UK & INTERNATIONAL GROUP VISITS

Abbotsford warmly welcomes groups and can help you plan all aspects of your visit to suit your interests and needs.

Planning a group visit to the Scottish Borders? Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, offers memorable group experiences, with guided tours, beautiful gardens and award-winning visitor facilities for coach groups, travel organisers and special interest groups.

Our friendly and knowledgeable bookings team will help you plan a visit that fits your itinerary, ensuring your group enjoys the very best of Abbotsford, the historic home of Sir Walter Scott.

Pre-book your group visit to take advantage of exclusive benefits. Groups of 10 or more receive:

• Discounted group admission rates
• Free admission for the coach driver and tour leader
• Complimentary refreshments for the coach driver and tour leader
• Flexible payment options
• Complimentary familiarisation visits for group organisers, by arrangement

Whether you're organising a coach tour, heritage group, garden club, educational visit or special interest excursion, our team will work with you to create a memorable experience at one of the Scottish Borders' most iconic visitor attractions.

Contact our bookings team today to arrange your group visit to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

2026 Group Rates

Why should tour operators include Abbotsford in their itineraries 

• Just over an hour from Edinburgh and the English border 
• Home of Sir Walter Scott, one of the world's most influential authors
• Guided tours available in English, French and German
• Self-guided materials available in 13 languages, including Dutch, Arabic and Mandarin 
• Regency era walled garden and extensive riverside and woodland walks
• Easy addition to Scottish Borders itineraries
• Free coach parking
• Group catering in our 80-seater café
• FIT and large group friendly

How to Book Your Group Visit to Abbotsford

Booking your group visit to Abbotsford is simple. For exclusive group rates and benefits, groups of 10 or more should pre-book with our bookings team. We will help you plan an itinerary that makes the most of your visit.

Our experienced Bookings Coordinator can advise on guided tours, catering, accessibility, coach parking and visitor facilities, ensuring your group enjoys a smooth and memorable experience. For additional information, download our Abbotsford Groups Leaflet.

Contact our Bookings Coordinator

• Telephone: 01896 752043 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
• Email: groups@scottsabbotsford.co.uk

Planning Your Visit

We recommend allowing around two hours for your group visit to Abbotsford. This includes:

• A 45-minute guided tour of Sir Walter Scott's historic home
• Time to explore the beautiful gardens
• A visit to the Visitor Centre exhibition
• Shopping in the Abbotsford gift shop

If your group is dining at Ochiltree's Café, please allow additional time.

Abbotsford Guide Book

Make the most of your visit by pre-ordering the official Abbotsford guide book. Guide books can be collected on arrival at the Visitor Centre, and discounted prices are available for groups of 10 or more. Please get in touch with our Bookings Coordinator for details and pricing.

Group Catering at Ochiltree's Café

Complete your group visit with refreshments at Ochiltree's Café, where you'll find freshly prepared morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea.

Coach groups are welcome to use the café without visiting the historic house; however, advance booking from our Group Catering Packages is essential. Please see our Group Catering Menu for available options.

Coach Parking

Free coach and minibus parking is available, subject to availability. Coaches can use the drop-off point outside the Visitor Centre before parking in the designated coach park across the road.

Payment Options

We offer flexible payment options for group bookings. Payment can be made in advance or on the day of your visit by:

• Debit or credit card
• Cash
• Cheque (payable to The Abbotsford Trust)

Tour operator voucher invoicing is also available by prior arrangement. Please contact our Bookings Coordinator on 01896 752043 to discuss your requirements.