Traquair House Summary

• Address: Innerleithen, EH44 6PW (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1896 830323
• Fax: +44 (0)1896 830639
• Owner: Mrs Catherine Maxwell Stuart
• Administrator: Mrs Catherine Maxwell Stuart
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Traquair House website

With the death of Alexander III in 1286 the Golden Age of peace came to an end. By the end of the century Scotland was at war with England. Traquair was fortified to become part of the defence against an English invasion, but was occupied by English troops. Both King Edward I and II of England stayed there at this time, but with the accession of Robert the Bruce in 1306 the house was restored to the Scottish Crown.

During the next 150 years the house was owned by a number of families, reverting to the Crown at intervals, until James III gave Traquair and all its lands to his favourite; Robert Lord Boyd, then a few years later to his "Master of Music" who in turn sold it on to the King's uncle the Earl of Buchan for the equivalent today of a few pounds. Buchan's second son, James Stuart, became the first Laird of Traquair in 1491, and it is from him that the present family is decended.

Having been involved in power and politics for some 700 years, Traquair has, more recently, experienced quieter times. Still very much a family home, it has remained largely unchanged in a landscape of ancient woodland, gardens, and forests of the Tweed valley.

After the last war, the 19th Laird and his wife began a programme of restoration and repairs which has continued to this day. As the 20th Laird wrote; "We are happy to continue the work they started so that new generations of visitors will delight in and learn much from a house that has become a part of Scotland's history".

Accommodation in the Oldest Inhabited House in Scotland

Three spacious double bedrooms furnished with antique furniture, canopied bed, private bath and central heating are available on a "bed and breakfast" basis. Guests may wander in the extensive grounds which lead to the famous River Tweed where fishing on their private stretch is available. Information will be given about the many dining places in the area which vary from country inns to 5 star hotels. (Dinner may sometimes be available in the house by prior arrangement). In the morning a full Scottish breakfast is served in the Still Room.

• 2 people per night with full Scottish Breakfast: £180
• Single Occupancy: £100

For further details on accommodation at Traquair, Click Here.

Weddings and Catering

As one of the most romantic settings in Scotland, Traquair is the ideal choice for weddings. There is a private Catholic chapel in one of the wings of the house or you may wish to use the High Drawing Room or Dining Room, both of these rooms have a maximum seating capacity of 50. Outside venues include The Rose Garden, The Old Walled Garden and the Wine Glass Lawn. They are happy to provide assistance in finding a minister or a priest. Overseas marriages must register at least six weeks in advance with the Registrar in Peebles. UK couples at least 4 weeks.

Receptions can be held in the house and lunches and dinners (menus) can be arranged in the 18th century Dining Room but numbers are limited to 35. Outside they are happy to arrange for marquees to be sited either on the Wine Glass Lawn in front of the house or in the Old Walled Garden where there is the possibility of siting the marquee over the garden pond and fountain. The 1745 Cottage Restaurant and Bear Cottage are also available for receptions of up to 50 people.

Opening Times - 2012

• 6th April - 30th September: Daily, 11 am - 5 pm
• October: Daily, 11 am - 4 pm
• November : Saturday & Sunday, 11 am - 3 pm

Admission Prices - 2011

House & Grounds:

• Adult - £7.70
• Child - £4.20
• Seniors - £7.00
• Family (2+3) - £22.00

Grounds only:

• Adult - £4.00
• Child - £3.00

Groups (20+):

• Adult - £6.70
• Child - £3.70
• Seniors - £6.20

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Traquair House

There are currently no reviews for this Stately Home.

Events for Traquair House

• Snowdrop Opening - 25 February 2012 to 26 February 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: There is a spectacular display of snowdrops in the grounds and woodlands of Traquair House. Light Lunches and afternoon teas will be available in the 1745 Cottage Restaurant. Admission: Adults - £4.00, Concessions - £3.00.
• Forest School - 03 March 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• The Mighty Deerstalker - 17 March 2012
  A daylight 5k or a torchlit 10k (head torch required) Fun Run with many challenges - hills, regular wettings and also including obstacles such as “The Rack”, “The Scree” and “The Tunnel”. Join in the fun by coming in fancy dress and there will be an after party too with live music. Entry numbers are capped, so click through to the Traquair House website to register.
• Forest School - 17 March 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• Forest School - 31 March 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.

• Forest School - 04 April 2012
  10.30 am - 4.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• Eastereggstravaganza - 08 April 2012
  From 12 pm: Thousands of eggs to be found in the Egg hunts in the maze and and lots of other Easter prizes! Plus children’s workshops and activities.
• Forest School - 21 April 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• Forest School - 28 April 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• Forest School - 12 May 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.

• Forest School - 19 May 2012
  10.30 am - 2.30 pm: A Forest School workshop run by Sara and Andy in the Traquair Woodlands. 7 – 11 year olds can play forest games, learn outdoor skills and to build shelters and benders and go on a bug hunt. For more information and to book a place click through to the Traquair House website.
• Shakespeare at Traquair - 23 May 2012 to 26 May 2012
  Performance starts at 7.30pm: This stunning production of Twelfth Night is set as a promenade performance through the grounds of Traquair.
• Traquair Shakespeare Festival - 26 May 2012 to 27 May 2012
  11 am - 6 pm: Traquair House returns to Shakespearean times with jousting, archery, falconry, and also living history displays, jesters and other Elizabethan pastimes. There will also be Elizabethan theatre and music during the weekend.
• Shakespeare at Traquair - 27 May 2012
  Performance starts at 6.30pm: This stunning production of Twelfth Night is set as a promenade performance through the grounds of Traquair.
• Shakespeare at Traquair - 31 May 2012 to 02 June 2012
  Performance starts at 7.30pm: This stunning production of Twelfth Night is set as a promenade performance through the grounds of Traquair.

• Books, Borders and Bikes - 18 August 2012 to 19 August 2012
  Inspiring debates and literary walks in the company of international writers, thinkers and politicians for a unique literary festival. Also includes storytelling bike rides around the picturesque Borders’ countryside.
• Halloween at Traquair - 26 October 2012 to 27 October 2012
  7 pm & 9 pm: Historical ghost tours bringing the history of Traquair to life. Tour duration approximately one hour and includes a post-tour glass of mulled wine in the Dining Room. Suitable for 8yrs and over. Numbers are limited - to avoid disappointment please book early.
• Free Christmas Opening - 24 November 2012 to 25 November 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: Entrance to the House and Grounds is free, so why not join in the festive activities and fun. There's a magnificent Santa’s grotto and also puppet shows, mulled wine and a sale in all the shops.

Additional Info for Traquair House

• Playgrounds
• Dogs allowed
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Accommodation
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Filming
• Gifts
• Nursery
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Amex
• Visa
• Switch

Updating this Home

If you are the owner or manager of this property, now is your chance to update your information. In your interests, updates are checked to ensure that no incorrect information is entered from an unauthorised source.