Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Countries
Top 10 Castles in Scottish Borders, Scotland
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. Fatlips Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Agnesxxx - Hawick, United Kingdom
Super adventures :) Graet trip across the forest and picnic in a Fatlips Castle plus a beautiful views from top of the tower.
2. Hermitage Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Find out more about our reopening plans. Soak up the eerie, powerful atmosphere of an imposing stronghold with a notorious reputation. One of the great Borders castles, Hermitage dates back to the 1300s. Look for the garrison's cesspit and seek shelter under the great arch if it rains.
Reviewed By Fergs85 - Thornton-Le-Dale, United Kingdom
This is a pretty iconic place, one of the most brooding and formidable examples of border fortification you will find. Always been on my "bucket list".It used to be known as “the guardhouse to the bloodiest valley in Britain” (referring to Liddesdale, where the castle sits today). Although not open right now, it’s still worth taking in the structure from the outside alone – there are plenty of informative orientation boards – and the atmosphere of the place can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet. Impressive! Looking forward to a "proper" visit in the (not to distant?) future.
3. Smailholm Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a stone barmkin wall. This 65 ft towerhouse was built by a well-known Scottish Borders family in the first half of the 15th century, and today you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from Smailholm Tower’s battlements. Inside the tower is a model of this Pringle residence and a charming collection of costume figures and tapestries relating to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders. It was the sight of Smailholm that fired Walter Scott's imagination when, as a young boy, he was brought up by his grandparents at the nearby farm of Sandyknowe.
Reviewed By freddiedoncaster
I made the effort to walk up to tower, and I’m so glad I did. It’s nothing special, however the views you get are breathtaking.
4. Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Jedburgh Castle Jail will not be opening as planned this season. An alternative 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. Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum is an attraction that looks like a grand castle – but inside is a different story! Visit the cell blocks of this 1820s jail and discover what life was like for prisoners and staff in what was a model prison in its day. The building is also home to Jedburgh’s town museum, exploring the traditions, industries and the lives of famous people of the town. Lots of children’s activities make this a fun family day out.
Reviewed By laurasD8887AL
Came here, managed to park in the car park so saved the hill walk !! What a fascinating place, both kids loved finding out about what people got sent to jail for !! Would thoroughly recommend if you are in the area
5. Hume Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The present castle was built in 1789 as a folly to enhance the view from Marchment House, about 8 miles to the North East, for Sir Hugh Hume, 3rd Earl of Marchmont. it was built on the ruins of a much larger older castle dating back to the 13th Century. It is easy to imagine the strategic importance of this earlier castle, when you view the landscape all around. It must be one of the most beautiful views in Southern Scotland. The Castle is open all year round and is free. There is a small car park below it. Please visit the Castle's website for more details and history.
Reviewed By Bibcay - Gateshead, United Kingdom
This is a epic castle. It doesn’t look like a castle but still go because I had the time of my life. The view is fab too and watch your step because there are tons of sheep poo.
6. Thirlestane Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
We are very excited to be re-opening from Tuesday 18 May 2021 for guided tours of this magnificent 16th Century Castle. Tours will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10:30am and 2pm), and Saturdays (10:30am). Tickets must be pre-booked in advance. Please note that our Tearoom and grounds will remain closed to the public in 2021. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit our website. Let one of our experienced guides show you around the grand state rooms and discover some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe, as well one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland, fine furnishings, and Maitland family treasures. New in 2021 is the Toy Museum ‘School Room’ featuring Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys.
Reviewed By Squittybum - Penrith, United Kingdom
From first email contact with the wonderful Jacqueline to our welcome on arrival by Colin, and fabulous tour of the Castle with Eugene, the whole experience was fantastic. The Lauderdale self-catering apartment is beautifully decorated with gorgeous furnishings. It was immaculate on arrival and our pre-ordered extras were delicious. A lovely view across the parkland was made even more special when we saw a family of deer having an early morning stroll on our last day. The team are so friendly and helpful, we were made to feel at home from the outset. It really was a wonderful way to spend a long birthday weekend. This is a very special place, and we will definitely be back very soon.
7. Roxburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
This 12th-century castle saw constant battle between the Scots and the English until it was destroyed in 1460.
8. Floors Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 796 reviews
** CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO THE LATEST GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES.** Scotland's largest inhabited castle. A great day out for all the family. 5* visitor attraction only 1 hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle. Enjoy spectacular gardens, cafes, shopping, countryside walks, Castle tours, cycle trail, kids playground and events. Due to the ongoing global Coronavirus situation, the Castle and grounds are closed until further notice. Please Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and Covid-19 updates.
Reviewed By Expectal0t - Eyemouth, United Kingdom
Rather different this year, first registering for track and trace at the Cafe which serves as the garden entrance. Paper cups and cardboard boxes for food and a reduced simple menu that is a lot more common now. No one was eating indoors but there are 8 well separated covered family benches outside. A long line of blue Agapanthus in full flower separates the garden paths from the cafe and a taste of whats to come. The herbaceous borders are looking particularly good this year, probably the finest in the area. The tapestry garden (formally the pant centre) has filled out and looking good with meandering paths amongst the plants (probably helped by lots of horse manure). Healthy looking veg and a vivid wild flower section this year. The greenhouses all look tidy with collections of Fuchsia and Pelargoniums etc all in flower and there's a long border of Jersey lily's in full flower adjacent to the fruit houses. They also have an open gassy area for the kids to play with some extra seating. The gardeners need to be congratulated for creating a splendid show.
9. Neidpath Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Neidpath Castle is open all year round, for tours by appointment. Weddings and events can also be booked at the castle.
Reviewed By TraceyMendyTC
We stayed at Neidpath Castle in Queen Mary's Chamber. My partner was over from USA visiting and I decided to book something special. On arrival we were met and taken to the suite. We were shown the facilities available, given information so we could explore the castle on our own. Lulu settled us in and gave us a history of the castle. It was so interesting to find all this out and made us feel more excited for our stay. We were given the key and Lulu left us to explore on our own. The castle is just simply stunning! The suite is beautifully furnished in a traditional style. The bedding is so comfortable and there are fires in the drawing room and bedroom that we lit and kept going. Extra heating was provided in the 2 rooms to keep it nice and cosy. I will attach some photos. Dinner was offered but we decided not to ans brought our own food. Its not advertised but there are kitchen facilities available if you need it... In the drawing room there is a pantry with fridge which was well stocked with our breakfast - smoked salmon, brie, oatcakes, fresh bread, yoghurt, cereals, fruit, chocolates, fudge, tea and coffee. We brought our own win. Plates, glasses all provided. We spent such an amazing time exploring the castle at our leisure. I'm not going to say much about this as its best you experience this by yourself!! Around the castle there are beautiful walks, town you can walk into in about 10 minutes if you want to do some shopping, go for a meal etc. Please do not hesitate to book this. Its worth every single penny and its an experience that you will never forget! I will definately be booking this again... Perhaps even 2 nights next time so we can enjoy this with even more time to explore.
