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Scottish Borders

Priorwood Garden

A beautiful walled garden, with a heritage orchard and flower beds, waiting to be explored
Priorwood Garden with cherry blossom in foreground and the house in the background
Overview
  • Explore the rustic walled garden located in the ancient precinct of Melrose Abbey.

  • Discover the history of the garden.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the old orchard, where over 70 heritage varieties of apple are grown organically.

  • Don’t miss David Annand’s beautiful bronze dove sculpture.

  • Look out for our annual Apple Day, typically held in mid-October.

Today's Opening Hours

Garden
10.00–17.00
See full opening times

Entry prices

Adult
Free
Concession
Free
Family
Free
See all entry prices

Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £5.20 / month

About this place

With an enviable setting in the ancient precinct of Melrose Abbey, Priorwood Garden has three distinct areas.

The first area is Scotland’s only garden that used to be dedicated to dried flowers. Most of the flowers and herbs were grown for this purpose but they also provide an impressive display in their own right, especially in summer when the herbaceous borders are at their vibrant and colourful best.

With wonderfully framed views across to the abbey, the orchard cultivates many historical apple varieties, as well as plums, pears, damsons and greengages.

Finally, the shady woodland area brings a touch of untamed wildness to the garden.

Our accreditations and awards

  • 3 Star Visitor Attraction
  • Green Tourism Silver