Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Marmions Brasserie, located in the lovely town of Melrose, offers a warm and friendly welcome whether it be for breakfast, lunch or that romantic evening meal for two.
Fun Days Out
As well as being voted the country's most tranquil spot, this park is truly is a haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Whatever the weather, you can have a great day out at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre. There's lots of events, children's activities, exhibitions and walks for all the family. And the biggest play park in the Borders!
Here at the Mossburn centre they rescue and shelter misused, abused, unwanted and neglected animals, and provide therapeutic work placements for children and adults.
Dino Park - 26.4 Miles (42.2 KM)
Dino Park is a brilliant dinosaur adventure where you can discover all about these giants who roamed the earth 150 million years ago, in lovely landscaped surroundings. Get to meet some of these colossal monsters here at the park, they are pretty realistic with noises too. All dinosaurs have information about them, find out who was the biggest or most ferocious! Take a trip through the Dino Mine, a great underground adventure and watch out for the dinosaurs lurking about. At the Dino Den you will hear lots of facts and stories and a song or two. How about digging for fossils or bones at the Dino Dig and don't miss out on having a go on the bouncy dinosaur. The staff are lovely, warm and friendly and interact really well the children. Dino Park is open everyday from April through to October and offers a great family fun day out, and is great value. The cafe is a great offering a lovely choice of home cooked food and drinks and all at reasonable prices too. Dino Park offers an atmospheric and fun day out for both children and adults alike, you can't help but have a great time here. If in the area take the time to come and experience Dino Park yourself you won't be disappointed.
Wonderful fun for kids — the soft play area includes ball pools, climbing walls, giant ball arena and aerial runways. There are themed party rooms, a café and much much more.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
A great biking centre for families, novices and those who enjoy a challenge, it has a short red route, two blue routes and a skills loop to learn some of the basics. There's also a black graded ridge just for experts. One hour's drive from Glentress and Innerleithen.
A circular trail at the heart of the Scottish Borders passes by four 12th century abbeys and through several border towns. The 64.5 mile walk is split into 5 sections of roughly equal distances.
A long distance trek at 62.5 miles. The route takes you across the Scottish Borders all the way to the Northumberland coast. Begin at Melrose, where St. Cuthbert began his early work and finish at the holy site of Lindisfarne where he completed his later works and died. Lindisfarne is a fascinating destination as it is where the first Vikings first landed in 793AD and is steeped in history. Along the way there are links with the famous, Sir Walter Scott Way, the Roman Heritage Way and the Pennine Way.
Abernethy Glen - 28 Miles (44.8 KM)
A great walk from the heart of Abernethy. Start at one of the last remaining Irish celtic towers in Scotland. There is a fantastic view from the top and Abernethy Museum, down the road offers a vast collection of exhibits about the local history. Enjoy a cuppa at the tea room and then follow the circular route to Craigden and back.
Pedal Away - 28.1 Miles (45 KM)
Do you enjoy cycling but want to leave your bike at home? Pedal Away could be the answer! Hire a bike, follow a route or take a more challenging trail with a qualified guide. There are miles and miles of long country lanes in the Forest of Dean or the Wye Valley or, if you're feeling adventurous, head off on a mountain bike into the Brecon Beacons. Pedal Away have routes and trails for all ages and abilities.
This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a 8 mile range of ancient rocks offering ideal conditions for walking. The top ridge provides the best views whilst waterfalls and fountains can still be seen from lower down the hills. There are various cafés and pubs throughout the area for those in need of refreshment!
Golf & Sports
If you like a challenge or want to try something new, then archery is the sport for you. They cater for all ages and abilities and offer courses to suit your needs. All sessions are led by qualified instructors registered with the Grand National Archery Society.
This course is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders amidst rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. It offers members and visitors of all abilities an enjoyable round of golf over a challenging layout.
This community 25m swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a steam room, fitness suite, café and soft play area for under 5'. There's also general fun sessions for all the family.
Clay pigeon shooting for all ages in a carefully controlled environment with fully qualified instructors, where safety is of the utmost importance.
Nature Reserves
Discover Iron Age remains, 5000 year old cairns and the wonder of one of the largest forests in Britain. This beautiful place is perfect to explore however you choose, be it on horse back, on a mountain bike or on a leisurely stroll.
Take a stroll around this beautiful forest and perhaps enjoy the Waterfall Walk. Discover local Roman history and use the hide to spot red squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
Working farm in beautiful countryside with a huge range of attractions including rare breeds of farm animals and deer herds, Ranger led activities and nature walks, indoor/outdoor play areas, Bird of prey demonstrations and tuition, and much, much more.
Watch salmon live via underwater cameras on the large plasma screen and see them leaping at the cauld on their migration journey, depending on river levels. Stop by The Waterwheel restaurant for some delicious home baking.
Yair Forest - 27.8 Miles (44.5 KM)
Forestry Commission mixed conifer woodland with a variety of waymarked routes to help you enjoy your forests.
Gardens & Woodlands
Take a stroll around one of the many tree lined walks, admire the beautiful formal gardens, visit the museum and sit near the waterfall soaking up the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for narcissi and daffodils.
