What to do and see in Scottish Borders, Scotland: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

RIDELINES are based in the Tweed Valley only 4 miles away from Glentress Forest. We offer expert rider focused mountain bike tuition from experienced and professional instructors. Our course structures and 1:1 sessions are carefully built from our years of experience to get the most out of your riding. We guarantee to let you in on great technique secrets and you'll get the essential techniques and expert help to meet your own riding challenges and get you thinking, working and developing your riding. We also offer guided rides, multi day trips and group activity days customised for your group on world class trails in the Tweed Valley and beyond. Discover the unwaymarked beauty of the area with our expert guides. We've been delivering quality mountain biking experiences since 2006 - years of dedicated experience means we know what it takes to make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.

Currently open restricted hours and selected days. All visitors MUST prebook a ticket online. Social distancing measures are in operation, please wear a face mask in the museum. Card payments for shop merchandise only. Simulator currently unavailable for multiple use. This brand new visitor attraction, opened in July 2019 and is a must for motor racing fans and anyone looking for a great day out. Celebrate the life and outstanding racing career of Jim Clark with an interactive experience showcasing his life in the Borders, his incredible career within the motor racing world and as a farmer. Discover Jim’s cars and trophies, watch him race in films from the time and experience the unique racing simulator which will allow you to jump into the driving seat! Take away a memento of your visit from the specially curated gift shop. Funding has come from Scottish Borders Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust

Owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Smail's Printing Works is an operational Victorian-era printing works, which still uses its original letterpress machinery to produce cards and stationery today. Visitors to the works will have the opportunity to find out about how printing was done before the days of the computer! There is a chance to set your own name in type to create your own unique letterpress bookmark, see out presses in action and view pieces from our extensive archival collections. Robert Smail's gift shop stocks a wide range of cards and stationery produced on the premises and a range of quality and quirky gifts to suit all pockets and purses. The printing works runs a variety of activities and workshops throughout the year. See our website for details.

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.

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.

The Borders Distillery® opened in March 2018 – the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. We’re dedicated to capturing the true spirit of the Borders, and bringing whisky-making back to the region. Our hometown, Hawick, has a famous history of manufacturing, where cashmere is king and where tweed was invented. There is a spirit of industry and enterprise in the town that inspires us in everything we do. The distillery is in a landmark building in the centre of town, making us both familiar and new. Occupying the site of the former Hawick Urban Electrical Company, we undertook a complete and careful renovation of the building, turning it into a fully functioning distillery. With an attention to detail and acknowledgement of the building’s history, every tiny detail has been covered. From the restoration of the original 1930 crane, to the lead welded windows, we are immensely proud of every bit of the renovation. Visit us, and see it for yourself.

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.

Experience one of Scotland's finest stately homes. Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Mellerstain is a unique example of William & Robert Adam design, presenting a complete picture as it would have been some 240 years ago. •Admire the outstanding Robert Adam interiors •Enjoy the fine art, embroidery, china & furniture collections.•Relax within acres of parkland, gardens,lakeside/ woodland walks & playground •Treat yourself in the courtyard café •Holiday in our self-catering cottages.