Jedburgh

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Jedburgh Abbey
Just a mere 10 mile drive over the Scottish border brings you to a pretty  market town that is absolutely steeped in history. Jedburgh is a fantastic place for a family budget friendly day out. The glorious 12th century abbey is the first sight that greets you on entering the town. Owned by Historic Scotland, so free entry to English Heritage members too. There's an interesting onsite visitor centre containing artifacts found in the abbey grounds, displays about the Augustinian monks who once lived here & there's even a dressing up box! Wander round the beautiful & extensive ruins or even have a picnic in the peaceful herb garden.
I've never seen anywhere else quite like Jedburgh Castle Jail. Surely the shape of every castle ever drawn by a child, although it was purpose built as a prison in the 19th century. It has fascinating displays giving an insight into the harsh realities of prison life for men, women & children throughout the ages, including a book detailing every prisoner held inside the castle walls. Inside the jail the layout of cells remains very much unchanged giving, on occasion even a hardened skeptic as myself an eerie feeling of 'not quite being alone'. Inside the museum are displays telling all about Mary Queen of Scots and of Jedburgh's rich history. Admission is free and it’s a place I really enjoy visiting.
Mary Queen of Scots House can also be found in town. It's a beautiful 16th century building, although as with many events in history, it’s debatable whether Mary did actually stay here. Regardless of the truth, inside this gorgeous old bastel house are displays all about Mary Stewart and her long imprisonment and eventual execution ordered by Elizabeth 1st. Some interesting thing to lookout for are Mary's 'death mask' (morbidly fascinating!) and a thimble case that once belonged to Mary...I collect thimbles so this made me chuckle! Again admission is free and it’s well worth a visit.
The Town Trail takes in many of the other historic & scenic sights in Jedburgh, including the gatehouse, market place, complete with unicorns and many houses connected with notable dignitaries who have stayed in Jedburgh throughout the ages.
I can recommend fish & chips from Paul’s Takeaway, conveniently located just across the road from the abbey, I've been there quite a few times & the food has always been delicious..as a matter of interest the first time I ever noticed 'deep fried pizza' on a menu was here!
I've also stayed at Jedburgh Camping and Caravanning Club Site, although many years ago now (B.P. - Before mr Plough!) it was a nice quiet little site for tents and tourers and ideal for longer stays in Jedburgh.

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Carter Bar
The Scottish Borders

On your way up to Jedburgh do stop atCarter Barand take in the gorgeous views and it's a must to pose for a photograph next to the England/Scotland border marker!
Near to Jedburgh is the town of Kelso, home of a small 12th century abbey ruin and the very colourful & funky Art House gallery.
Further on I can also recommend Melrose Abbey (owned by Historic Scotland) the final resting place for Robert the Bruce's heart, also don’t miss the funny stone carving of a bagpipe playing pig!
Also in the area is the peaceful & beautiful Dyburgh Abbey, the final of the 'Four great abbeys of the Scottish Borders'. Its many years since my last visit to Melrose & Dryburgh (B.P. - Before mr Plough!) so sadly I have no photos to post, there's a great excuse for a return visit!

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