Borders

The Scottish Borders is the main gateway to Scotland from the south. It’s a magnificent introduction to the country and a superb holiday destination at any time of year. The region encompasses rolling hills and moorland in the west, through gentle valleys and the fertile agricultural plains of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline with its secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages.

The natural beauty of the Borders contrasts with its exciting and often bloody past. This is a land which still echoes to the clash of steel between Scots and English armies, rival clansmen and the cattle raiding Reivers. Each major town here still celebrates its turbulent history in the spectacle of the Common Ridings, when locals in period costume ride out to patrol the burgh boundaries (see 2022 events dates below).

At the heart of the area is the scenic Tweed Valley, famous for its four great medieval abbeys at Kelso, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose. All these impressive ruins are in striking natural settings. There’s a generous endowment of historic properties, including Floors Castle, home of the Duke of Roxburghe, and Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. Visit other grand stately homes like Manderston, Mellerstain and Paxton, all with fine gardens. Close to the attractive town of Melrose is Abbotsford, the 19th century home of Sir Walter Scott. This literary icon drew inspiration for many of his popular novels from the romantic tales and legends of the Borders.

H.M. The Queen opened The Borders Railway in September 2015 and this line re-connects Edinburgh with Galashiels and Tweedbank (ideal for visiting Abbotsford). This is certain to become one of the great scenic railway journeys in Scotland.

Peebles sits at the western end of the Tweed Valley surrounded by typical Lowland landscape of green rounded hills. With a handsome High Street, it’s a pleasant place to linger and has fascinating Neidpath Castle on its doorstep. Near Innerleithen is lovely Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in the country. Sample a beer from its micro-brewery, first established here 400 years ago.

The landscape of the eastern Scottish Borders is one of low undulating hills, wild moorland and a short, but dramatic coastline. St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve has sea birds and marine life in abundance as well as sheer 300 feet high red cliffs. The waters here also offer some of the best diving and surfing conditions on the east coast.

Getting active is easy in the Borders. Revel in top class salmon and trout fishing on the renowned River Tweed and its many tributaries. The area is also a mecca for cyclists of all kinds. Glentress, near Peebles, is Scotland’s biggest and most popular mountain bike centre. Experience breathtaking scenery by joining long distance cycle routes like the Borderloop or 4 Abbeys Cycleway.

There are also fantastic long distance walks crossing the Scottish Borders, such as the Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. Vast numbers of shorter countryside walks and Town Trails are also available. If you want a more relaxed pace, then visit the botanic gardens at Dawyck with its superb Arboretum. If you’re a club swinger, there are 21 golf courses to enjoy. Rugby Union fanatics may want to visit in spring when the famous Rugby Sevens tournament takes place in the Border towns.

The Borders is well known for the production of high quality tweeds, tartans and knitwear. Hawick and Galashiels have a number of factory outlets where you can browse and buy. Local crafts, boutiques and tasty delicacies are a joy to find. Indulge in the best of regional cuisine in the multitude of restaurants, tearooms and pubs, everything from Selkirk Bannock to succulent local lamb, beef or haggis.

Visit our pages dedicated to:

Attractions in The Borders - Castles in The Borders - Gardens in The Borders - Golf in The Borders - Historic Sites in The Borders - Museums in The Borders - Wildlife in The Borders

Scotland's Best B&Bs in the Scottish Borders