10 Museums in Scottish Borders That You Shouldn't Miss

January 16, 2022 Myesha Cogley

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

Whitmuir Farm, Peebles Scotland +44 1968 660200 http://www.dancinglightgallery.co.uk
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Dancing Light Gallery

2. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

44 Newtown Street, Duns TD11 3AU Scotland +44 1361 883960 [email protected] http://www.liveborders.org.uk/culture/museums/our-museums/jim-clark-motorsport-museum/
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5.0 based on 110 reviews

Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

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

Reviewed By Savoirvoyager

The museum is bright and welcoming and offers a real insight into the life and achievements of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time and a local man. There are archive films to watch of both Jim’s life as a Berwickshire farmer and of his races. Fascinating collection of numerous trophies and memorabilia. A couple of his cars are also housed here. (Make a detour to the Jim Clark bistro on the square for great cake and coffee or for lunch! Also highly recommended. )

Barn House, Kelso TD5 7PH Scotland +44 1573 460666 http://www.kinsman-blakeceramics.co.uk
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Kinsman-Blake Gallery

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.

51 High Street, Coldstream TD12 4DL Scotland +44 1890 254010 [email protected] https://whitefoxgallery.co.uk
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

White Fox Gallery

Stephen and Virginie warmly welcome you to their bright and spacious gallery, right in the centre of the historic town of Coldstream, at the very crossroads between Scotland and England. Choose, at your leisure, the perfect artwork to enhance your home or office, or to offer as a gift. We offer a wide selection of fine art paintings, photographs, distinctive art furniture, sculpture, ceramic, jewellery and many other fabulous artworks from artists and makers based in the Scottish Borders, Northumberland and beyond. We also have a small tea room serving hot and cold drinks and a selection of cakes and tray bakes; an ideal spot to relax, enjoy the artworks or catch up with friends.

Reviewed By rebel-diver - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

After walking the superb battlefield trail at nearby Flodden, we called into Coldstream and discovered this beautiful, modern art gallery in the centre of the town, which also offers teas, coffees and cakes - the surroundings and refreshments provided a perfect end to a lovely summer's day. The gallery itself has a diverse collection of tasteful art, jewellery, and pottery, showcasing local artists. They also sell cards, scarves and other hand crafted gifts. We have since discovered they run photography courses and plan to sign-up later in the summer.

5. A7 Art Space

5 Buccleuch Street, Hawick TD9 0HH Scotland +44 7717 687731 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/a7artspace/
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

A7 Art Space

We are an eco friendly and fair trade gallery and coffee corner with travel photography by C. L. Booth landscape watercolour by Tina Holley and featuring a local guest artist changing each month. We also have recycled and upcycled jewellery We host events such as artists talks, creating days, hawick ukelele club, bord game nights etc For more information follow us @a7artspace Vegan friendly Dog friendly

6. Hawick Museum

Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick TD9 7JL Scotland +44 1450 364747 [email protected] http://www.liveborders.org.uk/culture/museums/our-museums/hawick-museum/
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4.5 based on 107 reviews

Hawick Museum

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.

7. Borders Textile Towerhouse

1 Tower Knowe, Hawick TD9 9EN Scotland +44 1450 377615 [email protected] http://www.liveborders.org.uk/culture/museums/our-museums/borders-textile-towerhouse/
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4.5 based on 37 reviews

Borders Textile Towerhouse

Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Borders Textile Towerhouse will be 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. At Borders Textile Towerhouse, visitors can discover the story of the region’s knitwear and tweed industries and learn how the Borders’ manufacturers attained the height of luxury and fashion. Garments, fabrics, objects, photographs, film and art reveal over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the Borders woollen industries. A vibrant programme of changing exhibitions and craft workshops means there is always something new to enjoy and our renowned gift-shop is well worth a visit.

17 Northgate, Peebles EH45 8RX Scotland +44 1721 722116 http://www.moymackaygallery.com/gallery/
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

Moy Mackay Gallery

9. Eyemouth Museum

Manse Road Auld Kirk, Eyemouth, Eyemouth TD14 5JE Scotland +44 1890 751701 http://www.eyemouthmuseum.co.uk
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4.5 based on 108 reviews

Eyemouth Museum

This museum depicts life in this fishing town over the centuries and contains a beautiful tapestry created by local women commemorating the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881 which claimed the lives of 189 local fishermen.

Reviewed By pipdive

Great wee museum, plenty to look at and a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Lots of interesting history and so sad of the devastation of the disaster.

10. Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

Castlegate Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland, TD8 6QD, Jedburgh TD8 6BD Scotland +44 1835 864750 [email protected] http://www.liveborders.org.uk/culture/museums/our-museums/jedburgh-castle-jail-and-museum/
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4.5 based on 501 reviews

Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

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

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