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.
The Cloud House will not only offer you a warm and friendly welcome, but delicious coffee and home cooked, freshly baked cakes as well. Local artists exhibit in the gallery.
Serving fine fresh food seven days a week, from pensioners' lunches to traditional Sunday carvery. There's a fine selection of wines and beers, too.
Set in the Scottish Borders, and first opening its doors in 1995, The Prince of India Restaurant promises unique Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine that will warm your heart.
The Tyneside Tavern offers traditional style bistro dishes as well as fine Italian cuisine. Always offering a warm welcome, this charming pub is a great place to visit.
Part of an established group of award-winning restaurants, The Clippers is everything you would expect from an authentic Indian restaurant and a good deal more.
This welcoming country inn is well-known locally for its good food and warm hospitality. It is perfectly situated for walkers enjoying the ""St Cuthbert's Way"" national trail, which runs between Melrose and the magical island of Lindisfarne.
Fun Days Out
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!
This 15? gauge steam railway runs over 2 miles from Heatherslaw to Etal Village - a return journey of 50 minutes.
This family park complete with trampolines, bouncy castles, go karts, and indoor play areas has a variety of animals too; including lamas, deers and donkeys. There's tea in the park for mums and dads or plenty of space for a picnic. Pony rides run from April until October at weekends and holidays (weather dependant).
Beach
Longniddry - 26.7 Miles (42.7 KM)
A great local beach with village amenities close by including shops and cafes. Try your hand at canoeing or windsurfing at this lovely sandy and rocky beach. A lovely place to walk and do some bird watching.
Coldingham Sands - 29.6 Miles (47.4 KM)
Coldingham Sands is an award winning sandy seashore. A clean and safe place to swim, sun bathe and have some fun in the sun. Colourful beach huts adorn the shore whilst impressive Edwardian villas watch over locals and holidaymakers alike. It has a cafe, toilets, disabled access and car parking.
Biking & Hiking
Abernethy Glen - 3.2 Miles (5.1 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.
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.
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.
This mountain biking centre has trails of all grades, a cafe, a bike shop with bike hire, and changing and showering facilities.
There's 45 miles of graded trails here. The Green and Blue Routes, skills area and trail quest loops are a great introduction to mountain biking for less experienced riders, novices and families.
This 268 mile walk runs from the Peak District National Park along the Pennine Ridge, through the Yorkshire Dales and into Northumberland to finish at Kirk Yetholm.
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.
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 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.
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.
MB7 - 18.7 Miles (29.9 KM)
Whether you want to try mountain biking for the first time, or test your skills to their limits, MB7 is the link between you and the experts that have created one of the most exciting mountain biking trail networks in Europe.
You'll get an entirely different and exhilarating perspective of the glorious rolling hills of the Scottish Borders and limitless beauty of the Northumberland National Park and unspoilt coastline as you glide slowly through the sky.
Dunbar Golf Club is a challenging links course that is set amongst the most magnificent scenery with superb views across the bay. This 18 hole course has many natural hazards with a pretty continuos sea breeze, many holes are close to the seafront, deep bunkers and lots of interesting holes. The course is fantastically maintained, the greens are great and the fairways are fast. It is an extremely friendly club and the staff are so welcoming and hospitable. The Clubhouse has top class facilities and the menu is extensive and diverse with a nice choice of seafood dishes, the food is delicious, reasonably priced and the service was excellent. The green fees are reflective of the quality of course. Dunbar is a superb course that is a pleasure to play and should be on your list of courses to play, you will not be disappointed.
The big, yellow flume with its separate splash pool is the main attraction although the pool also has waves, sprays and a bubble bed. For those into more serious swimming, there's a 6 lane pool on offer as well.
Nature Reserves
Forestry Commission mixed conifer woodland with a variety of waymarked routes to help you enjoy your forests.
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.
A beautiful mixed woodland with plenty of routes throughout for some great little walks. Relax with a picnic and soak up the lovely setting and great views across the Tweed Valley.
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.
A great place to explore and have fun in. Enjoy the great outdoors in the top visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders. Go mountain bike riding or explore this stunning area on foot.
Take a walk through the Cardrona Forest and enjoy the lovely mixed woodland and the Scottish countryside.
Located within the grounds of Duns castle, this nature reserve is home to mute swans, badgers, red squirrels and woodpeckers.
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.
Discover an abundance of tropical butterflies, insects, snakes, frogs and more. Handling sessions, snake feeding, special exhibitions and workshops.
Visit Glenholm Centre for a wild day out on the farm. This is a 1,000 acre upland working farm and there is always something going on. There are four waymarked walks ranging from a pleasant burn-side stroll to a more strenuous walk.
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.
Gardens & Woodlands
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.
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.
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.
