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Scottish Borders

A lovely holiday destination in its own right...

Kirk Yetholm near Kelso

Peebles

The Scottish countryside

Melrose Abbey

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The Scottish Borders stretch from rolling hills and moorland in the west, through gentler valleys to the rich agricultural plains of the east, and then on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline with secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages

The hills of the Cheviots, the Lammermuirs, the Moorfoots and the Pentlands, along with the River Tweed and its tributaries creates a Border countryside of different facets and unique personality, with friendly towns and charming villages, castles, abbeys, stately homes and museums.

Ancient fortifications, battle-fields and ruined abbeys can be found throughout the Borders, forming the backdrop to a rich historical past. Of note is Melrose Abbey where the heart of the great Scottish King, Robert the Bruce is kept. Two miles east of Galashiels lies Abbotsford, former home to the great novelist Sir Walter Scott and historic Traquair, said to be Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, which has connections with the Jacobite Risings and has been visited by 27 monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots.

Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this region at their own pace or alternatively there’s a host of outdoor activities suitable for all ages, including 21 golf courses, some of the best fishing in Scotland, horse riding along sign-posted routes and quiet country lanes and some superb on and off road cycling. For those looking for some ‘Retail Therapy’ the Borders is famed for producing quality tweeds and tartans, and has a great variety of local crafts workshops and outlets.

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Destinations in Scottish Borders

Things to do in Scottish Borders

Carlisle Castle

Built in 1092, Carlisle Castle is situated on the edge of the city centre with the River Eden running alongside. It is home to the famous ruins of Queen Mary’s Tower.

Hadrian’s Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hadrian’s Wall is the main attraction in this beautiful area in the north of Cumbria, which is home to more than half of the wall.

Talkin Tarn Country Park

This tarn is situated close to Brampton, surrounded by beautiful woodland and farmland, a perfect place to take a leisurely walk with wonderful views of the Pennine fells.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

A day out at Tullie House in Carlisle is a great day out suitable for all ages. This grade I listed building with a contemporary extension is full of history.

Aydon Castle

A 13th century hidden gem set in secluded woodland. The castle is beautifully preserved, well fortified and has a turbulent history of Anglo-Scottish warfare. Tel: 01434 632450

Bellingham Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre at Bellingham is a lively local museum with fascinating collections on the Borders Reivers, mining, farming, the now defunct Border Counties Railway and databases of historic photos and local names. Tel 01434 220616

Berwick Barracks and Main Guard

Home to history and the arts, this 18th century barracks houses the By Beat of Drum exhibition, the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Museum, Berwick Borough Museum AND Berwick art gallery! Tel: 01289 304493

Brinkburn Priory

Escape to this scenic gothic church set on an idyllic riverside. Explore the fascinating 12th century priory and discover what life was like in a medieval monastery. Tel: 01665 570628

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