Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
The 10 Best Things to do for Honeymoon 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. 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.
2. Melrose Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,136 reviews
Melrose Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. The exterior of this magnificent ruin is decorated by unusual sculptures, including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and a bagpipe playing pig. The abbey is also thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.
Reviewed By Termer13 - Swanage, United Kingdom
Prominently situation in Melrose, the Abbey is an integral part of the identity of Melrose. Imposing and full of atmosphere the Abbey is well worth a visit and while you’re there there’s loads more to see in this lovely borders town where I happily grew up!
3. Abbotsford House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
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.
Reviewed By captcalculus
if you're anywhere near Melrose. Fascinating house of Sir Walter Scott with an excellent hand-held audio guide that allows you to wander through at your own pace, providing optional commentary on additional items in each room/area. Also, the gardens are quite nice, even in September. I am one of those driven people who like to get in and get out, but even so, we spent close to 3 hours here. Don't miss.
4. Stobo Castle Health Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
Nestled among the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, Stobo Castle offers excellent service, fine food, elegantly trained staff and above all, the ability to find peace in a frenetic world.
Reviewed By Roca123 - Airdrie, Canada
I have been coming to Stobo Castle for many years and I have always had the very best service especially Derek Miller and his team I always come for a 2 night stay and the facilities restaurant and service is amazing . In these very hard times we find ourselves in at the moment Stobo is doing a magnificent job of keeping us safe. They are going above and beyond as they do anyway. But they are super vigilant and sanitize constantly. I just want to thank Stephen Mandy and the boys for taking care of us once again and wish you all the best ???? ❤ sitting writing this at the poolside having the best time with you all xxx Regards Rhona Lawrie and Liz Bulloch
5. Jedburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 635 reviews
Jedburgh Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Explore the fascinating Jedburgh Abbey along with its visitor centre and surrounding herb garden with aromatic plants and a stone display at the west end. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies. Remains of the cloister buildings have been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century 'Jedburgh comb' and an eighth century shrine are on display.
Reviewed By AlanT607 - Paducah, United States
We didn't get to go inside but we could walk all around it. They had a well maintained cemetery with special blue plaques around the abbey and throughout the town with historical information.
6. Dryburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Dryburgh Abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. First established in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order and today continues to have a peaceful atmosphere. Despite having been set on fire three times, the chapter house features paintwork that dates back to its construction and today boasts some of the best Gothic architecture in Scotland. These graceful ruins became the burial place of David Eskrine, 11th Earl of Buchan in 1829, and three years later his friend Sir Walter Scott was also buried here.
Reviewed By Maud180291 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
We visited this abbey as part of the Borders Abbey Way. The property is managed by Scottish Heritage and we were able to get access using our life membership from English Heritage. The Abbey is situated in beautiful grounds that are well maintained with a large number of trees that help to create an air of tranquility. The grounds were well used however: families sitting on the grass, friends chatting on benches and the odd tour group. It was a great space to spend some time on a sunny afternoon. The abbey is well maintained with grave stones for Haig and Scott. There are a number of staircases that provide good views of the site. Their are some decorative painting in the chapter house that are worth a look Well worth a visit.
7. Dawyck Botanic Garden and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Dawyck is truly one of the world's finest arboreta. Seasonal displays of abundant exotic and native plants provide a breathtaking backdrop of colour throughout the year. The Garden also offers an award-winning visitor centre, gift shop with plant sales and a cafe. Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Reviewed By Bridgehouse_10 - Staveley, United Kingdom
If you want a relaxing and inspiring three hours, like big trees, bushes & shrubs, and enjoy areas of outstanding natural beauty, this is a great place to visit.
8. Traquair House & Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By Linzi70 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We booked a tour and cream team at Traquair House and really enjoyed it. The tour was really interesting, we loved all the history and the guide was very knowledgeable. The cream team was served in a beautiful room in the house and was very good.
9. Scott's View
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By Fitz48 - Aurora, United States
Scott’s View is an excellent free attraction without crowds that makes an excellent stopping point for those doing a day in the Scottish borders. As an added bonus, it has free parking at the site and you can just step out of the car and be inspired. For our day, we did Bowhill House, Abbotsford House (home of Sir Walter Scott), Scott’s View and Melrose Abbey. Scott’s View, which overlooks the valley of the River Tweed is a must see to complete your experience of Abbotsford House and the legacy of Sir Walter Scott. Scott’s View is on the slope of Bemersyde Hill and it provides a first-rate view of the Tweed River valley with green meadows, forests, the meandering Tweed River and the three peaks of the Eildon Hills as a backdrop in the distance. In May when we were there, the hills and surrounding countryside were decorated by yellow-blooming gorse bushes that completed the prospect. According to legend, Sir Walter Scott loved this view and it provided him with inspiration. He stopped his horse so many times to take in the view that his horse would halt at this site without command. After the death of Sir Walter Scott, his funeral procession was passing this way to his burial site when the horses pulling his coffin stopped here for one final look. If you have just seen Abbotsford House, this view is a fitting conclusion to your study of Sir Walter Scott. In sum, this is a great place if you are visiting the Scottish borders as a tourist but even if I lived in Scotland, I would periodically visit the site at different times of the year to enjoy this stunning panorama in different seasons and lighting. It was an inspiration to Sir Walter Scott and I think that you will also find the splendor from this vantage point.
10. Monteviot House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
