Escape to the Scottish Borders and discover rolling hills, picturesque countryside and beautiful coastline. There are plenty of historic sights to discover, including castles, stately homes and abbeys. Over the centuries, the evocative landscapes have inspired Scottish icons such as John Buchan and Sir Walter Scott. Hiking, mountain biking and golf are just some of the outdoor activities on offer.
Things to do in Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders is peppered with friendly towns and villages like Melrose. Nestled at the base of the Eildon Hills, the town is built around beautiful Melrose Abbey. The Gothic ruins date back to the 14th century and feature soaring red sandstone walls and intricate carvings. Legend says the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried under the abbey.
Laid-back Jedburgh is another charm-soaked town set around a centuries-old abbey. Stroll around the cobbled streets of the town centre, admire brightly painted historic townhouses and visit a museum that charts the tragic life of Mary Queen of Scots. Jedburgh offers some excellent cafes and restaurants where you can try local delicacies such as oatcakes, haggis and Scottish tablet.
Two world-class centres make the Scottish Borders a mecca for adrenaline junkies. The flagship trail at Glentress features exhilarating trails for beginners and pros. Hit the countryside on an off-road quad-biking adventure and test your skills on the archery range. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, enjoy a round of golf or cast a line into one of the rivers.
Scottish Borders boasts some of the best walking and cycling trails in the United Kingdom. St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve is laced with windswept clifftop trails. Enjoy sweeping views over the North Sea and look out for seabirds soaring overhead. The family-friendly hike up to Scott’s View lookout rewards you with panoramic views over the River Tweed and Eildon Hills.
Getting around Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders is well-connected by road, rail and bus networks. Galashiels is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and is a one-hour drive from Edinburgh. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Scottish Borders at your own pace. Find train stations in Tweedbank, Brunstane, Newcraighall, Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow and Galashiels.