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.

The Best Places to Stay in Melrose

For a Rural Escape

• As you may guess from the name, The Ghillie is a perfect pick for fisher-folk: a striking Georgian house set on three acres of mature gardens, not too far from Selkirk and the salmon of the Tweed River. With just two beautifully styled rooms, it’s also a wonderful escape, or a place to work on your novel, or relax with friends, or just your significant other. Expect peace and quiet, Pimms on the lawn, hearty breakfasts of whisky porridge, beautiful surrounds and warm hosts.

For Pubs-with-Rooms

• Burts Hotel is a quintessential British pub, with a friendly bar and great restaurant downstairs, and 20 well-designed rooms and suites upstairs. The decor downstairs has a traditional flavour, while upstairs there’s more light and a classic contemporary hotel style — think feature wallpapers and chic tartan rugs. Eat in the cosy bistro for a friendly, laid-back experience, or in Burts Restaurant, which has has been awarded 2AA Rosettes every year since 1995!

For Families

• The Townhouse Hotel is perfectly positioned on Market Square, in the historic part of town, and offers 20 smart, individually styled rooms and suites — including some great family options. Despite only having 20 rooms, The Townhouse has two restaurants, a laid-back brasserie, perfect for families, and a fine-dining restaurant — both champion locally sourced, and seasonal produce. Great for outdoors folk, as well as families.

For Country House Charm

• Fauhope Country House is a gorgeous Arts and Crafts style property, just north of Melrose, with glorious views across the Eildon Hills. The conversion from private home to B&B has been sympathetically done, and the three guest rooms feel like you’re a house guest as much as a paying one. Each of the rooms has been uniquely put together, and feature open fireplaces, antiques and cheerful details. Guests also have a drawing room with open fire, and can enjoy the sprawling gardens. There’s no restaurant, but the breakfast is excellent!

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Edinburgh International Airport is the closest airport to Melrose, about two and half hours away by rail, or around an hour by car or taxi. Glasgow Airport is another option around three and a quarter hours away by rail, or about two hours by car or taxi; or you could try Newcastle International Airport which is only an hour and half away by car or taxi, or about three hours by bus. If you’re travelling from London you’re looking at around six hours by public transport, or car.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer is the busiest time to visit Melrose, but the scenery is lovely in autumn too, and there is still plenty of daylight in September and early October to enjoy it. If you’re hoping for sunshine try June and July, but even if you come during the warmest part of the year, August, when temperatures are in the low 20°Cs, there’s still a chance of rain. In fact the best thing to do when planning your visit to Scotland is to make sure you pack plenty of waterproof layers.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Borders region between Scotland and England
• Consider accommodation in nearby Dumfries or Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.