Country Houses to Visit in the Scottish Borders

Just a short journey from Bowhill, Floors Castle is another standout country house to visit in the Scottish Borders. As the largest inhabited house in Scotland, it combines grand Scottish architecture with the warmth of a lived-in family home – that of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe.

Open daily, visitors can explore the Castle’s impressive interiors and beautiful grounds, including the Victorian Kitchen Garden, Walled Garden, and even Queen’s House – a summer pavilion named after Queen Victoria’s 1867 visit.

Set within stunning countryside, Floors also has several dining spots, ideal for a relaxing bite during your visit.

Another impressive country house to visit in the Scottish Borders is Thirlestane Castle, a striking 16th-century property just a short drive from Bowhill. Spend a day exploring its grand rooms on a guided tour, attending one of its seasonal events, or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds.

Highlights include magnificent plasterwork ceilings, a rich collection of portraits and antiques, and a range of countryside experiences such as horse riding, fishing, and shooting – perfect for visitors looking to combine history with the outdoors.

Traquair House is one of the most fascinating country houses to visit in the Scottish Borders. As Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, it has been lived in for over 900 years and originally served as a royal hunting lodge for Scottish kings and queens.

Today, visitors can explore its rich history through the house itself, enjoy the surrounding grounds, and discover one of Britain’s oldest working breweries – where Traquair House Ales are still brewed and available to sample or purchase.

Another grand country house to explore in the Scottish Borders is Abbotsford, once home to famed novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott – a relative of the Scotts of Buccleuch and frequent visitor to Bowhill.

Open year-round, you can wander the elegant gardens, enjoy riverside walks, or step inside the richly decorated house to uncover the stories behind one of Scotland’s most celebrated literary figures. Whether it’s the architecture, the setting, or the Scott connection, Abbotsford makes for a memorable day out.