Woodland Trails
There is plenty of room for walking in the grounds at Paxton House but we have marked out some special trails which make exploring our woodlands more fun for younger adventurers and all the family.
Take a Walk
Exploring the grounds is one of the delights of Paxton House. Follow paths from the house to the flower gardens, the waterwheel or the Bird and Squirrel Hide (10 -15 mins). Or a longer one along the Linn Burn through the woods to the river Tweed, the boathouse and salmon netting station (40 mins). A little further will take you to the historic Union Chain Bridge, Britain’s first suspension bridge (45-60 mins).
Come for another visit to enjoy the changing seasons, see the daffodils emerge or the leaf colours turn golden. The grounds are open all winter (apart from Christmas week) so get some healthy exercise alone, with friends or just the dog. Round off your visit with a warming cup of coffee at our Stables Tearoom.
Holiday trails
School holidays and half term breaks are great times to burn off some energy at Paxton House. We run seasonal trails to celebrate Spring, Summer and Autumn. Come and explore!
Tree Trail
The woodland garden is part of an 18th century landscape which has surrounded Paxton House since it was built in the 1750s. Some of the trees are almost as old as the house. Follow our tree trail to see some of our giants and learn a little more about our trees.
Union Chain Bridge
Beyond Paxton, you can walk along the riverbank to the Union Chain Bridge or travel through it on one of our boat trips. When this revolutionary bridge opened in 1820 it was the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world. The bridge used pioneering technology invented by Newcastle naval captain Samuel Brown, whose company supplied the Royal Navy with cables for a century. The bridge reopened in April 2023 after a multi-million pound restoration, once again linking England and Scotland. Don’t forget to take in the view of the bridge from Paxton House lawns and learn a bit more about its history on a house tour in our Entrance Hall where there is a portrait of its designer, Sir Samuel Brown, and a painting of the new bridge by Alexander Nasmyth.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Paxton. There are 80 acres to explore so just make sure you keep them on the lead and pick up after them (there are regular dog poo bins). You and your pooch are welcome to eat and drink in the Stables Tearoom, either outside in the Courtyard or inside the Harness Room (though not in the main house). You might even find something for your doggie wardrobe in the Gift Shop.