Paxton House is central to the Festival, and we work closely with its staff and trustees to ensure the Festival’s continued success. This 18th century Palladian mansion is famous for its collection of Trotter and Chippendale furniture and its period decoration.

“…music venues don’t come more spectacular than this…”The Scotsman

The magnificent Picture Gallery – the largest private gallery ever built in Scotland and indeed the most ambitious in any country house – is an outpost of the Scottish National Galleries. Currently on display are works by celebrated Scottish artists including Sir Henry Raeburn, William McTaggart and Sir William Allan, as well as a new hang of vibrant modern paintings by Scottish colourists Samuel John Peploe and George Leslie Hunter, and artists with Border connections, Anne Redpath and Sir William Gillies.

“…the ear has been delighted as much as the eye…”
‘20 unmissable events’BBC Music Magazine

Paxton enjoys an enviable position on the River Tweed within sight of the historic Union Chain Bridge, less than a mile downstream. Built in 1820, it spans the Tweed to join England and Scotland, making it at that time, the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world.

There is plenty for audiences to explore on the Paxton estate, with house tours, tranquil parkland, boat trips and riverside walks. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the grounds (or the Festival Hub in the Marquee for those who prefer to dine under cover), and the Stables Café will be open throughout the festival serving drinks, light snacks and pastries during the day, and as a fully licensed bistro in the evenings.

“Even if there’s no music playing it’s worth a visit. But when the halls are alive with the sound of music of Music at Paxton…it’s unmissable!”
The Scots Magazine