Historic Buildings
The Borders is rich in History and home to a collection of unique historic buildings. We have listed some of our favorites below.
Abbotsford House, Galashiels - the extraordinary home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. The cafe here is also well worth a visit.
Abbotsford - The Home of Sir Walter Scott (scottsabbotsford.com)
Floors Castle, Kelso - one of the most iconic country houses in Scotland. This magnificent family seat is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, and has been home to eleven generations of the Duke's of Roxburghe.
Country Estate | Visitor Attraction | Corporate Venue - Floors Castle - Home
Bowhill House, Selkirk - Home to the Duke of Buccleuch, attractions at Bowhill include guided House tours, theatre, adventure playground, walking trails, ranger-led activities and events, and tearoom.
One Of Scotland's Finest Country Estates | Bowhill House
Monteviot House and Gardens, Jedburgh - Owned by the Lothian Family, just 15 minutes up the road a beautiful country house and a chance to wander through the many different gardens surrounding the house.
Activities for Adults and Children
Beirhope Alpacas, Jedburgh - Just over the hill, with the most breathtaking scenery, Beirhope offers a truly unique experience from alpaca walking in the Cheviot Hills.
Beirhope Alpacas | A Little Piece of Magic
Border Berries, St Boswells - Our local pick your own, delicious strawberries, dig your own potatoes, pick some peas and more. Finish off with a trip to the cafe for some homemade delights. Seasonal Hours.
Jacksons at Jedburgh - Farm attraction, try the self-guided tour, highland cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks to see, take a picnic and grab a coffee or ice cream there.
www.jacksonsatjedburgh.co.uk
Kayak and SUP Hire - Kayak and SUP hire at Clerkland Loch, Galashiels or St Mary’s Loch, Selkirk (also home to a cafe for lunch and supper provisions).
Kayak and SUP Hire and Sales Scottish Borders | Facebook
Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton - Book in for a day or half day of activities such as high ropes, swimming, archery, gorge walking and much more. Also home to some great mountain biking trails you can visit seperately.
Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton | Centres | Rock UK
Crafty Workshops, Jedburgh - No appointment required just turn up to try activities such as engraving a glass, glass foiling, pottery glazing and more.
Glentress, Innerleithen - Some of the best mountain track trails in the country, hire a bike or take your own. Or go walking, visit Go Ape and have a bite to eat in the cafe.
Glentress - Forestry and Land Scotland
Harestanes, Jedburgh - A great place for walks of all lengths and abilities, a large childrens play area. After all that activity you can visit some of the boutique shops and grab a coffee or waffle at Out of Artisan.
OUT-THERE ARTISAN - cafe, eco shop, courses and mobile bar.
Wilton Park, Hawick - A beautiful public park with play area, museum and cafe.
Laidlaw Memorial Swimming Pool, Jedburgh - Our local swimming pool, check out the facebook page for the current timetable.
Laidlaw Memorial Pool & Fitness Centre | Facebook
Teviotdale Leisure Centre - Large swimming pool with flume, gym and large soft play.
Teviotdale Leisure Centre - Gyms & Leisure - Live Borders
Ian Stark Equestrian Centre - If horse riding is on your list, have a look at Olympic Champion Ian Stark’s riding center for lessons and hacks.
Bisley at Braidwood, St Boswells - A chance to try clay, air rifle and even virtual shooting for all ages.
Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience Scotland – superb venue & facilities (bisleyshooting.co.uk)
Tweed E-Bike Hire - Hire an e-bike for the day for a trip round the borders countryside.
E-Bike Hire | Tweed E-Bike Hire (tweedebikehire.co.uk)
Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctury, St Boswells - On a small estate, donkeys are re-homed here, you can also see ponies, llamas, goats, pigs, sheep ducks and many breeds of poultry and a mule called Muffin! Open every Saturday between 1am and 4pm.
Museums
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum, Jedburgh - The museum gives visitors a taste of what life was like in a 1820s prison. You can walk through the original cell blocks, see some of inmates and their conditions and follow their stories. Find out why some people thought it was the most comfortable jail in Scotland. The building has also gained a reputation for ghostly sightings! Free to visit.
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum - Our Museums - Live Borders
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre, Jedburgh - This 16th century tower house tells the story of the queen and her time here in Jedburgh. Free to visit.
Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre - Our Museums - Live Borders
Trimontium Museum, Melrose - Tells the story of the pivotal and turbulent history of the Trimontium Roman fort site near Melrose.
The face of Roman Scotland - Trimontium Museum
Jim Clark Motor Museum, Duns - Discover the story of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time and borders farmer and Formula 1 Racing Legend.
Jim Clark Motorsport Museum - The Jim Clark Trust
Borders Textile Townhouse, Hawick - The story of Border knitwear and tweed over 200 years, free to visit.
Beaches
Coldingham Bay - has to be one of our favourites with it’s sheltered beach and well stocked tea hut with all the supplies you could need for a day out.
A trip further up from Coldingham will take you to St Abbs Head, a small fishing harbour and known worldwide by Divers.
No seaside trip is without a stop at Eyemouth for delicous Fish and Chips and Ice Cream from Giacopazzis while watching the seals in the Harbour. You can also take a trip to Gunsgreen House and discover the tea smuggling passages. Rib rides are also available at Eyemouth.
www.giacopazzis.co.uk
https://gunsgreenhouse.org
If your looking something off the beaten track ask us for our other suggestions.
