Dryburgh Abbey Designed Landscape
Dryburgh, St Boswells, Roxburghshire, TD6 6RQ
The designed landscape of Dryburgh Abbey sits within the Eildon and Leaderfoot National Scenic Area in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The Abbey itself was founded in the 12th century, with historical evidence suggesting that it sat within a farmed landscape with associated cloisters and kitchen gardens.
Today there is no evidence to tell us what these gardens may have looked like. However, we do know that a Yew tree was planted in 1206 on 11th November by the monks to be the future ‘great yew’; and true to word, an ancient Yew still exists in the grounds and is believed to be this very tree.
Following a number of English attacks and the reformation, the Abbey fell into ruins and became uninhabited in the 16th century. However, as a ruin, the Abbey grounds and surrounding landscape became associated with the Romantic Landscape Movement in the 18th and 19th centuries. David Erskine the 11th lord of Buchan acquired the ruined Abbey and grounds and developed the Romantic Landscape, adding buildings and features such as the Dryburgh Abbey House, William Wallace statue, Temple of Muses, Ha Ha’s and the planting of exotic tree species such as Cedars and Sequoia trees, many of which dominate the landscape today. The contribution Dryburgh Abbey has made to the Romantic Landscape Movement has led to its listing in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
Today, you can explore the ruins, enjoy a picnic in the grounds and soak in the atmosphere of the romantic ruins as the Scottish Antiquarians did, which inspired the famous artist JMW Turner and the novelist Sir Walter Scott, who was buried within the Abbey and beloved Romantic Landscape. A wonderful day can be had by linking with wider walks and having lunch in the beautiful Newtown St Boswells.
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dryburgh-abbey/
Telephone: 01835 822381
Opening times: 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm; Last entry 3.30pm
Admission costs: Adult £6; Concession (over 60yrs) £4.80; Child (over 5yrs) £3.60; YOYP (11-25yrs) £1
Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org
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