Houses & Castles of Distinction in the Scottish Borders

Check in to the Peebles Hydro Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of Scotland’s vibrant capital city of Edinburgh. Most of the city’s sights can be found within the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town, all overlooked by the iconic castle perched high above the city.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of the imposing Hopetoun House, widely recognised as Scotland’s finest stately home and one of the finest examples of 18^th-century architecture in Britain. Designed by William Bruce and then extended and changed by Scottish architect William Adam, the magnificent interiors reflect the elegance of the Georgian era and are decorated with lovely period furniture, paintings, tapestries and clocks, with beautifully crafted finishes of carving, gilding and plasterwork. Our time here is complemented by a delicious afternoon tea.

This morning we visit Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, one of the great Romanticists and the foremost literary figure of his day. Created by the writer himself in the Scottish Baronial style and set in beautiful formal gardens, the house contains an impressive collection of historic relics and an extensive library, which we discover during our Curator-led guided tour of the house and estate.

Our next stop is Floors Castle in Kelso, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and the grand seat of the Duke of Roxburghe. Built in 1721 and boasting fairytale turrets and French-style architecture, the castle is a striking sight on the River Tweed. On our private guided tour, we explore opulent rooms filled with fine tapestries, antiques and paintings, alongside personal touches that reveal the story of a living home. We also enjoy lunch at the Terrace Café and have time to admire the stunning grounds, featuring Victorian Walled Gardens with glasshouses and herbaceous borders.

After dinner this evening, we enjoy an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker.

We head to Thirlestane Castle for a private guided tour followed by a light lunch. As the seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale and the home of the Maitland family, one of the most reputable families in Scotland, this defensive fort with rose-pink sandstone and fairytale turrets dates back to the 13th century. The interiors are a mix of 19^th century and early Baroque styles and highlights include the Duke’s bedroom with its exquisite plasterwork ceilings, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Room, extensive family portraits and historic toy collections.

A special afternoon awaits at Traquair House, where Catherine Maxwell Stuart, the 21^st Lady of Traquair and the current owner, kindly takes us on an exclusive guided tour of the house. This 12^th-century former hunting lodge, which has hosted 27 Scottish monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots, has a fascinating history spanning nearly a thousand years. Trace the footsteps of the Kings of Scotland as you climb the turnpike staircase and uncover how priests escaped in times of danger – this gem of a house is a fascinating peek into times gone by!

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.