Visit
- Tickets and Opening Times
- Plan Your Visit
- The House
- The Gardens
- The Chapel
- The Estate
- The Visitor Centre
- Family Fun
THE VISITOR CENTRE
Arrive at Abbotsford's award-winning Visitor Centre and be welcomed by our friendly and knowledgeable staff who will help you to plan an interesting and intriguing visit to one of Scotland's most important and unique cultural landmarks
Discover the life and times of Sir Walter Scott with our free exhibition, indulge in some shopping for souvenirs and unique gifts, meet friends and family for morning coffee or lunch or set off to explore our popular family play trail or roam the wider estate.
Exhibition
Visit our permanent exhibition in the Visitor Centre and discover the life story of one of Scotland’s greatest men-of-letters for yourself. Follow Scott’s remarkable story from his birth in Edinburgh in 1771 to his childhood in the Borders, professional legal career, meteoric rise to fame as the author of the Waverley novels, financial ruin in 1826 and the cultural legacy he left to Scotland and the world.
The exhibition features rarely seen items from the Abbotsford collections including design books and accounts created during the construction of Scott’s beloved home at Abbotsford and visitor books containing the signatures of many notable figures including Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë and Oscar Wilde who came to Abbotsford in the years following Scott’s death in 1832.
Shop
At Abbotsford we try our hardest to source the best quality local and seasonal products, with many of our items produced exclusively in Scotland. Visitors can choose from a wide range of souvenirs and gifts inspired by and relating to the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott. Browse through an eclectic selection of Scott's books and pick out a title to remind you of your special visit to his beautiful home in the Scottish Borders.
Ochiltree's Café
Ochiltree's (named afer Edie Ochiltree's, a character in Scott's novel The Antiquary) offer stunning views over the walled garden and historic house. Our chefs source the best local produce to create a fresh, seasonal menu using products from the kitchen garden wherever possible. We serve hot and cold beverages, cakes, light bites and snacks, a cafe menu and afternoon tea with alfresco dining in the summer months on our balcony. We also have our horsebox outdoor catering for those on the move or wishing to picnic in the meadows.
Ochiltree's is fully licensed and is open daily.
