GETTING HERE

Abbotsford is only an hour south of Edinburgh by train or car, close to Melrose in the Scottish Borders.

Simply click on the map below to be taken to Google Maps where you can plan your trip and get directions to Abbotsford, our postcode is TD6 9BQ for Sat. Nav. directions.

Temporary Roadworks near Abbotsford

Please note: From 5 October 2026, roadworks at Galafoot Bridge are expected to last approximately 6–10 weeks, with completion currently anticipated by 30 November 2026.

You can still visit Abbotsford as normal. Please allow a little extra time for your journey and follow the signed diversions.

Travelling from Galashiels:
Galafoot Bridge will be one-way westbound, so you will need to follow the signed diversion via the A7 and B6360.

Travelling from Melrose/Tweedbank:
The B6360 westbound will be open as a two-way system until the Abbotsford car park, meaning access Abbotsford is available this way.

Travelling from Selkirk:
The B6360 remains open as a one-way system; visitors are able to access Abbotsford. 

There will be signage to guide you in the right direction

Walking:
The pedestrian footpath across Galafoot Bridge will remain open throughout the works.

Minibus service:
The Minibus service will be running on selected days. See below for more info.

Travel by public transport

Train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, roughly a mile from Abbotsford, run 7 days a week and take just under an hour. For a full train timetable, please check Scotrail or Traveline Scotland.

The Abbotsford minibus 

The Abbotsford minibus service operates seasonally. It meets trains arriving at Tweedbank Train Station between 10:45 am and 12:45 pm, with additional pick‑ups available at the bus stop outside Melrose Abbey approx. 10:30 and 12:30, and the last return to the station is approx. 15:30. The service is run by Abbotsford volunteers and may be subject to change. If you plan to rely on the minibus, we recommend calling Abbotsford on 01896 752043 in advance to confirm that it is operating. The minibus can accommodate wheelchair users, provided guests are able to transfer to a minibus seat and the wheelchair can be folded. Access for non‑foldable wheelchairs must be arranged in advance by calling 01896 752043.

View our Minibus Timetable

You can walk from Tweedbank Station taking only 20 minutes if you follow the signposted 'Abbotsford Link'. When following the 'Abbotsford Link' turn right as you come out of the station and follow sign post. For a scenic riverside walk, you can take the Borders Abbeys Way. Bus services run from Edinburgh to Carlisle via Galashiels, taking just under 1.5 hours. Visitors can transfer to local buses, bus services 67 and 68 stop at the Tweedbank roundabout, a short stroll from Abbotsford. Several local bus routes stop at Galafoot Bridge, 10 minutes walking distance via a public footpath to Abbotsford. 

A local taxi company will pick you up from Galashiels or Tweedbank Station, please call Five Star Taxis (01896 756789) to book your taxi prior to arrival. Visitor Centre staff are happy to contact a taxi for anyone requiring the service on their return trip. 

Parking

We offer parking for cars, coaches as well as bicycles in the Visitor Centre car park. This is a pay and display car park with modest parking charges starting at £1 for 2 hours. Find out more about parking in our car park FAQs.

If you're arriving from the south (A7) along the B6360, please do not enter Abbotsford via the first left turn, a single track road next to a lodge. Continue down the B6360 to reach our Visitor Centre car park. What Three Words fish.televise.nylon for the entrance to the car park.

For information about accessibility at Abbotsford and to arrange assistance, please refer to our Accessibility section.

Walks around Abbotsford

Abbotsford offers a fantastic network of paths across the 120 acre estate, many of which also connect with walking routes around Abbotsford. Take a stroll through Scott’s planted woodlands, walk alongside the Tweed and discover hidden pathways and views which inspired Scott’s imagination with the maps in our Estate section.

The Borders Abbeys Way also passes alongside the Visitor Centre and walkers using this route are welcome to use the facilities. Public lockers are also available for bags and boots. More information about the Borders Abbeys Way and free route leaflets are available via the Scottish Borders council.