Surgical Strike Day Trip - Abbotsford

Abbotsford is one of those real gems in the Borders. Situated on quaint country lanes, with fresh air and a homelike country feel, Abbotsford is an estate with lush gardens, Gothic architecture, and an interesting museum focused on Sir Walter Scott. To top it all, there is a restaurant with what my brother considers 'real scones.' 

Abbotsford in October

Fast Facts

• Distance from Edinburgh: 40 miles
• Using public transport:  2 hours
• History: Sir Walter Scott's amazing home and garden
• What there is to do: tour the four or five rooms open to the public and then run all around the grounds and Adventure Playpark (it is only a Fair Weather outing!) The audio tour is amazing if you have time for it!

We had a great day trip despite going in March. Here are some thoughts

Pros

• sidewalks making Abbotsford accessible from the train station
• new Visitor Centre
• buying tickets automatically gives you a year's pass for free if you get them signed
• 75% clean bathrooms in Visitor Centre
• a Ochiltree's Restaurant with good coffee and 'real scones'
• friendly volunteer guides
• great audio guide
• magical atmosphere in gardens
• woodland to roam with small children with lots of marked trails
• a river out the back which is beautiful
• lots of doorways and winding stairways to explore
• Adventure Play Park with areas for older and younger children

Cons

• the amount of house was actually quite small - 4 or 5 rooms, the rest is a hotel and venue
• unless you plan to go back, it seems a bit pricey - 8.95 per adult, children 4.50 though children under five go free
• it's only really worth going on a sunny day
• if the Steam Train is running, the other trains are crammed full to the point of standing room only and no one can get to the bathrooms on the train

Adventure Play Park