Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Countries
10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. 7stanes - Glentress
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By Goose1647 - Garforth, United Kingdom
1st visit to the trails here and they certainly don't disappoint, did the black route straight off the bat and it broke me a little, did a bit of pushing up but the flies took a shine to me so stopping wasn't an option. The downhills are ace though and well worth the climbing, spooky wood is great fun and even the blue at the end is pretty mega with great flow, just a shame it's so far away.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. Widows And Bairns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom
A heart rending piece of art that somehow reaches deeper than any memorial I have ever seen. That says it all.
5. Melrose Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,136 reviews
Melrose Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. The exterior of this magnificent ruin is decorated by unusual sculptures, including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and a bagpipe playing pig. The abbey is also thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.
Reviewed By Termer13 - Swanage, United Kingdom
Prominently situation in Melrose, the Abbey is an integral part of the identity of Melrose. Imposing and full of atmosphere the Abbey is well worth a visit and while you’re there there’s loads more to see in this lovely borders town where I happily grew up!
6. Abbotsford House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. In 2021-2022 Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott. Visit Abbotsford during this special occasion to meet the man behind the monument, whose imagination and patriotism shaped the Scotland of today. Discover a treasure trove of fascinating objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels. Learn about Scott's life, browse the gift shop, enjoy seasonal food in our cafe or simply relax in the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands.
Reviewed By captcalculus
if you're anywhere near Melrose. Fascinating house of Sir Walter Scott with an excellent hand-held audio guide that allows you to wander through at your own pace, providing optional commentary on additional items in each room/area. Also, the gardens are quite nice, even in September. I am one of those driven people who like to get in and get out, but even so, we spent close to 3 hours here. Don't miss.
7. Jedburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 635 reviews
Jedburgh Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Explore the fascinating Jedburgh Abbey along with its visitor centre and surrounding herb garden with aromatic plants and a stone display at the west end. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies. Remains of the cloister buildings have been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century 'Jedburgh comb' and an eighth century shrine are on display.
Reviewed By AlanT607 - Paducah, United States
We didn't get to go inside but we could walk all around it. They had a well maintained cemetery with special blue plaques around the abbey and throughout the town with historical information.
8. Dryburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Dryburgh Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. First established in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order and today continues to have a peaceful atmosphere. Despite having been set on fire three times, the chapter house features paintwork that dates back to its construction and today boasts some of the best Gothic architecture in Scotland. These graceful ruins became the burial place of David Eskrine, 11th Earl of Buchan in 1829, and three years later his friend Sir Walter Scott was also buried here.
Reviewed By Maud180291 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
We visited this abbey as part of the Borders Abbey Way. The property is managed by Scottish Heritage and we were able to get access using our life membership from English Heritage. The Abbey is situated in beautiful grounds that are well maintained with a large number of trees that help to create an air of tranquility. The grounds were well used however: families sitting on the grass, friends chatting on benches and the odd tour group. It was a great space to spend some time on a sunny afternoon. The abbey is well maintained with grave stones for Haig and Scott. There are a number of staircases that provide good views of the site. Their are some decorative painting in the chapter house that are worth a look Well worth a visit.
9. Hawick Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Hawick Museum & Gallery is temporarily closed. A re-opening date cannot be predicted at this time but our website and social media platforms will be regularly updated. We are grateful for your patience and understanding and very much look forward to welcoming you back. Discover a town’s treasures in an historic house in beautiful parkland. Hawick Museum is home to objects and artworks that are not just about Hawick, but a window on the world. There is always something new to see with a lively programme of changing art and museum exhibitions throughout the year. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives of Hawick’s two tragic motorcycle champions. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room reveals the stories of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars with military memorabilia, wartime souvenirs and audio-visuals.
Reviewed By neilm243 - Deganwy, United Kingdom
A lovely, local museum. The exhibits are arranged in dedicated rooms and well labelled and explained. There are two rooms dedicated to Hawaick motorcycling greats - Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop - giving their life stories and racing achievements with some of their trophies, race gear and motorbikes they've ridden. To add to the delight is the setting - in a well kept, open park close to the town centre. This unexpected gem is well worth a visit.
10. Eyemouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
This museum depicts life in this fishing town over the centuries and contains a beautiful tapestry created by local women commemorating the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881 which claimed the lives of 189 local fishermen.
Reviewed By pipdive
Great wee museum, plenty to look at and a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Lots of interesting history and so sad of the devastation of the disaster.
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