Plan A Visit
Educational Visits
Group Visits
Food & Drink
The Scottish Borders
Bowhill House & Gardens
The Buccleuch Collection
History
Bowhill House Gardens
House Tours
The Adventure Playground
Soft Play
Love & Respect Victorian Age Exhibition
The Victorian Kitchen
Our Sister Estates
Walking and Hiking
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Fishing
Ranger Service
Stay
Contact
Bowhill House
Open 1-31 August.
Grounds & Adventure Playground
Open Daily from 1 June – 31 August.
Enjoy the Adventure Playground, way-marked walks, Old Kitchen Café, Soft Play, Courtyard Gallery and Victorian Kitchen*.
*dates for each may vary.
Borders Estate
Open all year.
Enjoy the less formal surroundings of Borders Estate, Bowhill from the new General’s Bridge car park. Walks include the Lady’s Walk and Duchess’ Drive.
Car Park Charge Applies
Grounds & Adventure Playground
Enjoy the Adventure Playground, way-marked walks, the Old Kitchen Café, Soft Play (additional charge applies) Courtyard Gallery, and Victorian Kitchen.
2026 Opening Hours
3 – 19 April: Easter Event*
25 & 26 April
2 – 5 May: Victorian May Day Event*
Remaining Weekends and Bank Holidays in May
1 June – 31 August
Weekends in September
10 – 19, 24 & 25, 30 & 31 October: Halloween Event*
10.00 – 17.00
Café & Victorian Kitchen open 10:00 – 16:00. Horsebox 11:00 – 15:00 (weekends in May, June & September. Daily in July & August)
*Event Days Only – these are bookable separately – times and charges vary. Annual pass holders receive discounted entry. See each event page for details.
Admission Charges & Tickets
Grounds and Adventure Playground 2026
| Day Tickets | Annual Pass |
| Adults £8 | Adult £17.50 |
| Children £6 | Child £12.50 |
| Under 3’s FREE | Under 3’s FREE |
| Family n/a | Family (2+3) £40 |
Bowhill House
Opening Hours 2026
Bowhill – The Victorian Home tour
2-5 May
1 – 31 August
Tours at 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Pre-booked groups are welcome all year round
Admission Charges & Tickets
Bowhill – Victorian Home Tour
Adults £17
Child £8.50 (under 3 free)
Borders Estate
Opening Hours & Admission
Enjoy the less formal surroundings of Borders Estate, Bowhill from the new General’s Bridge car park. Walks include the Lady’s Walk and Duchess’ Drive.
Open all year round, 7am to 7pm
£3 parking charge (Parking meter onsite)
Annual Pass - now lasts all year!
Our great value Annual Pass lets you visit the Grounds and Adventure Playground again and again during the dates above for one fixed price. Annual Pass holders can also enjoy the public car park and walks for the remainder of the year (please note all other facilities are closed).
Getting Here
Open Google MapsBowhill lies three miles west of Selkirk on the A708 Moffat/St Mary’s Loch Road, this road commences next to Selkirk Rugby Club. On the A708 you will pass Philiphaugh Salmon viewing centre on your left, from there Bowhill is another 1.5 miles. The turn off to Bowhill is well signposted with Brown Tourist Route signs directing you left to Bowhill House. Selkirk is five miles south of Galashiels on the A7 from Edinburgh (15 minutes’ drive).
From the North
From Edinburgh take either the A7 or A68 South to the Scottish Borders. The A7 will take you to Galashiels and then Selkirk, Bowhill lies three miles west of Selkirk on the A708 Moffat/St Mary’s Loch Road. If travelling the scenic A68 route after Earlston look out for the A6091 (Melrose Bypass) towards Galashiels/Selkirk.
From the East
There are a lot of scenic routes passing through the Eastern Borders and towns like Kelso. All of these join up eventually with the A68. From the A68 you are looking for signs to Selkirk or Galashiels.
From the South
From the South-East (Newcastle direction) travel North on the A68 through Jedburgh and St Boswells and then turn left on to the A6091 (Melrose Bypass) towards Galashiels/Selkirk.
From the South (West) travel North on the A7 through Hawick to Selkirk. From Selkirk Bowhill lies three miles west of Selkirk on the A708 Moffat/St Mary’s Loch Road
From the West
If travelling from the West of Scotland – i.e. the Dumfries and Galloway Area or Glasgow direction. Follow the M74 to Moffat and then follow the A708 to Selkirk, passing the Grey Mares Tail and St Mary’s Loch. Bowhill is on the right hand side located 2.5 miles after Yarrowford.
For details on cycling to Bowhill see https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/
For tips on getting the train from Edinburgh then cycling to Bowhill please see: http://www.cyclingscot.co.uk/blog/cycling-to-bowhill-house-in-the-scottish-borders#
Unfortunately due to Bowhill’s rural location there are currently no buses running to our location.
Exit the train at the Galashiels Station. From here, Bowhill is just five miles away via the A7 (15 minutes by car). You can cycle in 45 minutes to an hour, or get a taxi from here.
Hunters Cabs 01750 21968
Selkirk Taxis 01750 23456
Five Star Taxi 01896 756789
The Old Kitchen Café
Enjoy a light lunch or delicious cakes from the Duke’s cook, Betty Cook, at the Old Kitchen Café. Located in the Courtyard area, next to the toilets, office, and Victorian Kitchen.
The Old Kitchen Café will be open when the Grounds are open
10:00 – 16:00
The Old Horsebox
Enjoy hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream from the heart of the Adventure Playground.
11:00 – 15:00 Weekends in May, June & September. Daily in July & August
