Overview

Priorwood Garden is one of the secrets of Melrose. Tucked behind a large stone wall and visible only through the arched doorway you're left wondering what lies inside. Not, perhaps, the greatest mobility access, for me as a wheelchair user, but that is due to change with some carefully curated upgrades to surfaces and the building. A great spot if you're more mobile and particularly if you are looking for some peace and quite against a backdrop of buzzing bees, blossom, and blooms.

Transport & Parking

Being tucked away as a walled garden you wouldn't expect to drive up to the front door here. That said, just a short distance away from the entrance lies a fairly large public car park. I found a convenient Blue Badge bay for my WAV and discovered the joy of free parking too. Wheeling across the adjacent road and up a little bit of an incline and I was soon at the garden entrance. On my way, I paused to admire the elegant structure that is Melrose Abbey. Now in a state of monument rather than building; it was none the less appealing in the bright summer sunshine.

Access

I wheeled up to the arched doorway and across the large rough hewn slabs. From then on it was a bit of a gravel challenge until I arrived on the old terrace or the grass of the orchard. My chosen spot was one of those places where you can quite happily sit a while and watch the world go by. The gardeners were busy, and the grass had that freshly mown aroma which like marmite, you love or hate. The gardens, after a quick glance round, don't look large but what you quickly realise is the diversity of the planting. Everything from some vegetables, to shrubs, annuals, and of course the apple trees. If you are, like me, a fan of apples then the orchard comes into its own with over seventy or so varieties to see. The access was a bit challenge with the surfaces in places but worth the effort to see what was on offer and admire the views. All of this is due to change with some major, but sympathetic, path upgrades and more due next year.

Toilets

Priorwood Gardens does not have any toilet facilities for the public but public toilets, including an accessible toilet, are available 100 metres up the road from the entrance gateway.

Staff

I met some of the volunteers working in the garden as well as staff. The enthusiasm and passion for the garden was obvious. Very keen to tell me what to see and look out for; as well as the best routes to try out for easier access. I was impressed how a place that appears to be as simple as a repository for nature could have such a strong personality and magnetism. I will be returning ...

Photos