Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Casa Mia - 22.7 Miles (36.3 KM)
Enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy at this friendly and relaxing restaurant. The food is freshly prepared and delicious with a range of options to cater for all tastes.
Experience warm Scottish hospitality with morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas baked and cooked on the premises. At weekends there are two additional hot dishes. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the gift shop which stock crafts from the region.
Fun Days Out
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 - 17.7 Miles (28.3 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.
Mabie Farm Park is a former dairy farm set in 77 hectares that now serves as a Farm Park that offers its visitors hours of fun and enjoyment, with the usual sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Located under the stunning Mabie Forest, it is an ideal setting with large flat areas for play, fields for the animals, a pretty stream flows through the land and a large pond that is brimming with wildlife. There is loads for children of all ages to do here and it is suited to all weathers with both indoor and outdoor play areas. The Playbarn has softplay equipment, bouncy castles, trampolines and a traversing wall. The Straw Barn is a great place to hang out with rope swings and straw bales to clamber over. Outside there is an astroslide, paddle boats, bouncy castle and jumping pillows, grass slide, pedal go karts, play park with the usual favourite play equipment, quad bikes, a ball park and the much loved choo choo express. You can get close to the farm animals here and can buy animal feed in the shop to feed them, a selection of the animals to be found here are cattle, cows, horses, llamas, alpaca, pigs, goats, donkey, sheep, lots of birds as well as mice, rabbits, ferrets and much more. Donkey rides are very popular here, and you will be given a hat before you ride, the staff then lead you around the grounds. The staff are so friendly and helpful and are always at hand if you need them, they are very patient with the smaller children, and have lots of knowledge on the animals. The cafe is lovely, plenty of space and seating and a good selection of food and drinks that are reasonably priced and excellent. The entrance price is very good and reasonable for all that you get, there is a small additional charge for the donkey ride, peddle boats, quad bikes and train. The facilities are clean and well maintained as is the overall farm. Mabie Farm Park is a fantastic family fun day out can't recommend enough, definitely must visit if you are in the area.
As well as being voted the country's most tranquil spot, this park is truly is a haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
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.
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!
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.
Pedal Away - 19.2 Miles (30.7 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!
7 Stanes Ae - 20.7 Miles (33.1 KM)
The Forest of Ae is a popular venue for mountain bikers, and there's a great range of trails here to suit all abilities. There's also a well-established downhill scene and the 'Ae Up' uplift service for those with the skill to tackle a competition downhill course.
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.
Golf & Sports
Dumfries and Galloway is Scotland's most heavily forested region and these forests are perfect for the sport of sled dog racing. See website for details of events.
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.
7-Stanes is located in the stunning location of Mabie Forest, a real cyclists paradise, it was the first venue of its kind in the south west of Scotland. What is so attractive about here is that there are trails to cater for beginners right up to the most experienced riders. The forest has lots to offer to its visitors from a skills area, bike hire and a cafe on site that sells a selection of drinks and snacks, you have everything you require here for a fantastic day riding. The areas are graded to colour to indicate difficulty, it allows those new to the forest to see where they should be or those who want to increase in difficulty the opportunity to do so. You will also find here a great 300m freeride line and with lots of zones for practising your jumping techniques and skills in the mini-x area. The routes are clearly marked out and all trails are picturesque. The green route is mostly suited to beginners offering an introduction to mountain biking, the purple trail offers some challenges, with a mix of forest and roads, the red route is a classic mountain bike route extending 17km and the orange route is definitely for experienced riders and is not for the faint hearted, it covers a range of 3.8km. If you are seeking an adrenalin rush then 7-Stances is the place to come plenty of challenges for all riders, in stunning surroundings.
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.
Nature Reserves
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 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.
See flocks of Barnacle Geese who fly here in vast numbers and find their homes here. Over the last 70 years the bird population has increased from 500 birds to over 25,000. Admire these beautiful creatures and go for a stroll on one of the numerous nature trails.
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.
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.
Yair Forest - 28.2 Miles (45.1 KM)
Forestry Commission mixed conifer woodland with a variety of waymarked routes to help you enjoy your forests.
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.
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.
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.
Built in 1792, it is the oldest working theatre in Scotland, run on a voluntary basis by the Guild of Players. A varied programme of events including Guild of Players' own productions and performances from visiting companies.
You'll find favourite high street stores at The Loreburne Shopping Centre — quality shopping in a modern air conditioned environment.
The Robert Burns Centre is an intimate and welcoming arthouse cinema in Dumfries with a dedication to bring great films to the theatre. They aim to enhance the communities cultural experiences by bringing a diverse and interesting mix of films, to include big budget films, blockbusters, foreign language films, low-budget independent films, documentaries, short films, archive and animation films. It is not uncommon to have a speaker here to introduce the films and they also run a programme of film related and workshops and courses, in addition to a film club. The cinema has all modern features, and the seating is very comfortable. There is a shop in the foyer that sells a range of drinks and snacks. The staff are jovial and helpful. The cinema operates Tuesday to Saturday evenings with some special daytime showings and the ticket prices are very reasonable. All seats are unreserved so best to arrive early if you want to sit together, with only 60 seats, space is limited. The Robert Burns Centre is a real cultural gem in the heart of Dumfries.
