Tucked away in the serene village of St Boswells, just a stone’s throw from the River Tweed and the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, sits a gem of a hotel that blends history, charm, and modern comfort.
Whether you’re a country sportsman or fisherman enjoying the fishing on the Tweed, a walker tracing ancient paths, a foodie chasing local flavours, or simply looking to slow down and soak up Scottish hospitality, The Buccleuch Arms is a delightful discovery.
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The Buccleuch Arms isn’t your average country hotel. It’s a place where locals gather by the fire, muddy walking boots are accepted and dogs are welcome.
Originally a staging post on the London to Edinburgh route, the four-star inn has seen centuries of travellers pass through its doors. Today, it’s warm stone exterior and flower-filled planters welcome a new generation of guests looking for a relaxed but refined base in the Borders.
Owned and run by Billy Hamilton, he has turned it into a relaxing, welcoming haven in the Borders.
I arrived with the promise of slow days and scenic walks – and left feeling like I’d found a new favourite hideaway.
First Impressions
Walking into the lobby area you immediately feel welcome. The comfy antique sofa and armchairs around the fireplace look so inviting, we nearly forgot to check-in.
On the walls are memories of the days when the hotel was a hunting lodge. In fact, throughout the hotel there are nods to its past, antique suitcases, paintings of local scenery and white painted antlers on the walls.
The staff greeted us with big smiles, and we were quickly checked-in.
The Rooms
The Buccleuch Arms has 19 en-suite guest bedrooms, each with its own personality.
There’s a mix of classic doubles, twins, family rooms, and a few larger options with extra space and special touches.
I stayed in a double room with views over the garden – it was stylish yet understated, with a blend of antique furniture, plush white bedding, and a modern, spotless bathroom.
Rooms are designed with comfort in mind rather than flashy luxury. Think wool throws, vintage touches, and a kettle ready for a cuppa after a day’s exploring.
The hotel is proudly dog-friendly too, with certain rooms specially designated for guests with four-legged companions.
Location
Built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch and set in the pretty village of St Boswells, The Buccleuch Arms offers the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and convenience.
The hotel is just off the A68, making it an ideal stop on a Scottish road trip or as a base for exploring the wider Borders region. It is the main route through from Edinburgh to Jedburgh and on down to England.
The River Tweed is a few minutes’ walk away, offering peaceful riverside strolls and, for those inclined, some of the best salmon fishing in the UK. Historic Dryburgh Abbey is just down the road, and the market town of Melrose with its own magnificent Abbey ruins is a short drive away. Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, is nearby and well worth a visit.
The Borders is an area rich in incredible history, lots of rural charm, yet light on crowds. It’s Scotland without the stress.
Dining
The hotel’s Blue Coo Bistrot is a reason in itself to book a stay. The panelled room in a lovely French blue and mushroom with a stove that keeps the place toasty in the cooler months. Decorated with dried hops over the beams, paintings and a large oval red clock in the corner, it is quirky, but warm and welcoming.
The focus is firmly on local produce – think Borders beef, Tweed Valley lamb, local wood pigeon and fish delivered from Eyemouth, all freshly cooked to order. With a daily specials board to tempt you, and options if you are vegetarian or vegan.
During my stay, I enjoyed the courgette, pea and broad bean risotto, perfectly cooked, while my partner had a Blue Coo Burger with Blue Murder cheese on the home-made beef burger.
Trying to choose between the legendary sticky toffee pudding or the white chocolate brownie with a scoop of Doddington’s vanilla ice cream, was a difficult, but the brownie won out!
You don’t have to be staying at the Buccleuch to enjoy the food, you can book for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The breakfast menu is full of hearty and homemade delights – porridge with honey, eggs however you like them, Eyemouth kippers, Borders sausages, and the kind of toast that’s perfect with local jam and a good strong brew. After a good breakfast, you are ready for anything.
The bar in the Blu Coo Bistrot is a cosy spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. The drinks list is full of Scottish treasures, and the staff are more than happy to suggest a dram or a cocktail to suit your mood. The locals are friendly, and you are soon drawn into a chat.
Don’t miss out on a visit to Brew, for high quality coffee, breakfast rolls, sweet treats and more. Open from 7am until 3pm, it is just next door to the Buccleuch with indoor and outdoor seating.
What Makes The Buccleuch Arms Special
While The Buccleuch Arms may be a small, independently run hotel, it punches above its weight when it comes to amenities. It has won the Scottish Inn of the Year four times.
For starters, the welcome is incredibly warm – not just from the staff, but from the atmosphere itself. There’s a boot area for drying off wet clothes after a walk, a selection of walking maps and guides as you walk in. The bar stocked with Borders ales and a rather impressive selection of Scottish gins and single malts.
It’s the kind of place where it’s perfectly acceptable to come down to dinner in walking trousers – and that sort of relaxed luxury is very appealing.
There’s ample parking, strong Wi-Fi throughout, and a small outdoor beer garden for enjoying a sunny Borders afternoon (yes, they do exist!).
Relaxation and Recreation:
Due to its location, The Buccleuch Arms offers the opportunities for outdoor adventures. In the heart of the Scottish Borders, it is perfectly placed for a range of activities:
- Fishing: The hotel can help arrange permits and advice for fishing on the River Tweed.
