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- Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders (no single room supplement)
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders (no single room supplement)
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders (no single room supplement)
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4 Days
From
$1237
$1176
Route Map
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders (no single room supplement)
4 Days Starting and ending in Various pick-up points available - please contact us for details
Visiting: Manderston House, Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott, Traquair House, Mellerstain House, Floors Castle, Thirlestane Castle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHSB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Low, Light
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1237
$1176 (USD)
Price
History trending_down The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
The Scottish Borders are often overlooked in comparison with the Highlands and Islands, whose grandeur and drama have an obvious attraction. Yet the Borders have a quiet, understated beauty of their own, with softly rolling hills draped in early morning mist, peaceful valleys dotted with sheep farms and the sinuous, salmon-filled River Tweed, which runs like a silver thread from the Lowther Hills to the sea at Berwick.
This prosperous region is also home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a huge slice of Scottish history and folklore in a short space of time.
These include Manderston House, described as ”The swansong of the stately home”, Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland, with a host of royal connections, Mellerstain House, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. Perhaps the grandest of all is Floors Castle, the magnificent home of the Duke of Roxburghe.
Our tour is based at the Peebles Hydro, a landmark hotel with its own rich history and heritage.
THERE IS NO SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT FOR THE FIRST 10 SINGLES; THEREAFTER A SUPPLEMENT OF £150 WILL APPLY
Highlights
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Georgian masterpieces at Mellerstain and Manderston
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Regal connections at Traquair House
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Sir Walter Scott’s personal collections at Abbotsford
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The opulence of Floors Castle
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Lunch in the Victorian Kitchen at Thirlstane Castle
Places You'll See
Itinerary
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UK tours by Coach tours in United Kingdom UK tours by Coach tours Tours in United Kingdom Small Group tours Art tours Gardens & Nature tours History tours Sightseeing toursDay 1 : Manderston House
Location: Manderston House
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peebles Hydro
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart by coach from our local pick-up points and drive into the Scottish Borders for our visit to Manderston House. Legend has it that Manderston House was “The swansong of the stately home”, and although most legends are unfounded, Manderston is all that the legend claims, and probably more besides. Built in the finest Georgian country house style in the 1790s for Dalhousie Weatherstone, the elaborate house became the home of the Miller Family in 1855, who made their initial fortune from trading hemp and herrings with the Russians. A large-scale remodeling of the mansion was undertaken in the early-20th Century, and when the Edinburgh architect, John Kinross, asked how much he could spend on the work, he was told that “it simply doesn’t matter . . .”.
We continue to our comfortable hotel where dinner is served this evening.
Day 2 : Abbotsford House, Traquair House
Location: Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott, Traquair House
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peebles Hydro
Meals Included: Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we travel through Tweeddale to Abbotsford House, built by Sir Walter Scott following the success of his great novels. There are extensive grounds leading down to the River Tweed, a fine walled garden and a woodland walk, however it is the house that steals the show. Scott was a passionate collector of armour and weapons - Rob Roy's gun and Montrose's sword along with over 9,000 rare volumes are in his library. Scott died in the dining room overlooking the Tweed in September 1832 and it is poignant to stand there and reflect on his life and work.
In the afternoon we follow the River Tweed back towards Peebles and visit Traquair House, which is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. Twenty-seven Scottish and English monarchs have visited Traquair including Mary Queen of Scots, and William the Lion held court here in 1209. The well-known Bear Gates were closed in 1745, not to be reopened until the Stuarts should ascend to the throne. Everywhere in the house are portraits, old prints and maps, which refer to its history. There is also a micro-brewery producing a tasty Traquair Ale.
We then return to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3 : Mellerstain House, Floors Castle
Location: Mellerstain House, Floors Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peebles Hydro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we will travel to Mellerstain House, the home of the Earl and Countess of Haddington, and one of Scotland’s great Georgian houses. Begun in 1725 by William Adam and completed by his famous son, Robert, between 1770 and 1778, the interior decoration is outstanding. The ceilings are especially magnificent having been preserved in their original eighteenth century colours. The Library is a masterpiece of classical decoration and colour with fine detailed plasterwork incorporating marble busts by Roubiliac. Mellerstain houses a superb collection of paintings including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Ramsay, Aikman and Nasmyth, many of which depict members of the family who have owned the house. There are also lovely period furniture and embroidery. The house stands in 200 acres of magnificent parkland with an Italianate style terraced garden laid out by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1909.
We move on to Kelso to visit Floors Castle – home of the Duke & Duchess of Roxburghe, situated on a natural terrace overlooking the River Tweed and facing the Cheviot Hills. In 1721, William Adam was commissioned by the 1st Duke to make additions to the eastern end of an existing tower-house to create a plain, but symmetrical, Georgian country house. The 6th Duke invited the leading architect in Edinburgh, William Playfair, to remodel the castle between 1837 and 1847. He drew his inspiration for Floors from the highly ornamented picturesque style of Heriot's Hospital in Edinburgh. The result is a romantic fairytale castle with its roofscape of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas. In the park can be seen a holly tree marking the spot where King James II of Scotland was killed in 1460, when his own cannon exploded while laying siege to Roxburghe Castle.
Dinner will be served back at our hotel in the evening.
Day 4 : Thirlstane Castle
Location: Thirlestane Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel from Tweeddale over into Lauderdale, where we visit Thirlstane Castle, a magnificent 16th Century castle set in a quiet meadow landscape. The family home of the Duke of Lauderdale, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland and dates back to at least the 12th Century. The central part of the present castle was completed in 1590, remodelled in the 1670s and then enlarged in the 1840s. Throughout its long history, Thirlestane has belonged to the Maitland family, one of the most famous in Scotland. The Maitlands came to Britain in 1066 with William the Conqueror and settled in Northumberland. In about 1260, Sir Richard Maitland married Avicia daughter and sole heiress to Thomas du Thirlestane. It was this marriage that bought the lands of Thirlestane and others into the ownership of the Maitland family. Lunch is provided in the Victorian Kitchen here, a chance to discuss and compare the wonderful houses and castles we have seen here in the bonny Borders.
Following this, our final visit, we return to our original pick-up points.
What's Included
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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Accommodation
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Reviews of this Operator
Brightwater Holidays offers great value
I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.
Feefo Trusted ReviewsMy experience with Brightwater Holidays
The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again
Feefo Trusted ReviewsWe were on the Tour...
We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.
Wonderful experience with brilliant information
The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised
Feefo Trusted ReviewsNoted a comment on taking...
Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.
The recent tour in Northumberland...
The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.
Been trying to get a...
Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!
I had heard this company...
I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.
Two of your tour busses...
Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.
Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Wednesday
Apr 28, 2024 - May 01, 2024The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62 (USD)
Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62 (USD)
Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$62 (USD)
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
UK tours by Coach tours in United Kingdom UK tours by Coach tours Tours in United Kingdom Small Group tours Art tours Gardens & Nature tours History tours Sightseeing tours