Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Scottish Borders That You Shouldn't Miss
A short distance from Edinburgh is a landscape strewn with sturdy hill forts, ancient castles and ruined abbeys that hints at the tumult of the past. It's quite at odds with the picturesque rolling, if windswept, sheep-studded hills and quiet valleys that make all seem agreeably placid to today’s visitor. At its heart are the ruins of four medieval abbeys with Jedburgh, the most complete, the best to visit first for its insights into monastic life. Of the others, Melrose is both the pick of the bunch, and also close to Abbotsford, the sometime home of the Romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, and a splendid receptacle for his engrossing collection of historical curios. There are fine country houses to visit, notably Mellerstain for its exquisite Robert Adam interiors, and Manderston, the enjoyable swan song of the Edwardian Country House. Anglers should note that the River Tweed is also one of Scotland’s finest salmon-fishing rivers.
Restaurants in Scottish Borders
1. Ridelines Mountain Biking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
RIDELINES are based in the Tweed Valley only 4 miles away from Glentress Forest. We offer expert rider focused mountain bike tuition from experienced and professional instructors. Our course structures and 1:1 sessions are carefully built from our years of experience to get the most out of your riding. We guarantee to let you in on great technique secrets and you'll get the essential techniques and expert help to meet your own riding challenges and get you thinking, working and developing your riding. We also offer guided rides, multi day trips and group activity days customised for your group on world class trails in the Tweed Valley and beyond. Discover the unwaymarked beauty of the area with our expert guides. We've been delivering quality mountain biking experiences since 2006 - years of dedicated experience means we know what it takes to make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Reviewed By 19Graham2015 - Keswick, United Kingdom
I received Ridelines vouchers as a 60th birthday present -what a great present ! Thanks for a great one to one course Andy . Thoroughly enjoyed it , learnt loads and a big improvement on my riding ,wish I had done it years ago!
2. Walk This Way - Military Surplus Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
WE ARE OPEN AGAIN! for genuine military surplus and militaria. ** Our WW1/2 display is open and we now have an interactive 8' x 3' model rail layout set in occupied France with SOE (special operations executives) interactive senario's. ALL FREE to browse**
Reviewed By michaelbT2820HG - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
What a little gem! Just passing through on't way to Kelso and spotted this place. Anyway thought I might pick up a kilt (unfortunately the armed forces don't come in my waist band ????) the gentleman showed me there was more to this store than army surplus and showed me the way downstairs.... WOW! There was downstairs 2hat can only be called a war museum, an absolute cracker of a find and I thoroughly enjoyed myself (just need to lose enough weight to fit in to one of their magnificent kilts. 100% recomended this shop, not only when passing but as a trip on it's own. 5 stars!
3. St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By E6339QHandrewr
Walking from St Abbs to the St Abbs Head lighthouse isn't very far but well worth the effort. It is steep in places but the track is well marked and what's the rush anyway. Towards the Lighthouse you'll see an increasing amount of nesting bird-life from the cliff tops and Mire Loch is slightly inland with its own array of nesting bird-life. Dive-boats are continually busying themselves below you (among the rafts of guillemots) and with the right conditions, you'll get splendid views of Bass Rock in the distance.
4. Robert Smail's Printing Works
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Smail's Printing Works is an operational Victorian-era printing works, which still uses its original letterpress machinery to produce cards and stationery today. Visitors to the works will have the opportunity to find out about how printing was done before the days of the computer! There is a chance to set your own name in type to create your own unique letterpress bookmark, see out presses in action and view pieces from our extensive archival collections. Robert Smail's gift shop stocks a wide range of cards and stationery produced on the premises and a range of quality and quirky gifts to suit all pockets and purses. The printing works runs a variety of activities and workshops throughout the year. See our website for details.
Reviewed By sandramT8178KG
This is a lovely attraction. We took the tour of the print shop today and it was really interesting and enjoyable. Jo met us in the shop and was friendly and enthusiastic. Jack delivered our tour, he is an excellent guide, both informative and entertaining. He is very personable and held our interest with lots of interesting facts and demonstrations with the various pieces. Both staff are a real asset to NTS.
5. Kinsman-Blake Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Kinsman-Blake Family Gallery has been established in the Scottish Borders since 1979. We exhibit ceramics, paintings, jewellery, screenprints, woodwork and other quality arts and crafts. Also meet the artists in the workshop beside the gallery.
6. Cove Harbour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By 18ElizabethB
While holidaying at pease bay we visited Cove and took the children down the hill to find the tunnel through the cliff and out into a bueatiful harbour. A hidden gem with a lovely beach
7. Gifted
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
8. Neth Hill Border Collies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Sheep dog demonstration. A chance to watch a Supreme international champion work her dogs in their natural working environment. Carcant Farm is set in the beautiful moor foot hills. 35 minute drive south of Edinburgh. Ideal family or tour bus experience. Contact Julie for tour bus prices.
Reviewed By utbums - Fort Worth, United States
I can definitely echo the other, glowing reviews of this experience. I have three kids (ages 10-15) and we visited Neth Hill on the second day of our visit to Scotland. It was hands down the highlight of our trip. What Julie has accomplished with these dogs is incredible. The countryside is beautiful and Julie was so welcoming and informative. We simply could not believe the level of skill of Julie's dogs. Our favorite part of the demonstration was watching one of her dogs round up 40 or so sheep off of the side of a hill approximately 400 yards away. I can see why these dogs are so valuable to local sheep farms. The work the dogs do could not possibly be duplicated by a person. If your are near Edinburgh this is a must. The castles and history are great but this is a glimpse into a local farm and "art" that we will always treasure. Our kids are still talking about it! Evan our Scottish driver was blown away.
9. Stobo Castle Health Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
Nestled among the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, Stobo Castle offers excellent service, fine food, elegantly trained staff and above all, the ability to find peace in a frenetic world.
Reviewed By Roca123 - Airdrie, Canada
I have been coming to Stobo Castle for many years and I have always had the very best service especially Derek Miller and his team I always come for a 2 night stay and the facilities restaurant and service is amazing . In these very hard times we find ourselves in at the moment Stobo is doing a magnificent job of keeping us safe. They are going above and beyond as they do anyway. But they are super vigilant and sanitize constantly. I just want to thank Stephen Mandy and the boys for taking care of us once again and wish you all the best ???? ❤ sitting writing this at the poolside having the best time with you all xxx Regards Rhona Lawrie and Liz Bulloch
10. Mellerstain House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Experience one of Scotland's finest stately homes. Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Mellerstain is a unique example of William & Robert Adam design, presenting a complete picture as it would have been some 240 years ago. •Admire the outstanding Robert Adam interiors •Enjoy the fine art, embroidery, china & furniture collections.•Relax within acres of parkland, gardens,lakeside/ woodland walks & playground •Treat yourself in the courtyard café •Holiday in our self-catering cottages.
Reviewed By CLE68 - Scotland, United Kingdom
Family visit to the gardens which were beautiful and stunning to walk round. A great woodland walk leading round the lake with the house as a backdrop - well signposted and clear paths. The gardens are well tended and bursting with colour. The cafe is only serving hot / cold drinks. We were served by a very efficient and mannerly young man who also sold the tickets for the gardens. The coffees were fantastic - cappuccino and espresso. Lovely to see barista style coffee being served. Definitely 5* service and would highly recommend visiting these beautiful gardens and grounds.