At one time part of the Abbey grounds, these lovely gardens were a gift for the Kelso War Memorial from the Duke of Roxburgh in 1921. The gardens are now an enchanting place to visit in spring and summer. Take a seat and unwind and enjoy their splendour and the views of Kelso Abbey.
Hirsel Estate offers something for ornithologist, botanist, forester, zoologist, archaeologist and historian alike. Homestead museum shows the estate's past and present. There are craft units and a geogems display as well as a tearoom and children's playground.
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.
Situated in the beautiful Tweed Valley, Kailzie is a large family garden with formal walled gardens, extensive grounds with walks, stocked trout pond, 18 hole putting green, gift shop, tearoom, plant sales, Osprey viewing centre and a children's play area.
Set in the centre of Coldstream, these gardens attract visitors and locals to their viewpoint over the River Tweed, Cheviot Hills and the surrounding countryside. At the viewpoint stands a stone monument to the Coldstream Guard.
With over 300 years of tree planting, Dawyck boasts a world famous arboreta with mature specimens of Brewer's Spruce, the unique Dawyck Beech and some giant trees from North America. Enjoyable trails make exploring fun.
Built in 1758 on a ridge overlooking the majestic River Tweed, Paxton House is one of the finest 18th century Palladian country houses in Britain. Discover its wonderful country park and beautiful setting. With its huge range of activities and attractions from walks and nature trails, to wildlife viewing hides for red squirrels, croquet lawn, 9 hole putting green and two adventure playparks, Paxton House is not just a country house but a fantastic day out for everyone!
Local Attractions
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.
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.
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!
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.
Step back in time at this restored printing works and see how printing was done at the beginning of the 20th century. Visitors can watch the printer at work and try typesetting by hand.
The Theatre hosts on average three performances per week, with an interesting and diverse programme all year round. It is primarily focused on drama, but there are numerous music, literary, comedy and dance performances, as well as films.
Inside a stunning early 19th century seed merchants' warehouse, work previously exhibited only in Edinburgh or London hangs next to well known local artists such as Linda Hatrick and Tom Bromley. There's also a spectacular display of ceramics by John Marjoribanks Edgerton.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm is a family run business that dates back to 1948 when it was first established. The farm is located in a beautiful setting close to the village of Horncliffe and the Union Chain Bridge amongst the stunning Northumberland countryside. They specialise in natural honey products with everything from honeycombs to beekeeping books. The products are all made using their own honey and produced by them. All staff are family members and have a hands on approach to the business with everyone involved along the line, they are all so friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. The visitor centre is open daily and there is no charge for entry, here you get an intriguing and fascinating insight into bees and honey, it covers all aspects of the bee, honey wax and propolis, the various different species of bees, bumble bees and wasps, as well as a observation hive where you can observe a colony of bees in full activity. The walls are adorned with beautiful exhibits and murals, real works of art and labours of love. Next door is a tractor shed and here you will find an impressive array of restored vintage motor vehicles and machinery including tractors, a Lanz Bulldog, Caterpillars, caravan, London Bus and more as well as a interesting display of vintage memorabilia. Honey Bus Cafe is found in a double decker bus, this comfortable and welcoming cafe serves a delicious selection of honey based produce and beverages. All products produced are available to buy and make for lovely gifts. Chain Bridge Honey Farm gives a unique and intriguing glimpse in to these hard working and often undervalued insects, it makes for a great day out for all, a real gem of an establishment with the nicest people around, highly recommended if you are in the area.
East of Scotland Microflights are located at East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian, and they are the longest established flying school and club in Scotland. It is run by Gordon Douglas who has in excess of thirty years of experience of flying microlights. All staff members are highly trained, skilled and experienced, they are very friendly, patient and enthusiastic and this soon rubs off on you. The school is well organised and everything runs to schedule, so no unnecessary waiting around. Microlights come in two different models one that looks like a traditional plane and the other looks a bit like a hang-glider over a trike, both only take two passengers, they are very safe and microlighting is at present the safest form of sport aviation in the UK and is highly regulated. They are open all year round, weather and light permitting, from 10.00am to 6.00pm. The experience is a both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, you get the most amazing views from the skies and it is so peaceful and serene up there, and can relax knowing that you are in safe and capable hands. If you are up for a new exciting experience or want to learn a new skill then head to East Scotland of Microflights you will not be disappointed.
