Historic Borders & Rosslyn Chapel

Itinerary:

Monday
Depart Leyland at 10.00hrs for our journey to the Tinto Hotel with a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arrive to a warm Scottish welcome while your case is taken to your room.

Tuesday
This morning our excursion takes us to Abbotsford House for a guided tour, once home of 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott this extraordinary writer's home complete with house, gardens, chapel, sculpture trail and visitor centre has been lovingly restored by the Abbotsford Trust. Discover rooms left just as Scott kept them after his death, packed full of the fascinating items he collected. Amongst them is one of the best examples in the world of an 19th Century writer's personal library. Outside the beautiful, fragrant, colourful garden is contained within high walls, with the facades of the house setting a scene which could be straight out of one of Scott's historical romances. In the afternoon visit Thirlestane Castle with a guided tour to enhance your visit. Discover connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots on our visit to Thirlestane, an imposing 16th century castle set within the beautiful Lauderdale Estate in the Scottish Borders.

Wednesday
Today's excursion takes us to Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair. The romantic beauty of its setting, in rural Midlothian, the mysterious symbolism of its magnificent stonework and role in the Da Vinci Code have inspired, attracted and intrigued writers, artists and visitors ever since. Following our visit we head to Newbattle Abbey, once a medieval Cistercian Monastery, discover 900 years of Scottish history on a guided tour followed by afternoon tea in peaceful surroundings overlooking the stunning Italian Garden.

Thursday
This morning our excursion takes us to Kailzie Gardens. The gardens provide a rich variety of colour, charm and interest throughout the year. Enjoy this beautiful garden and woodlands with burnside walks and stunning views. All the elements of a classic garden are here encased in the magnificent 19th century walled garden featuring one of the oldest surviving Mackenzie and Moncur Glasshouses. In the afternoon visit Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, It has been lived in for over 900 years and was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland and has been visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens, includes a guided tour.

Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast with a visit to Jedburgh en-route allowing a little time to explore and obtain lunch in the picturesque border town. Depart at 12.30 to take a scenic journey home. Continue just 10 miles to the breathtaking Carter Bar Border Crossing back into England, travel through the Northumberland National Park via Hexham to continue our journey home.