Some lovely glasshouse displays and herbaceous borders to admire, whilst you soak up the lovely atmosphere of these walled gardens. Located in Hawick, a multiple winner of 'Scotland in Bloom', these gardens have proved a hugely important factor in the award.
Encompassing over 30 acres, these lovely gardens include immaculate lawns, woodland and meet the flood plain of the River Teviot at the far end of their reach. Many distinct gardens join together in the original section to ensure there is always something of interest in bloom all year round. A wonderful place to explore with all the family.
Positioned as a series of terraces, these beautiful gardens are a tranquil place to visit and relax in. Stunning water features provide a mirror to the gardens and are set amongst Rodgersias, Rheums and Bamboo to name but a few.
Soak up the stunning scenery at Scott's View; so called after Sir Walter Scott as it was one of his favourite vistas. It was reported that he visited the spot so often that his horses stopped without command. Admire as he once did the peaks of Eildon Hill, the gently sloping countryside and the meandering River Tweed.
Encompassing 26 acres of garden, this varied garden is a great place to relax, unwind and while away the hours in. Admire the kitchen garden, feature specimen trees, azaleas and fascinating Arboretum.
A delightfully tranquil walled garden comprising of lawns, herbaceous and mixed borders, vegetable and fruit areas, and a rich display of spring bulbs. The garden is set around an early 19th-century house which unfortunately is not open to the public.
An important feature of the town of Galashiels, the gardens were first planted after World War Two and have brought visitors to the area ever since.
Local Attractions
The finest quality knitwear is available at The Mill Shop, and at The Hawick Cashmere Visitor Centre you can watch Shima Whole garment machines at work and browse round the extensive range of knitwear.
This small family owned museum is located in the last surviving genuine daylight photographic premises in the UK. Original photographic artefacts and equipment are on display and the building houses a vast archive of glass and film negatives dating from 1860.
Lochcarron specialise in cashmere, woven and knitted goods. The company is family owned and have been producing Scottish designs in Scotland since 1947. They are the world leader in tartan manufacturing, with over 700 in stock. Clients include Sean Connery and Shrek!
Come and see the production of a range of stunning stemware, vases and bowls at Scotland's leading studio glass workshop. Second shop and showroom open.
A specialist garden where plants gown are selected for their suitability for drying. The colourful and imaginative selection ensures variety for the dried flower arrangements made on the premises and provides material for courses held here on the ancient craft of drying flowers.
Preserved steam and diesel locomotives from Britain and overseas run between Alston station and Kirkhaugh. There are refreshment facilities and a railway shop at the station.
Historical & Heritage Sites
A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots, it was partly restored in the 19th century. Nearby is the 14th-century Hermitage Chapel.
A great little local museum with an excellent railway memorabilia collection and other interesting artefacts.
This great heritage centre is located on the former Waverley railway route at the half way point between Hawick and Newcastleton. Learn about the history of the railway and its local area. The centre is also part of the Waverley Walk, a great route for hikers or cyclists alike.
Built as a Peel Tower House and home of the Douglas family, and later the home of Anne, Duchess of Monmouth, and still later the Tower Hotel, the premises now house exhibits showing the history of Hawick and the Tower through the ages.
Carlisle Castle is still a sight to behold. Founded in 1092, it's housed a few famous guests in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here.
Built in 1820 Jedburgh Castle Jail is an important example of Howard Reform Prison architecture. Displays explore the development of the Jail and what it would have been like to be a prisoner and a guard.
One of the border abbeys, founded by David I around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church is built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Finds from the excavations of the cloister buildings are on display. (Limited wheelchair access)
Set in peaceful and scenic gardens, the house tells the story of the life of the tragic Queen, who herself visited Jedburgh in 1556, staying in this Bastille House. A good range of souvenirs and books are for sale and audio tours are available.
There is so much to see and do at this early 19th century house in beautiful countryside: outstanding collection of paintings, superb silverware, porcelain and French furniture, restored Victorian kitchen, and children's and family activities, to name but a few.
Displays recreate the building's former role as a home and ironmonger's shop while the story of the Royal Burgh of Selkirk is told in the upstairs galleries. The Robson Gallery hosts an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions.
Dating from 1803, this former Town House and Sheriff Court is where Sir Walter Scott sat as Sheriff of Selkirkshire until 1832. Visitor centre, audio visual and small sales point.
Although now ruined, Dryburgh is still a remarkable Border Abbey. This lovely setting is also the final resting place of Field Marshall Douglas Haig and Sir Walter Scott.
Abbotsford - 28.6 Miles (45.8 KM)
The home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist and poet, author of Waverley, Ivanhoe and Lady of the Lake to name a few. When Scott purchased Cartleyhole Farmhouse and Steading on the banks of the River Tweed near Melrose he renamed it Abbotsford and built the house you can see today.
Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 and largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are largely of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland.
Dating from 1583, the former home of the Lairds of Galashiels is now an interpretive centre with displays and changing exhibitions, family history, tearoom and a garden. Audio tours are also available and their are children's activities during school holidays.