Belhaven Brewery offers you the opportunity to take a tour of the brewery to see the process of making their fine beers from start to finish. Belhaven is located in the beautiful and quaint town of Dunbar and the brewery is found in a lovely historic listed building that seamlessly blends the old with the new. It is a casual tour around this working brewery, that is very interesting and informative and being limited to twelve people per tour makes it a more intimate experience. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable and animated about the products so you glean a lot from the tour. A highlight of the tour is the tasting session at the end in their in-house bar, The Monk's Retreat, it is unlimited tasting and there is a good variety of cask and keg beers to sample, not so good if you are driving but, they do offer a soft drink alternative. There is also a small museum that is again very interesting, it traces the history of brewery from the 11th Century through a nice exhibit of old pieces relating to the brewery manufacturing process and its humble beginnings. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop at the end of the tour where you can pick up a nice souvenir, they stock their full selection of beers as well as chutneys, branded clothing and other related merchandise. Tours operate Tuesday through to Friday at 1.45pm and must be booked in advance. Belhaven Brewery is insightful and interesting, a fantastic intimate and informative tour, not to be missed.
The Found Gallery is a friendly family run gallery that displays a contemporary combination of British art and crafts talent. A lot of local artists works are on show here, and you will find a lovely selection of unique and unusual goods including, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, cards and lots more wonderful items. The quality of the goods and the different techniques, textures and colours used is excellent and all items are well priced. This beautiful gallery is bright, colourful and welcoming with a lovely relaxed atmosphere, there is no pressure to buy and you are left to browse. It is open Monday to Saturday from10.00am to 5.00pm. The owners are very friendly and hospitable and are happy to discuss any of the pieces on display or about the lovely town and things to see and do here. You are sure to find a special something top take home in this delightful gallery. The Found Gallery is definitely worth a visit if you are in this beautiful area of Scotland.
Historical & Heritage Sites
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.
Abbotsford - 2.3 Miles (3.7 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a stone barmkin wall. Inside the tower is a charming collection of costume figures and tapestries relating to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders.
A superb Georgian house designed by William and Robert Adam with exquisite plaster ceilings, fine period furniture and marvellous art collection including work by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Ramsay, Aitken and Nasmyth. Courtyard tea-room and gift shop; extensive grounds.
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.
One of the seven 'Great Houses of Scotland' and the ancient seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale, it is still the Maitland family home. Famous for its 17th century plasterwork ceilings, the castle has fine furnishings, pictures, historic toys and a country life exhibition.
Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, is home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. Overlooking the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills, it was designed in 1721 by William Adam, who was both master-builder and architect for the first Duke.(Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds)
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.
Hume Castle - 10.7 Miles (17.1 KM)
A 13th century castle with superb views. Once one of the most formidable castle fortresses on the eastern Borders, it played a significant role in British history. The last battle it faced was during the Civil War, when Cromwell's well equipped army destroyed the castle with explosives.
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)
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.
The oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. 27 Kings and Queens have visited this important, historic house and a royal mark can be seen throughout. Admire the beautiful bed which once belonged to Mary Queen of Scotts and imagine priests using their secret staircase in the more dangerous times in the house's long history. Woodland walks, children's adventure playground, a hedged maze, craft workshops and a brewery museum are just some of its attractions. (Restricted wheelchair access)
An historic spa where the Victorians bathed and relaxed was supposed to do wonders for their health. Established in 1828, the house displays information on the history of the area and its links to James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott.
This great museum houses a varied collection of exhibitions throughout the year in this beautiful, historic building. For example, in The Chambers' Room, a collection of friezes which were originally commissioned by William Chambers can be see. Alongside these extraordinary pieces is a fantastic exhibition on Peebles; its history and traditions.
An impressive tribute to the brave men and women of the First World War. It was erected in 1922 on 5th October by Field Marshall Haig, a founding member of the poppy appeal.
A local history museum with a section on the Coldstream Guards, a temporary exhibitions gallery, children's corner and courtyard with fountain and picnic area.
A collection of trophies, photographs and memorabilia celebrating the motor racing career of Jim Clark, twice world motor racing champion in the 1960s.
Manderston - 21 Miles (33.6 KM)
Channel 4's The Edwardian Country House and Number 8 in Channel 5's 'Britain's Finest'; Manderston is the home of Lord and Lady Palmer. An Edwardian mansion set in 56 acres of formal gardens located just outside Duns in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders.
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.
A great little local museum with an excellent railway memorabilia collection and other interesting artefacts.
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.
Heatherslaw Mill is a 19th century water-powered corn mill situated on the Ford and Etal Estate. Still producing wholemeal flour from locally grown wheat, the water wheel, mill stones and gearing are all on show, giving a fascinating insight into days gone by. The freshly milled flour can be purchased from the gift shop along with other country fare.
One of the 'Great Houses of Scotland', this Victorian castle in red sandstone, now fully restored, is lived in by the owners — it's a real, if rather grand, family home. Guided Tours also available.
This is the story of the Planet Earth, taking you on a journey of discovery and exploration of the Dynamic Planet's past, present and future. It's the Mother Earth of all adventures.