- Golf: There are several well-regarded golf courses nearby, including St Boswells, Melrose and the Schlosse at Roxburgh.
- Equestrian Pursuits: The Buccleuch can put you in contact with various riding schools and liveries in the area.
- Field Sports: As the Buccleuch was originally a hunting lodge, it still retains strong country sport links. Drag hunting, There is secure gun storage should you be bringing your own guns.
- Walking: Follow the St Cuthberts Way, explore the Eildon Hills, or meander along the River Tweed, there are plenty of walks around the hotel.
- Cricket: The Buccleuch is next door to St Boswells Cricket Ground. Sit and watch a match or two while you are there.
- Cycling: Bring your bike or hire locally – the Borders have some fantastic cycling routes.
However, if your idea of recreation is curling up with a book and a whisky by the fire, this is the place for that too. Forgot your book? Mainstreet Trading is a 5-minute walk away, combining a well-stocked bookshop, coffee shop and delicatessen, with a chilled vibe, it is a great place to hang out.
Local Experiences: Nearby Attractions, Tours, and Cultural Immersion
The Scottish Borders are often overlooked – and that’s precisely what makes them so special. Staying at The Buccleuch Arms puts you within easy reach of some truly unforgettable sights and experiences:
- Dryburgh Abbey – hauntingly beautiful ruins just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- Abbotsford House – explore the legacy of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s literary giants.
- Scott’s View – one of the most iconic viewpoints in Scotland.
- Melrose Abbey – the final resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
- Floors Castle – the 300-year-old castle in nearby Kelso.
- Borders Distillery – take a tour and sample some award-winning Scottish whisky.
There are also seasonal events, markets, and festivals that give a flavour of Borders life – from sheepdog trials to food fairs. Look out for the Borders Book Festival in June; nearby Melrose is the home of the Melrose 7s in May and Kelso Racecourses, Edgefest, and the local traditional rideouts in neighbouring towns.
It is also a short drive to other Borders towns including Melrose, Kelso, Selkirk and Galashiels. Tweedbank Railway Station is also nearby for a trip up to Edinburgh without the faff of trying to negotiate the one-way system or finding a parking space.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Buccleuch Arms quietly weaves sustainability into its ethos. It champions local produce, reducing food miles and supporting small-scale Borders farmers and producers in the local community. You won’t find plastic water bottles in the rooms, and there’s an emphasis on low-waste kitchen practices.
Guests are encouraged to reuse towels where possible, and eco-friendly toiletries are provided. Much of the furniture and decor has been upcycled or sourced locally, giving the interiors a warm and authentic feel.
It’s sustainability without the sermon – thoughtful, low-key, and meaningful.
And the name “Buccleuch”?
Even for a Scot, the name Buccleuch is a bit of a mouthful. Is it Buc-looch, Boocluch or even Buc-luck. Well it is actually pronounced – [buc-loo]!
Guest Reviews: Insights from Other Travellers
A glance at reviews on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google shows a consistent theme: warmth, friendliness, and fantastic food.
Many guests return year after year, often mentioning the personal service, dog-friendly policies, and the comfort of the rooms. Words like “cosy”, “charming”, and “welcoming” come up again and again.
Some reviewers mention the slightly creaky floorboards or smaller bathrooms, but this is part of the character of an older property. If you’re after a clinical chain hotel feel, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you want soul and history, you’re in luck.
Tips for Booking: Best Times to Visit
The Buccleuch Arms is a year-round destination, but here are a few tips:
- Spring and autumn are especially lovely – fewer crowds, colourful landscapes, and good walking weather.
- Look for seasonal offers: The hotel often runs midweek break packages or dinner-inclusive deals.
- Book direct: You’ll often get the best rates, flexible cancellation, and maybe even a wee treat on arrival.
- Travelling with a dog? Make sure to request a dog-friendly room in advance.
Personal Experience: Highlights from My Stay
From the moment I walked in, I felt genuinely welcomed – not in the polished, scripted way some hotels manage, but with genuine warmth. The room was beautifully cosy, with views over the quiet beer garden, and I slept like a log.
One highlight? Sitting in the Blue Coo sipping a Born Brewery Hazy Pale Ale while my partner enjoyed a plate of haggis bonbons while we chatted with a fellow traveller about the joys of slow travel in Scotland.
There’s a peacefulness to this place that stays with you – long after the bags are packed and you are on your way.
Final Thoughts
The Buccleuch Arms is more than just a hotel – it’s a haven for those looking to step off the beaten path and into a more authentic, unhurried kind of Scotland.
It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples, walkers, dog-owners, and anyone who appreciates good food, good company, and a good night’s sleep.
If you’re planning a Scottish Borders escape – even just for a night or two – The Buccleuch Arms deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Hotel Fact Box
Address: The Buccleuch Arms Hotel, The Green, St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0EW
Telephone: +44 (0)1835 822243
Website: www.buccleucharms.com
Dog Friendly: Yes – selected rooms available for an extra charge
Free Parking: On site car park and EV charging
Restaurant: The Blue Coo Bistrot, Brew
Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the hotel
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