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.
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.
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.
Morton Castle is probably in the most stunning setting of any castle in Scotland, it proudly stands at the head of a triangular bluff, on both sides there are steep declines into Morton Loch and has fabulous views of the lovely Lowther Hills. It is not the easiest place to find, it is not until you are almost there that the signs begin, and there is not much remaining of this castle except the exterior walls and parts of two towers, it was constructed in the mid 1400's by the Earls of Morton. It is more the views that you come for when visiting Morton Castle, its remote location allows you to experience the beauty of the countryside and Morton Loch as well as feel the Scottish winds. In addition there are two lovely walking trails here, one will take you to on to other ruins further along or the other trail takes you in a circle back to Morton Castle. Although not much to explore of the castle, the views and beauty of the surrounding countryside more than make up, if you like travelling to places a bit off the beaten track than Morton Castle is for you.
Robert Burns House is where the revered national poet Robert Burns spent the remaining few years of his life, dying here in 1796 at the age of only 37. Whether you are a fan or not you will be interested to see the house, it has been carefully restored and furnished to give an indication to how it would have been when he lived here. The house is very interesting with some nice artefacts and features, like the window where he engraved his name, or his desk and chair in the study where he penned many of his famous poems, as well as lots of exhibits on his life and work. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. The house has steps and stairs that are narrow so access isn't that easy but certainly worth the effort. The churchyard where he is interred is not far from the house and worth a visit also. The house is open throughout the year and there is no charge. If in Dumfries then would recommend that you take the time to see this small but informative museum.
The Old Bridge House Museum is accessed by the crossing the 15th century Devorgilla Bridge, where constructed into the sandstone of the bridge itself in 1660, is Dumfries oldest house, where the museum is now located. Step across the threshold and into another era, in this historic house, witness a 19th century family kitchen, nursery and bedroom of a typical Victorian home. In addition you can pay a visit to an early dentist's surgery, see all the old equipment and even the replacement teeth! In the 18th century the house was used as an inn and it is likely that Robert Burns would have visited here. Each room tells the social story of a bygone era, there are also lots of exhibits relating to past times, including antique toys, a stove from the 1800's and much more. The staff are welcoming and friendly with a wealth of knowledge on the house and local area, so do ask questions. Entrance to the house is free making it a must see attraction. The Old Bridge House Museum will transport you back in time allowing you to experience first hand this bygone era, a delightful and interesting museum and most definitely worth visiting.
Dumfries Museum is incorporated in an old windmill at the top of a hill, and has an abundance of things to see, it predominately tells the story of the land and people of the region. In addition there is the Camera Obscura and there are great views of the town from here on a clear day. The museum covers a range of subjects from geology and natural history to local social and cultural history and much more, there are permanent and temporary exhibits so items on display do change here. The exhibits are well displayed and engaging. The staff are welcoming and friendly and will happily answer any questions you might have on the museum and local area. Entry to the museum is free and there is a small charge for the Camera Obscura but, this includes a guided tour. Being at the top there is a climb to the Obscura so might not be suitable for everyone. Overall Dumfries Museum is an interesting and informative venue and will entertain all age groups, there is something to appeal to everyone here, and special activities to keep smaller visitors entertained. They do run a range of events so worth checking to see what is taking place. Dumfries Museum is a splendid museum, informative and interesting with a great range of exhibits, it is definitely worth visiting and should not be missed if you are in the region.
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.
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.
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)
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the stunning 90,000 acre Queensberry Estate that also includes a Country Park and Victorian Gardens. The castle itself is a perfect example of late 17th century Renaissance architecture in Scotland and has a worldwide acclaimed art collection. Past the castle are more than 40 acres of charming gardens and a huge choice of activities that include, walking, mountain biking, an adventure playground, wildlife watching, salmon fishing, Scottish Cycle Museum, Landrover tours and Ranger-guided tours. Drumlanrig Castle offers something to visitors of all ages and interests, you will not be short of things to see and do here. The castle itself is by guided tour, the interior is large and luxurious, with 120 rooms, full of fine furniture, furnishings, antiques and paintings, you will get a feel of what it would have been like to live here more than 400 years ago, the guides are amiable and knowledgeable and give a real insight into the history of this stunning building, you also get the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the gardens. There are a shop and cafe onsite, the food is homemade and very tasty and offers good value for money, certainly worth a visit whilst here. They have quite an extensive events programme here so if thinking of visiting do check to see what is on. Drumlanrig is suited to all ages, there are activities to entertain little visitors right up to the grown ups, children will love the play area and open spaces to play in. Drumlanrig is a fantastic day out and can't be recommended enough, take time to see for yourself this fantastic attraction.
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.
