Opening Times
Borders Estate open all year 7am to 7pm
Grounds & Adventure Playground open April to September on selected days
House open on selected days
Check link below for full details before you travel!
Gardens, Views & Family Fun!
Located just east of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, Bowhill House and Estate combines beautiful gardens with spectacular views across the Ettrick Valley. Explore terraces, a rose garden, rock garden, sunken garden and arboretum. Families can enjoy woodland walks, an adventure playground, soft play, exhibitions and seasonal events, alongside refreshments at the Old Kitchen Café.
My top tip: If you are going to visit more than once buy the annual pass!
Visitor Review Rating – 4.6
Adults from £8
Children from £6
Buy Tickets here!
Quick Links
Opening Times & Admission for Bowhill House
Buy Tickets for Bowhill House
Visitor Information for Bowhill House
Visitor Reviews of Bowhill House
Gardens nearby to Bowhill House
Weather for Bowhill House
Accessibility at Bowhill House
Dogs at Bowhill House
Photos of Bowhill House
Contact Details for Bowhill House
Accommodation near to Bowhill House
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Times: The border Estate is open 7 days a week all year round, Grounds & Adventure Playground open April to September on selected days,
Bowhill House open on selected days
Opening Times: Estate open 7am to 7pm, Grounds & Adventure Playground open 10am to 7pm, Café open from 10am to 4pm
Admission Prices: Adults £8, Children £6, Under 3’s free
Admission to Estate is £3 for parking
You can pre book group tours of the house all year round
Check for today’s Bowhill House Visitor Information as opening days & times vary a lot!
Buy Tickets for Bowhill House
Including House Tours, Gardens, Adventure Playground & Parking
Local Weather for Bowhill House near Selkirk
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Visitor Information for Bowhill House
Bowhill House and Estate is set just under 4 miles to the east of Selkirk in the Scottish Borders and is the Buccleuch family’s country home.
House Tours are available and after some restoration the main public rooms will be open again from 2027.
Get an insight into the history of the Buccleuch family and the house and enjoy the extensive art collection of Paintings, Fine Furniture, Silver and Objets d’Art as well as the stunning rooms. Tours last about an hour.
Check out the Victorian Kitchen which was restored in the 1970’s based on the experience of those who worked there. Now used as an educational hub.
And the Courtyard Gallery is a dedicated space for exhibitions showcasing the best of art and sculpture from the Scottish Borders and beyond.
The grounds and gardens offer dramatic views over the landscape towards Ettrick Valley and over tone of the two lochs.
With terraces, a rose garden, rock garden and less formal areas packed with daffodils, rhododendrons and azaleas as well as the sunken garden and a small arboretum.
The glasshouses and walled garden are not open to the public but supply the house with plants and flowers.
For the children there is the woodland adventure playground with its zips, slides, swings and large wooden fort. Plenty of opportunities for learning as well with walks and information about wildlife and nature. There is also the Soft Play area for the younger kids to enjoy. Free with your ticket.
Refreshments are available at The Old Kitchen Café with light lunches and take away service available. You will also find some gifts and souvenirs here as well.
There is also The Horsebox in the Adventure Playground with take away drinks and sweets, perfect for while the kids are at play.
There are limited opening days and times for both of these so it’s worth checking they are open if you are relying on them for food and drink!
If you are in the area check out the events pages as there are often activities, films, and seasonal events taking place like Halloween Trails, Christmas Wreath making, Santa’s Grotto and birthday Parties.
Other properties owned by the Buccleuch estate include Drumlanrig Castle near Dumfries.
Accessibility at Bowhill House
Generally accessible gardens and house apart from the old chapel. Some gravel by the house. More Bowhill accessibility information here – pdf.
Dogs at Bowhill House
Dogs on leads are allowed on the grounds & trails and the Old Kitchen Café. Assistance dogs allowed everywhere.
Photos of Bowhill House
Images © Bowhill House
Local Accommodation near to Bowhill House
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Bowhill House then look here for your local Selkirk Accommodation.
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Visitors Reviews of Bowhill House
Visitor Review Score 4.6 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens and features are.
Here is what visitors have to say about their visit to Bowhill House:
Tasha (AutismFamilyTravelGuide) loved the family-friendly Halloween trail, pumpkin picking and spooky surprises through the adventure playground and woodland.
Felicity Burgess praised the Easter trail, crafts, children’s activities and excellent value, enjoying a 5½-hour family visit.
Lucy Smith liked the beautiful surroundings, walking routes, photography opportunities and adventure playground with its forts and exciting slides.
Jennifer McIndoe enjoyed a fantastic family day out, praising the playground for entertaining children and grandparents alike.
Jeff Carr appreciated the lovely gardens and peaceful grounds, enjoyed lunch at the café and praised the adventure playground for children.
Map of local gardens near to Bowhill House for you to visit
While you are visiting the Bowhill House take some time to discover other gardens & attractions nearby, well a short drive away!
Local gardens and attractions near to Bowhill House
Philiphaugh Estate – 2 miles from Bowhill House : Explore a restored Victorian walled garden, seasonal flowers, plant sales and nearby woodland walks.
Old Gala House Gardens – 7 miles from Bowhill House : Stroll through peaceful grounds featuring rose beds, herbaceous borders, spring bulbs, a pond and stream
Abbotsford House & Gardens – 9 miles from Bowhill House : Discover Sir Walter Scott’s colourful Regency garden rooms, heritage kitchen garden, historic greenhouse and riverside walks
Priorwood Garden – 10 miles from Bowhill House : Visit a peaceful walled garden with a heritage orchard and plants selected for drying flowers.
Harmony Garden – 10 miles from Bowhill House : Enjoy tranquil lawns, scented borders and views towards Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills.
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Bowhill House
All information was believed to correct at the time of publication