Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Things to do in Scottish Borders, Scotland: The Best Cultural Tours
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. 5-Day The Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Discover some of northern England’s most picturesque regions on this 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. With an expert driver-guide, enjoy a scenic journey along the magnificent East Lothian coastline to the historical city of York. From here, visit the breathtaking natural beauty of North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, and then relocate to the charming market town of Keswick to explore the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. Numbers limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, 4 nights in B&B or 3-star Hotel accommodation (en-suite rooms with breakfasts), Small group tour (16 people max)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Admission fees.
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
2. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 411 reviews
Join this small group tour (13 passengers or less) and travel to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland/England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire. Other highlights on this tour include the mighty Abbeys of Melrose and Jedburgh as you journey at a relaxed pace through the beautiful Borderlands.
Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees
Reviewed By EmJo
23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)
3. Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast & the Borders Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 143 reviews
Explore the stunning scenery of the Scottish Borders on this full-day tour of Kelso, Alnwick Castle and Berwick. Head to the pretty border town of Kelso and soak up the atmosphere in the large market square. Visit the ruins of Kelso Abbey, then cross the border and travel on to Alnwick Castle, the setting for Hogwarts Academy in the Harry Potter movie series. Continue onward along the Northumberland coast to the walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. All entrance fees at your own expense.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by top of the range Mercedes 16-seat mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission Fees (Alnwick Castle)
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
4. Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 235 reviews
Travel through 2,000 years of history as you visit ancient Roman sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Dere Street, Birdoswald Fort, Steel Rigg and historic villages along the border of Scotland and England. You'll drive through stunning scenery in Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley and the Southern Uplands and learn about the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 14th–16th centuries. Your professional guide will illuminate the fascinating history of Roman Britain and the Scottish Borders on this small-group (limited to 16 people) day tour from Edinburgh.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by luxury Mercedes mini-coach, Small group tour (16 people max) for a more personal experience.
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Gratuities, Admission fees
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
5. Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 358 reviews
Uncover the myths and legends around the Da Vinci Code, the Knights Templar and the heart of Robert the Bruce. Your tour takes you south to the world famous Scott’s View, with stunning views over the Tweed Valley and the Eildon Hills. From here you travel to Melrose exploring the great Border Abbey of Melrose, burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. This is also your lunch stop. From here you will make your way to the stunning 15th Century Rosslyn Chapel, immortalised in Dan Brown’s “Da Vinci Code” where you can find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the whereabouts of the “Holy Grail”.
Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, Small group tour (16 people max), Transport by 16-seat Mercedes luxury mini-coach
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance fees (Melrose Abbey, Rosslyn Chapel)
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
6. Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 123 reviews
This popular small group day tour (13 passengers or less) explores Holy Island, scene of the first Viking invasion of Britain, and Alnwick Castle (filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) before returning north to Edinburgh via the beautiful Borders. You will enjoy stunning views along the Northumberland coastline before arriving at Alnwick Castle for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours. On Holy Island you may want to include the beautiful short walk to Lindisfarne Castle and a visit to the picturesque Abbey.
Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees
Reviewed By EmJo
23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)
7. Alnwick Castle as Featured in Harry Potter and Scottish Borders Day Trip from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 14 reviews
Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this trip through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and take in the superb views of the 5th century Bamburgh Castle. But it is Alnwick Castle that’s the true star of this show. It’s not only a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey; it’s also a historic location of epic conquests and royal splendor. Take this trip and become enthralled by Scottish & English borders regions.
Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board coach
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle (approx £14.50 per person)
Reviewed By 180rebecar
Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!
8. Full-Day Border Rover Tour with Private Driver
• After picking you up from your hotel in Edinburgh, we will head east along the coast to Tantallon Castle with its stunning views across the Forth Estuary. From there we will head south to the picturesque Glenkinchie Distillery for an optional tour and a taste of "The Water of Life". Your journey will carry on to Stately Floors Castle with its beautiful gardens before visiting Melrose for lunch and a chance to visit Melrose Abbey. Heading north we will stop at the majestic Scots View with its panoramic views of the Eildon Hills before heading on to the 15th century Roslin (Rosslyn) Chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code.
Inclusions: Hotel Pick up and Drop off, Transport by private vehicle, Water Bottle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By lrharper
I have used other transportation services from Heathrow to my hotels before visiting London, but this has been the best so far! As soon as I arrived in the airport terminal my driver Paulo greeted me, it was so easy to locate him which was a relief. Expedia booked the incorrect travel dates that I was arriving and advised me to cancel and re book again myself online, I explained to the rep I was having difficulty locating a private transfer suitable for my needs especially with Covid still running rampant. Instead I decided to call City transfers myself and there staff changed everything that expedia screwed up. I didn't have to cancel re book anything as Expedia advised me to do. I even received a courtesy phone call the day before my departure to confirm my details again. I also received text message when my drivers had arrived. Extremely great service, definitely new fav for private transportation when visiting in the UK!
9. Full-Day Scottish Sightseeing Tour from Edinburgh
Join us on this day tour departing from Edinburgh. You will experience some of the best examples of "The Da Vinci Codes" Chapels and discover whiskies that make Scotland so great. Discover the awe inspiring "Library in Stone". This stunning Chapel has inspired Authors, warriors, and travellers for decades. Learn about the history of Rosslyn Chapel. Traveling into the heart of the Scottish Borders, an area rich in hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland, as well as the traditional home to Scottish rugby to the perfect village of Melrose. Finishing the tour at a Whisky Distillery at Pencaitland where you can learn about how they take pure Highland water and transform it into a tasty, Sottish whisky. You will remember this inspirational day tour for years to come.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Amazing Drivers and Guides, All Fees and Taxes, Pick-up and drop-off from designated meeting point
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified in booking, Melrose Abbey Entry fee Adult £6.00, Concessions £4.80, Rosslyn Chapel Entry Fee £ 9 adult, £ 7 concession, FREE Under 18's with an accompanying adult
Reviewed By Yannah1888
If you want to see amazing bonnie Scotland I can not recommend this company enough. Friendly, good banter all roond(round) reasonable priced and great choices.
10. Scottish Borders Tour Between Scotland and England Lies hidden Beauty
We will begin our adventure Visiting Rosslyn Chapel which is one of my personal favourite places and dates back to the 14th Century and was made famous by the Da Vinci Code. After a brief drive we find ourselves in the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders. Next on our agenda is Melrose Abbey you will have the opportunity to visit this magnificent ruin. The heart of Robert the Bruce one of the most famous Scots is also buried here. We will then give the senses an overload and take in one of the most magnificent views in Scotland at Scott's View. Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and family home of the Duke of Roxburghe. Built for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe in 1721, what you see is an evolving story of a house and gardens and outstanding views. We will then visit Abbotsford House, home to the literary genius Sir Walter Scott. Today the house serves as a museum and monument to its famous occupant.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees
Reviewed By SidMaxwell
Kevin arranged a custom version of his St Andrews trip for us to add multiple stops at film locations for Outlander — our favorite TV series. Kevin is the expert on the show and is full of interesting details about the filming locations across Scotland and the show itself. I’m re-watching the early seasons now that I have his insights. We also enjoyed the St Andrews visit of course. Kevin was patience and great with the children and is simply a great tour guide. He is not only very knowledgeable but he is considerate and kind. Highly recommend.
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