bowhill house & country estate

Bowhill was closed for the season, but you could walk in the grounds, which were large and extensive, and had lots of snowdrops just beginning to appear. The lakes are also wonderful to look at.

Vast, beautiful estate. We visited on a day when the main house and tearoom was closed but we were there for the walk, so that did not bother us much. We did the walk up Duchess's drive all the way up through to the edge of the forest, through the gate and all the way up the hill to the cairn (dated 25 Nov 1827). Not entirely sure what the hill's name is, but the walk was stunning - beautiful heather and moss colour contrasts with outstanding views across the valley. Windy and cold up there, but well worth the hike. About 2hrs round trip. Free on the day we were there (out of season), but in season there are fees.

We visited Bowhill and walked round the grounds. Although the house was closed the walk was worthwhile

Bowhill is situated near Selkirk in The Scottish Borders.The estate is owned by the Duke of Buccleuch. The grounds are beautiful and provide some great walks. There is a play area for children which is excellent and safe. Throughout the year there are numerous activities for most tastes. Enjoy lovely walks and stunning scenery then end your visit in the Minstrel Tearoom for some refreshment. Worth a visit !!

Had a lovely walk around the grounds and lake, which could have been longer or shorter depending on how energetic you feel.

Visited today with a group of friends. The guides Barbara and Gilbert were excellent and brought it to life. Barbara was very informative and Gilbert was very good at spicing some of the stories up. Well worth a visit for young and old alike.Café is very good and the staff are very pleasant. I had Carrot and Apple soup which was very good. Sandwiches are also very good and the price very reasonable

Went for a visit when staying near by fir the weekend.... The house was closed but the grounds where lovely and the kids loved the play park.... Would def visit again

I am not terribly fond of grand country houses but this one is quite a bit special. The history of the family and the house is very interesting. The internal décor and furnishings are superb. But perhaps best of all are the incredible paintings, many of whom were produced by famous artists that even I have heard of. The paintings depict a wide range of subjects from family history of cities of Europe. The family still live in the house which makes it feel more like a home and less like a museum.Whilst the gardens are extensive they are not formally planted which some may find a disappointment. However there are many lake and wood walks of various lengths.The house is only open to the public during limited periods of the year so make sure you check before going.Note the cars in one of the photographs are not part of the estate.

As the Duke says in his preface to his beautifully produced guide book, this house is the spiritual home of the Scott family, Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry, its imposing size does nothing to dispel the feeling of a family home.But what magnificence it holds! The huge house, some 400 feet long, built of dark grey stone is set against serried ranks of larch and pine giving absolutely no clue of what is within. After the entrance hall with a clutter of hunting pictures and outdoor kit, comes the Saloon with Mortlake tapestries derived from Mantegna's "Triumph of Caesar". For most houses these hangings would be their raison d'etre, but here at Bowhill the wonders go on and on. Sevres porcelain, French furniture, Chinese wallpaper, family portraits by Gainsborough, Reynolds and a whole panoply of fashionable painters in their generation, the drawing room holds paintings by Claude, Vernet and Ruisdael, whilst the dining room harbours an "obligatory" Canaletto, there are associations with the Stuart kings (and the present incumbents) and with Sir Walter Scott.....the list goes on and on. Just when the feet and brain are giving out, you come to the miniatures. One of the best in the world.Michelin suggests a detour to visit a worthwhile site. This place is worth a journey. As if all this were not enough do not fail to go to Drumlanrig (nr Dumfries) and Boughton (Northamptonshire) both owned by this family....where there are more marvels to see.

I've been meaning to get to bowhill for over three years as it's only a short distance away but didn't manage to visit until last monad and have to say I'm so annoyed at myself for not getting there beforehand. Brilliant adventure playground for the kids and lots of amazing walks. The house was unfortunately closed but hope next time I visit I'll be able to look around as I understand it's very lovely. Cafe is extremely good and food is honest and tasty curried carrot and apple soup particularly worth a mention..... Delicious!!! Only complaint would be that from the adventure playground to the toilets is quite a long walk especially with young children. Well worth a visit. I'll be back!!

Bowhill House is in a lovely setting between the panoramic Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. We were there with a group and, divided into 3 parties, we were given guided tours of part of the the house. Our guide, from Kent originally, gave us lots of information in a leisurely way about the Buccleuchs and their history which made the tour extra enjoyable. The private art collection, much of it "Grand Tour" artwork, is renowned and some of the rooms have shabby comfort amongst the beautiful furniture and pictures. The family is very involved and spends quite a lot of time in the house.We were able to leave our bags by the entrance in safety and those who couldn't stand for long were given walking stick seats - wonderful!There was never a "black sheep" of the family to gamble away the wealth, so the possessions have accrued over the years. The present Duke is still acquiring objects that fit in with what is there and there are many family photos everywhere. Books and magazines are strewn around as though the family are just round the corner.Our party was booked in for morning coffee and cake and then for a delicious lunch of broccoli and cheese soup and sandwiches in the Minstrel Tearoom which is in the former stable yard.The two of us walked round the lakes - about 2 miles. It was a bit muddy in parts, but very enjoyable. Others stayed closer to the house to enjoy the grounds. There is a leaflet with 4 walks graded for difficulty and another with a tree trail, for there are many magnificent and ancient trees.A very worthwhile visit.

I lived here on the estate ten years ago and this is my first time back after too long. I didn't realize how much I missed it here until now. If ever you want to relocate or just come for a holiday you have to come to The Scottish Borders I can't say more than that. I'll be back but I'm not waiting so long next time.

very nice staff work here, i had a tour from a lovely knowlegable lady. this is a beautiful house filled with art in gorgeous grounds with lake and wooland walk. There is a great play area and an indoor one too. There is a nice cafe where i had lunch of smoked salmon and cream cheese bread and salad, very nice. I was able to buy a joint ticket for here and abbortsford at melrose so it worked out cheaper and was given a summer pass free for a second visit later on if i am back in the area this summer. On the whole its a great day out

Bowhill House is set in the beautiful Scottish Borders, with amazing views from all around the house. The tours of the house are very informative & interesting. It is all one one level with maybe a couple of steps into one room.You are offered a small folding seat to take around the house if you want one, incase you get tired during the tour. This is a nice touchThere are seats dotted about though.You are only allowed in certain rooms as there are 100 rooms in the entire house.There is talk of opening even more rooms to the public. There are payment concessions for pensioners. The gardens & walk to the lakes are relaxing & easy. If you are lucky you may spot a Kingfisher or Otter. There are also various paths leading into the forests. The tearoom is light & cheerful with a varied menu of soup, delicious home made cakes & scones, freshly made sandwiches, toasties. They have a childrens menu too. The prices for the food & drinks are very reasonable indeed & everything is fresh & homemade. The staff in the Tearoom & House are very pleasant & friendly. There is an excellent adventure play area in the woods for children. If you prefer to bring your own picnic lunch then there are plenty of picnic tables to sit at or lovely laws to sit on. There is a small gift shop in the courtyard near the Tearoom. When you visit the house & Gardens for the first time, you have the option of having a pass for returning as many times as you like until September & it is free. My husband & I really enjoyed our day at Bowhill House & Country Estate, & will certainly be making use of the free return passes.

What a fantastic place. The guide well informed and able to answer our questions. The furniture and paintings are amazing. Take time to admire the minitures- they are beautiful. What a collection!