u3a

Edinburgh u3a

Visit to Abbotsford House and Melrose

Event type: Outing
Date: Thursday 27th August 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Group: Visits
Organiser:
Jenny Clarke
Cost: £35 to include tea/coffee on arrival - other optional costs described below
Booking: Note that booking is required.

On Thursday 27th August, we will be heading to two places, Abbotsford House and Melrose

Abbotsford House

Abbotsford - The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century’s best-selling author and the man who put Scotland on the world map. In Scott’s own words it was his “conundrum castle”, a place where fact and fiction collide, inspiring him as he wrote the most popular books of his day. Its towers and gables began the craze for Scots Baronial architecture, emulated at Balmoral and across the nation.  The garden is also distinct in character, designed by Scott himself.

Melrose

There are several cafes in Melrose.  Attractions include Melrose Abbey, a partly ruined Cistercian monastery (admission £7.50), the Trimontium Museum, an immersive experience of a fort in Roman Scotland (admission £7.41) and Harmony Garden, an NTS garden with 3 acres of manicured lawns and scented borders.

Logistics

Food: Recommended to bring your own lunch, or alternatively, buy lunch in Melrose.

Departure : Hunters coach which will leave West Register House, Charlotte Square at 9amPlease arrive by 8:45am

Abbotsford House: We will arrive at about 10.30am to be greeted with tea/coffee and shortbread.  Then we can explore the House and gardens on self-guided tours.

Melrose: From Abbotsford we’ll head to Melrose for lunch and free time until 4:00pm

Return : Planning to arrive back in Charlotte Square by 5.30pm

Members attend at their own risk

Although EU3A activities and outings are covered by third party Public Liability insurance, there is NO personal accident insurance cover. Members coming on the trip do so at their own risk.

Online Booking Arrangements

For booking and payments, we’ll be using the booking platform Ticket Tailor which has several advantages:

  • Ticket Tailor allows you to quickly book your place online, using a bank debit or credit card
  • Your payment and place on the trip will be acknowledged immediately
  • You will be able to claim a refund if you change your mind more than 48 hours before the visit date.

Online Booking opens at 12 noon, on 18th June. Instructions will be available at the Monthly Meeting on 17th June to guide you through the booking process.

If you have any questions you can contact the Visits Group Leader - Jenny Clarke

Page last updated on 12th June 2026