Location of Swallow Cottage

Location of Swallow Cottage.

The village of Newstead in the Scottish Borders lies less than 1 mile from Melrose, nestling under the beautiful Eildon Hills.
By car, one hours drive from Edinburgh and approximately one and a half hours drive from Newcastle or Glasgow. Hadrians Wall and the Berwickshire coast are within approximately one and a half hours of pleasant driving.

Melrose itself is a small attractive Scottish Borders town in the heart of the Scott Country. David 1st founded Melrose Abbey (a 20 minute walk from Swallow Cottage), in 1136. Priorwood Gardens next to the Abbey contains a special dry flower garden and there is an excellent museum in the Commendators House.

The award winning Trimontium Exhibition 'Daily Life on the Roman Frontier' gives an insight into the Romans life in Scotland.

Birthplace in 1883 of seven-a-side rugby, Melrose is a popular centre and excellent touring base.

Within a short travelling distance of Newstead, the following are some suggestions of places to visit:

Statue of William Wallace. The first ever statue of Sir William Wallace, erected in 1814 standing 31 ft. high and depicts Scotland's national hero dressed in ancient Scottish armour.

The ancient Abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Kelso.

The Castles of Hermitage, Smailholm, Neidpath.

The Historic Houses of Traquair, Manderston, Abbotsford, Bowhill, Queen Mary's House, Mellerstain, Thirlestane Castle, Ayton Castle, Floors Castle.

The coastal towns and fishing villages between Edinburgh and Berwick, like North Berwick, Dunbar, St Abbs, Coldingham and Eyemouth.

Edinburgh is within an hours drive with its Castle, Scott Monument, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, Princes Street, many historic buildings, important museums, botanical gardens, Edinburgh Zoo and The Royal Yacht Britannia which is now berthed in Leith.

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