Abbotsford - The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. A breath-taking place to visit located on the banks of the River Tweed in the glorious Scottish Borders.

Visitors to Abbotsford can learn about Sir Walter Scott by visiting the historic house and free exhibition. Browse Abbotsford’s shop, enjoy seasonal food in Ochiltree’s café and Horsebox or simply relax in the beautiful Walled Gardens and tranquil woodlands.

About the man

Abbotsford is a monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator, one of Scotland’s most important national figures; a renowned nineteenth-century writer and ‘Great Scot’ who changed how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Borders countryside, Abbotsford was built by Sir Walter Scott in the nineteenth century as a family home, workspace and private museum and his interests can be seen in the amazing gothic architecture and interiors jam-packed with fascinating curios, artefacts, books and stories galore.

What will you discover?

The rooms that you visit today have been left virtually untouched since his death and a visit to Abbotsford House gives you an intimate insight into the personality and interests of this great man.

Some of the most interesting aspects of the house are the personal collections of Sir Walter Scott which include unusual items such as the weapons of Rob Roy, the case book of Napoleon, and even a bullet and piece of oatcake taken from the site of Culloden Battlefield.

Visitors can see Sir Walter Scott's Study, Library, Drawing Room, Entrance Hall, Small Armoury, and the Dining Room where he died on 21st September 1832.

The dining room contains paintings of several generations of the Scott family. Unfortunately, the last of his bloodline died in 2004 and the care of the house has now been taken over by the Abbotsford Trust.

Fact sheets are available in each of the rooms and audio guides are available for the historic house.

There are also attractive and well-maintained gardens, with riverside and woodland walks. Join Abbotsford, along with over 50 partner organisations, in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth with an international programme of events throughout 2022