beer Guide 2004; Walkers Guide UK Silver Award for quality and service.

Mrs Sheila Robson		Fauhope, Melrose, TD6 9LU
Telephone		01896 823184
Email		fauhope@bordernet.co.uk
Rooms		2D, 2T.
B&B		£23 or £25.
Packed Lunch		From £5
Evening meal		By arrangement.
Smoking		No
VisitScotland 4-star; AA 5-star		10 minutes from pubs & restaurants.

An Edwardian country house in 15 acres of grounds overlooking the Tweed and Melrose Abbey; a stunning location. It is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Melrose, over the footbridge which spans the river.

Philip & Janette Titley		George & Abbotsford, High St, Melrose, TD6 9PD
Tel		01896 822308
Fax		01896 823363
Web		www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Email		enquiries@georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Rooms		5S, 7D, 13T, 1Triple, 1F
B&B		£40-£50
Packed lunch		£5.50
Evening meal		£8.95 to £17.95
Safe storage, bike washing and drying facilities.		VisitBritain 2-star hotel

A former coaching inn with lots of character close to the Abbey and the Tweed. All rooms are en-suite, food is freshly prepared and local; spacious bar and restaurant in a comfortable and spacious family hotel. Sells locally brewed ales and locally sourced food.