Traquair House

Traquair House lies about 1.5 km south of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders. It stands on the site of a hunting lodge used by Scottish kings from the 12th century, and no part of the present building can be dated with certainty before the 15th century. It is often described as the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland, but that is the house’s own claim rather than an established fact. It has belonged to the Stuart family and their descendants since 1491. The King’s Room holds the cradle in which Mary, Queen of Scots is said to have rocked her son, and the Priest’s Room had a secret entrance used for clandestine Mass. According to tradition, the Bear Gates at the head of the drive have been kept shut since the 18th century.

In the grounds there is a hedge maze, planted in 1981 and replanted with beech after a severe winter. A brewery has been working in the house again since 1965. Check opening times on the Traquair website before you go.