Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
The 7 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas 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. St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By E6339QHandrewr
Walking from St Abbs to the St Abbs Head lighthouse isn't very far but well worth the effort. It is steep in places but the track is well marked and what's the rush anyway. Towards the Lighthouse you'll see an increasing amount of nesting bird-life from the cliff tops and Mire Loch is slightly inland with its own array of nesting bird-life. Dive-boats are continually busying themselves below you (among the rafts of guillemots) and with the right conditions, you'll get splendid views of Bass Rock in the distance.
2. Velvet Hall Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Alpaca Trekking in the Scottish Borders An opportunity to walk with an Alpaca in the beautiful Tweed Valley countryside. We offer any trekking experience to meet all your requirements. Our Alpacas are adorable and love going out trekking. They amble along taking it all in their stride with a playful, inquisitive nature; we know that children and adults of all ages will fall in love with them.
Reviewed By 401sharona - Aviemore, United Kingdom
What a fantastic experience! Jean and Stuart were lovely, informative and such great fun. We totally fell in love with the alpacas, they have an amazing nature, very sociable, inquisitive and right wee characters! Special thanks to Pearson and Storm for looking after us so well. This years Christmas list looks interesting!!
3. Eyemouth Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By Mrmilo2 - Edithmead, United Kingdom
This is my favourite place in the country...beautiful picture perfect fishing harbour ....wonderful views ...sandy beach ideal for skimming stones into the sea...parking on the sea front...small individual shops and super take away fish and chip shop...even sell deep fried Haggis and Pizza!!!!...coastal walks...and good pubs
4. Woodside Garden Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
An attractive Victorian walled garden with an award-winning tearoom, plant centre, wildlife garden and events and activities
Reviewed By austindibb
Great cafe with good covid measures. The sandwiches were wonderfully fresh with local produce.. Just had to stop again on the way back to Perthshire. Oh yes and just happened to squeeze in a victoria plum tree into the car. Got some great advice from the garden centre.
5. Duns Castle Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By alanbR5185FU - Duns, United Kingdom
i go for walks up at the duns castle.it is very nice.the lake views are great.there is wood land walks there.nice seat for people to sit down.i recommend it
6. The Meldons
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By ElizabethW55 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Lovely drive through from Peebles to Eddleston for lunch. Beautiful soft border hills, and plenty of heather about. Field of sheep and cattle. Prosperous farms! I may have seen an eagle! V large raptor in the blue sky today! Lots of campers about enjoying the gorgrous weather.
7. Priorwood Garden
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By jubamac - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Right beside the abbey this National Trust of Scotland garden is another tranquil haven. Smaller than the other NTS garden down the road, but still full of interest. With it's many and varied shrubs and flowers and a really interesting collection of heritage apple trees. Spend a relaxing while here before taking in the magnificent abbey.
