Location: Galashiels
Top Things to do in Galashiels
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Galashiels, United Kingdom (UK)
Galashiels (/ˌɡæləˈʃiːəlz/; Scots: Gallae, Scottish Gaelic: An Geal Àth) is a Scottish burgh in Selkirkshire on the Gala Water river. The name is often shortened to "Gala".
Restaurants in Galashiels
1. Abbotsford House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford, stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. Abbotsford sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Unlike the homes of other great writers, this is a house that the writer himself designed and as such uniquely embodies a physical representation of the Romantic Movement that he helped to create. When you touch the bricks and mortar of Abbotsford, you are touching the soul of Scott. Our new FREE to access Visitor Centre is home to a Stylish Restaurant, Gift Shop and Exhibition on the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.
Reviewed By Lindum20C - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The newly revamped experience is marginally better than in previous decades. The visitor centre is good (service is sluggish in the cafe) but less of the house seems open (?) and I miss the personal touch of the old guides..... but this is a brilliant half-day out focussed a true legend of man and his artefacts, or whole day out when combined with Melrose town centre and its abbey.
2. Borders Railway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By NH50 - Norwich, United Kingdom
The new railway links the Borders to Edinburgh, and also to itself. It is an economic project with connective infrastructure linking and revitalizing communities in beautiful landscapes, with great touristic opportunities, and enriching lots of people's lives with homes jobs, education and healthcare.
3. Scott's View
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By 24vacation - Sarnia, Canada
Even on a misty, rainy morning there is something magical about the countryside of Scotland. Although it would have been nice to have the vista that I have seen published before (the hills and Valleys laid out for miles before us), it was still beautiful. Well worth the trip down the back roads to find it and hopefully we'll return for another gorgeous view.
4. Bowhill House & Country Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
We visited Bowhill during the week house is closed except for weekends better to check their web page for opening hours . A nice tearoom and gift shop open through the season .An impressive country pile we will certainly visit the house when it is open there are some lovely walks round two of the lochs on the estate. We did the upper loch through woodland with glimpses of the house through the trees . There is a large adventure playpark for children with a long zip wire ,several families were taking advantage of it when we were there
5. Melrose Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
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 2010mustang - Cheshire, United Kingdom
We were staying nearby and decided to look around Melrose. A nice little village with a few shops and restaurants but the Abbey is the centre piece. Would have been an amazing sight when it was habitable but as it is in ruins there isn't much to see. There were 4 of us and we couldn't justify paying almost £24 to walk round. Should be more affordable for everyones benefit.
6. Waverley Line Artwork
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Hand screen printed artwork by Jane Fleming, commissioned by Scottish Ministers to mark the 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's 'Waverley' novels and the return of the Waverley Line. Individual posters for each station also hand screen printed by Jane can be viewed at each stop down the line.
Reviewed By Weandre
Never expected such well thought out and well presented artwork would be on show. Shame there is no postcards etc to buy - well done to the young artist.
7. Dryburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
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 David M - East Lothian, United Kingdom
Stunning location and well worth a visit even if this requires a detour. We combined with a stay at the Abbey Hotel and had a really relaxing and enjoyable stay.
8. Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew S - Ormskirk, United Kingdom
We visited this small attraction on May Day. The courtroom is set out with very realistic figures, and tells a moving story about Scott having sympathy with a man convicted in his court, who eventually becomes a life long friend. Other Scott memorabilia is on display. Very helpful attendant, added to our enjoyment. Thanks Borders Council for providing this facility.
9. William Wallace Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By springlering - Marietta, Georgia
Free to visit, this little gem is on the road between Dryburgh and Melrose/Abbotsford. There is a small parking area for maybe ten vehicles. Go through the gate and follow the path. You will come to the monument after about five minutes walk through a fragrant forest. The statue and surrounding area is almost overgrown, but it is still clearly visible from the side.
10. Halliwell's House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By BillHarvey - Edinburgh, Scotland
We visited this museum today on a daytrip to Selkirk. It's small, but contains a lot of interesting exhibits mainly about life in Victorian Selkirk, with lots of artefacts from the time when the site was dwelling houses and shops. There is also an interesting exhibit about the Common Riding in Selkirk and some display panels and information about the history of the town and region. Worth a visit when in Selkirk. Takes less than an hour to see everything. Free entry but donations encouraged.
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