Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Countries
Top 10 Free Things to do 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. St. Cuthberts Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
A hundred KM walk through the Scottish countryside off the coast of Northumberland.
Reviewed By SteveBraysher - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Over the years we have walked a lot of Britain's long distance foot paths and have used a nuber of firms to organise our treks, but this was the first time with Shepherds Walks - They were OUTSTANDING, the best we have used. They were helpful and accommodating when we were planning the trip, the information and advice they provided was spot on, the organisation excellent and the standard of accommodation we were booked into along the route was consistently top notch, a step up from what seems to be the norm. The walk itself is one of the most clearly way marked we have come across , so you don't need to be particularly good at navigation - at least in good weather (which we were lucky enough to get). One of the nice things about the route is the wide variety of scenery; small towns, lowland river valleys, the wilder, hilly sections and then the coast. All in all, an excellent trip and a big thank you to Shepherds Walks
2. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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
6. St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Glentress Forest
10. 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
