Scottish Borders Travel Guide

Thirlestane Castle - © Kevin Rae

Introduction and Overview

The Scottish Borders Travel Guide highlights local attractions, places of interest, entertainment and contains useful tourist information for visitors to the region. The area guide features travel information on local transport and travel, facts & figures, entertainment, events, maps and accommodation.

The Borders region of Scotland is located close to the English border and is around eighteen hundred square miles. The region contains a range of landscapes for visitors to see including the rolling hills and moorland to the west, with valleys and rich agricultural plains to the east.

The rocky coastline provides some dramatic scenery and there are some picturesque fishing towns and villages to explore too.

The River Tweed runs through the centre of the Scottish Borders region and is known for its fishing. Those interested in golf, cycling and riding are also well catered for here with good facilities to indulge in your passion.

Coldstream is situated on the River Tweed and is best recognised for being the birthplace of the Coldstream Guards. The history of this famed regiment is displayed in the local museum which also shows the history of the town since the 18th century.

Close by Hirsel Estate offers woodland and lakeside walks, with a great display of flowers in May and June for visitors to see. Galashiels is located at the heart of the Borders, in a valley of the Gala Water.

Lochcarron of Scotland Cashmere and Wool Centre offer tours of the weaving process, and inside the mill, Galashiels Museum tells the history of the town. Old Gala House, once the home of the Lairds of Gala, has been turned in to a museum and art gallery.

The largest of the Border towns is Hawick and is internationally renowned for fine quality knitwear. Visitors will see both well known names here and smaller businesses. There are attractions such as Drumlanrigs Tower that opened in Hawick in 1995.

A monument with a turbulent history, was a stronghold of cross-border warfare, its intriguing story is told to visitors as they are led through time from the Middle Ages to the 1930s when it was converted to a hotel.

The Wilton Lodge Park located on the River Teviot's banks is over 100 acres in size and offers many tree lined walks, picnic and recreational facilities. The Hawick Museum and Scott Gallery show the history of the town and provide a venue for visiting exhibitions.

In August the annual Summer Festival takes place as a fortnight of events, competitions, parades and concerts suitable for all age groups.

Walkerburn is a picturesque town located along the River Tweed. It presents a great place to relax with its abundance of fabulous countryside, amazing wildlife and magnificent scenery. Walkerburn is an ideal retreat for those seeking some peace and quiet in picturesque surroundings.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside, via marked routes. Anglers will like the River Tweed and the fantastic fishing for both Salmon and Trout, while there are great conditions for canoeists too. Close by is the relaxed town of Innerleithen that has shops, hotels and a golf course.

Jedburgh is located both 10 miles from Hawick and from the border with England. There are a number of gardens and parks including Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, Monteviot House Gardens and Jedforest Deer and Farm Park.

Local attractions include the ruins of the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Castle and May Queen of Scots House. The town is well known along with all the towns in the Borders region for their love of rugby union.

Melrose is located 20 miles north of Hawick, located at the foot of the peaks of the Eildon hills. Local attractions include Melrose Abbey, a 12th century gothic styled abbey, it is believed the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is buried on the grounds.

Trimontium is a Roman fort located close by to the town, Dryburgh Abbey is located at St Boswells a few miles away.

Abbotsford House is a Grade A listed building and former home of novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, the historic house is located a few miles from Melrose and includes an impressive house and gardens. The town has strong links to rugby union and is credited for originating rugby sevens.

Peebles is located 30 miles north west of Hawick, historically the town was a market town that played a leading role in the woollen industry. Located on the River Tweed Peebles is located 23 miles from Edinburgh making it popular with those that commute to Edinburgh.

Local attractions include the 14th century Neidpath Castle, Kailzie Gardens, Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre and Traquair House and Dawyck Botanic Garden located a few miles away. There are traditional and contemporary arts and crafts available in the town including art galleries and furniture studios.

The town is popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts with a range of activities on offer including mountain biking, fishing, horse riding, cycling, walking and golf.

There is also St Ronans Well a historic spa, built back in 1827 which had been used by the Victorians in need of the curative waters. It is located a short distance from Peebles.

The Borders region is blessed with an interesting and varied landscape making it a fascinating place to visit. There are natural attractions for those that like natural scenery and varied environments.

There is history with some wonderful castles and historic houses and a wonderful feeling of space and tranquillity just the place for those wanting to relax and get away from the pressures of the cities.

The region is as the name implies on the border of England and Scotland and trips here can be made conveniently from the North of England.



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