Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Right in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel sits on its own private estate along the River Tweed, right beside Dryburgh Abbey itself. The abbey is a historic ruin and one of the most atmospheric places in the region. It was founded in the mid-1100s, and the remnants of the abbey church are still incredibly beautiful. The pink sandstone, Gothic arches, and tall traces of the old structure make the whole place feel calm and dramatic at the same time. It is also where Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshal Haig are buried.

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, next to it is a separate baronial country house that has been welcoming guests since the mid-1800s. The original house was built in 1845 for Lady Griselle Baillie’s family. In 1875, her brother Lord Jerviswoode updated it, and the family held on to it until 1929, when it became the hotel that visitors stay in today. The Borders are full of stories, and staying here really brings them to life. You can wander through stately homes, explore castles and abbeys, and if you visit in summer, you might catch the Common Ridings. It is one of the oldest horse riding festivals in the world, and always feels like a local tradition everyone is happy to share.

The area is also famous for its top-notch textiles, tweeds, tartans, and cashmere. With all that history, the beautiful scenery, and the relaxed country house feel, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel makes a great base for exploring this part of Scotland.

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel still carries the character of its original Victorian baronial style from when it was a private residence in the 1800s. You can see it in the stonework, the tall windows, and the way the building sits among the trees by the river. Over the years, it has been updated to fit modern needs, but the team has kept the old character intact, so you get this easy blend of vintage details and newer comforts.

The hotel is also set up to be more accessible for travelers. It offers wheelchair accessible spaces, facilities for guests with mobility needs, and an elevator that makes it easier to get around the building. Inside, the rooms each have their own feel. The Dryburgh rooms are warm and classic. The Abbey rooms look out toward the historic ruins, which adds a quiet, almost storybook atmosphere. The Tweed rooms bring in views of the river and feel bright and peaceful. The Lady of Mertoun Suite is the real showstopper, with wide, majestic views of the River Tweed that make the whole space feel calm and a little bit grand.

Eating at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel feels easy, with food that leans into fresh local produce and classic Scottish flavors. The Abbey Bistro sits on the ground floor and has an easy layout that works for both quick bites and long, chatty meals. Most tables look out toward the river, the abbey, or the gardens, so you almost always get a view with your meal. On sunny days, the little patio is a favorite spot because it leads straight into the lawn and feels almost like an outdoor extension of the dining room. The wine list has a mix from around the world and pairs well with the relaxed setting.

Upstairs, the Tweed Room feels a bit more elegant. The windows open up to sweeping views of the gardens and the River Tweed, and the light that fills the room makes it feel calm and open. Dinner is served from an a la carte menu every evening, and many of the ingredients come from the hotel’s own Kitchen Garden. It sits just a few steps from the kitchen and was created more than ten years ago to bring in produce at its freshest. The garden is run in a very natural way with crop rotation and gentle fertilisers. Most days, you will see baskets of just-picked herbs and vegetables heading straight to the kitchen, often used within hours. Because the garden produces in stages, the chefs almost always have something freshly grown to work with.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel feels like a slow, indulgent pause in the day. With views of the river, the abbey, and the gardens, it’s easy to settle in with friends or family and just enjoy the moment. You can choose from a few preset options depending on how you’re feeling. The Dryburgh Afternoon Tea is a classic with mixed finger sandwiches, cakes, and warm homemade scones with clotted cream and jam. The Prosecco Afternoon Tea adds a glass of bubbly for a celebratory touch, while the Cream Tea keeps it simple with scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea or coffee.

Opening hours:
Saturday - Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm
Monday - Friday: 2.30 pm to 5 pm

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a range of wedding venues and tailored packages to suit any celebration. It’s easy to plan your special day with the help of a dedicated Wedding Coordinator. They can create bespoke packages tailored to exactly what you want, whether that’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. You have plenty of options for where to hold your ceremony and reception.

The hotel’s private grounds offer a stunning riverside backdrop that’s perfect for photos. Indoor spaces include the Wallace Lounge, Garden Room, Glen Room, Tweed Restaurant, the luxurious Abbey Room, or the spacious Dryburgh Suite. Civil ceremonies can be celebrated onsite, and marquee banquets can host up to 200 guests. The hotel takes care of all the little extras that make your day special. From a Master of Ceremonies and red carpet to delicious banquet menus, canapés, and buffets, every detail is covered. There are children’s menus and options for guests with dietary needs, and for entertainment, you can have a DJ, live band, or even a piper to keep the celebrations lively. The hotel has also been awarded as Wedding Hotel of the Year 2020 (Borders Region) by the Scottish Hotel Awards.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a great base for exploring the Scottish Borders. The hotel sits right on the banks of the River Tweed, one of Europe’s best rivers for salmon fishing. Guests can fish for trout or grayling on the hotel grounds or head out to nearby rivers and lochs. The team at the hotel knows fishing well and can help arrange trips with local guides or even evening sea trout trips. There are packed lunches for long days on the river, so everything is easy and relaxed.

The Borders is also famous for shooting. Grouse, pheasant, partridge, mixed shoots, and deer stalking are all nearby. After a relaxed breakfast, guests can head out for the morning drives and return in the afternoon to relax. There’s also a clay pigeon shooting ground nearby for practice or fun. Seasonal highlights include spring and summer pigeon shooting, roe buck stalking in April and May, grouse in August and September, and pheasants and partridges through the autumn and winter.

Golf is easy to enjoy here, too. The hotel is close to the top courses in East Lothian, Midlothian, and the Borders. Guests get discounted green fees, including 20% off at St Boswells Golf Course, which sits among rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Walking and cycling routes also run through the countryside, giving a chance to enjoy nature and wildlife.

History lovers have plenty to explore near Dryburgh Abbey Hotel. Dryburgh Abbey, a 12th-century ruin, invites quiet wandering and reflection on centuries past. The Temple of the Muses, built in the 18th century, sits peacefully among the greenery, while Scott’s View offers sweeping vistas over the River Tweed, once a favourite of Sir Walter Scott. Nearby, Trimontium Museum brings Roman history to life, Jedburgh Abbey showcases medieval architecture, and Thirlestane Castle offers a glimpse into Scotland’s noble past, making the Borders a treasure trove for curious visitors.

Christmas at Dryburgh feels warm and welcoming, with fires burning, good food on the table, and a proper festive atmosphere. You can take it easy, explore the local area, play board games, wander the hotel grounds, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Tweed. Rooms are available on a bed and breakfast basis throughout the season, and there’s a light supper on Christmas evening if you fancy it. On Hogmanay, things get a bit livelier with a Gala Dinner. Expect a seven-course feast, a ceilidh band to get everyone dancing, a celebratory drink to ring in the New Year, and a Scottish piper with fireworks to make it truly memorable. The Gala Dinner is priced at GBP 169.95 (USD 226.75) per person.

If you’re planning a private event or a corporate gathering, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is an ideal choice. They offer a variety of spaces to suit different needs, from the large Dryburgh Suite to smaller lounges, accommodating up to 150 guests. Whether it’s a meeting, celebration, or private dining, the team can help with everything, from room setups and catering to bespoke menus, tailored activities, and even arranging thoughtful touches like gifts for your guests. They encourage you to get in touch and discuss your plans so they can help bring your ideas to life.