Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Countries
Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours 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. 5-Day The Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Discover some of northern England’s most picturesque regions on this 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. With an expert driver-guide, enjoy a scenic journey along the magnificent East Lothian coastline to the historical city of York. From here, visit the breathtaking natural beauty of North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, and then relocate to the charming market town of Keswick to explore the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. Numbers limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, 4 nights in B&B or 3-star Hotel accommodation (en-suite rooms with breakfasts), Small group tour (16 people max)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Admission fees.
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
2. Borders and Alnwick Castle Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 13 reviews
A tour that takes you from Edinburgh over the border to England and back. You’ll have ample time to explore one of the UK’s best castles, Alnwick Castle, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Also, stop at Melrose Abbey in the Borders, on the magnificent east coast of Scotland.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Mercedes air-conditioned vehicle, panoramic windows
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Admissions
Reviewed By C1893GXsallyj
Amazing day tour to Loch Ness with Michael - he looked after us all well and told great stories & took us to stunning view points! I loved it and am keen to book another tour soon.
3. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 411 reviews
Join this small group tour (13 passengers or less) and travel to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland/England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire. Other highlights on this tour include the mighty Abbeys of Melrose and Jedburgh as you journey at a relaxed pace through the beautiful Borderlands.
Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees
Reviewed By EmJo
23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)
4. Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast & the Borders Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 143 reviews
Explore the stunning scenery of the Scottish Borders on this full-day tour of Kelso, Alnwick Castle and Berwick. Head to the pretty border town of Kelso and soak up the atmosphere in the large market square. Visit the ruins of Kelso Abbey, then cross the border and travel on to Alnwick Castle, the setting for Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter movie series. Continue onward along the Northumberland coast to the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. All entrance fees at your own expense.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by top of the range Mercedes 16-seat mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission Fees (Alnwick Castle)
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
5. Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 112 reviews
Explore the legends of Rosslyn Chapel and journey through the Scottish Lowlands on this borders tour. Discover Melrose Abbey, the fabled resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce and take a 'tour and a taste' at Glenkinchie, a rare lowland whisky distillery.
Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By 167mahmoudm
A fantastic day with Neil our tour guide. A PLENTY of information in attractive way. Ask to go the trip with him. You deserve a trip like this with a fantastic tour guide like Neil. We saw 7 lochs, 4 castles, and two villages. Thank you Neil
6. Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 235 reviews
Travel through 2,000 years of history as you visit ancient Roman sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Dere Street, Birdoswald Fort, Steel Rigg and historic villages along the border of Scotland and England. You'll drive through stunning scenery in Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley and the Southern Uplands and learn about the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 14th–16th centuries. Your professional guide will illuminate the fascinating history of Roman Britain and the Scottish Borders on this small-group (limited to 16 people) day tour from Edinburgh.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by luxury Mercedes mini-coach, Small group tour (16 people max) for a more personal experience.
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Gratuities, Admission fees
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
7. Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 123 reviews
This popular small group day tour (13 passengers or less) explores Holy Island, scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain, and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours. On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.
Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees
Reviewed By EmJo
23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)
8. Alnwick Castle as Featured in Harry Potter and Scottish Borders Day Trip from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 14 reviews
Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century Bamburgh Castle. But it is Alnwick Castle that’s the true star of this show. It’s not only a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey; it’s also a historic location of epic conquests and royal splendor. Take this trip and become enthralled by Scottish & English borders regions.
Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board coach
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (approx £14.50 per person)
Reviewed By 180rebecar
Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!
9. 3-day Private Tour: Edinburgh & the Borders
Our Edinburgh & the Borders tour is private and completely tailor-made to your interests and needs. Spend three days exploring one of the most inspiring European cities and the Scottish Borders, where romantic history, song and legend meet. Visit royal castles and aristocratic mansions, walk over hills and along lochs, follow in the footsteps of great poets and raiding knights - an adventure you cannot miss! See you in Scotland for an amazing adventure!
Inclusions: Snacks, Water, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Meals, Accommodation
Reviewed By chlorex
Me and a couple of friends choose the Brambling Bus to go around Callander for a day. It was amazing, perfect road trip with a nice playlist. Sara is an amazing driver and Maciek loves history so be ready to know some good facts to bring home with you! They took us to Callander, we had a nice walk by the Bracklinn Falls and then headed back to town to grab some food at a nice local bakery (delicious homemade pies). We also stopped by a couple of their favorites spots (like the huge antique shop). It was an amazing day, I highly recommend traveling with them. They are lovely and enthusiastic people who love sharing their love and knowledge about Scotland. Thanks Maciek and Sara!
10. Private Roslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey Luxury Day Trip
Join us to see one of the wonders of British architecture and the home of Scotlands renaissance saviour. Templar treasures, soaring abbeys and stately riverside mansions are all waiting to be discovered, along with a glass of Glenkinchie too! As our tours are more personal than some other tour providers, you will leave with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you've seen what you wanted, how you wanted. Enjoy, relax and just switch off. Get to know the country and its people, immerse yourself in nature and tradition. At TRIPorganiser we know where to find something special. Trust us with your with valuable travel time. Authenticity is our top priority.
Inclusions: Door to door pick up service, Bottled water for passengers, Private transportation in luxury Mercedes mini van, Live commentary and WiFi on board
Exclusions: Entrance/Admission to Attractions, Lunch
Reviewed By pinaribr
We were a group of four and we spent 5 days in London and 5 days in Scotland. They booked and planned everything for us and sent us a plan with all the information that we needed (hotels, flight and train tickets, places to visit and restaurants).The plan was to guide us through Scotland with a private transportation so we were on our own in London but still they helped us book our hotel and gave us suggestions on what we can do in London. When we arrived in Edinburgh our tour guide picked us up from the train station and drove us to our hotel. And we travelled through Scotland for five days in wich we saw so many places that we couldn’t possibly manage to visit on our own. We could stop whenever we wanted to take pictures and ask questions about the places. Our tour guide planned everything and we only had to follow and after 5 days in London using only the underground for transportation someone guiding us through our journey was extremely nice. We could relax and enjoy the journey. So thank you for everything! It was a beautiful trip :)
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