Melrose is picturesquely positioned in the Scottish Borders region, on the River Tweed, with views of the three peaks of the Eildon Hills. It’s a wonderful destination for anyone with even a whiff of interest in the great outdoors — even if you just like enjoying a spectacular view from a charming country pub, or waiting for the fish to bite against a divine backdrop. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Melrose offer an opportunity to escape it all, or to join in with the surprising amount little Melrose has to offer. We've uncovered a couple of smart country house B&Bs plus a couple of small hotels right in the centre of town.
Melrose is generally busier during the spring and summer — there are a number of festivals visitors arrive for, including the Borders Book Festival, the Eildon Two Hills Race, the Melrose Pipe Band Championships and the Melrose Festival — which celebrates great citizens of Melrose. Melrose is also the birthplace of rugby sevens, and there’s a huge annual tournament in spring — a tournament which was inaugurated in 1883 and is a must for any fan of the sport.
There's plenty of historical interest here too. The monastery, now Melrose Abbey, was founded in 1124, and though it’s now in ruins, it’s still a magical place to visit, and is the last resting place of several significant Scottish nobles. One of the treasures of the museum part of the modern-day abbey is a casket containing what is supposed to be the heart of Robert the Bruce. Nearby are the ruins of the Roman fort of Trimontium, and the home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford House. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Melrose are spread outside the town, as well as within, so check the map if you’d like to be within a pleasant stroll of these local sights.
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Melrose (SCOTTISH BORDERS)
A chic hotel in the centre of the historic town of Melrose. Smart rooms feature dark hues, enormous sink-into beds and contemporary bathrooms. The laid back brasserie or fantastic fine-dining restaurant offer the perfect respite after a day spent exploring the region.
Melrose (Melrose )
A quintessentially British pub with 20 well designed rooms and a fabulous restaurant and bar. Mixing traditional and contemporary design throughout the style is warm yet unfussy. perfectly located in the pretty market town of Melrose yet with the surrounding country pursuits within easy reach.
Melrose
This rural 5* B&B is a bastion of Arts and Crafts architecture with sweeping views across the Eildon Hills, country-chic interiors and eclectic art to boot. Fauhope enjoys a serene setting offering, a drawing room with an open fire and first-class service from the live-in owners.
Melrose (Borders)
A striking Georgian house set in three acres in the Scottish Borders. There are just two rooms, both beautifully styled, featuring sash windows, Egyptian cotton linens and luxury toiletries. Breakfasts are a hearty affair (think whisky porridge) and the hosts ever warm. A charming rural hideaway.
