Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Things to do in Scottish Borders, Scotland: The Best History Museums
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. Hawick Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
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.
2. Eyemouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
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.
3. Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
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
4. Old Gala House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Following advice in relation to COVID-19, Old Gala House 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 then. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds near the centre of Galashiels, Old Gala House is an impressive building dating back to 1583. Once home to the Lairds of Galashiels, the house is now a vibrant museum and gallery which tells the story of the town and its people. It also hosts a seasonal programme of changing exhibitions and events along with a cafe, gift shop and stunning gardens. Old Gala House is available to hire as a venue. Please note that whilst the Museum & Gallery at Old Gala house has now closed for the season until Easter 2020, this beautiful building remains open as a venue for hire using the contact details listed.
Reviewed By Sleepyshow - Galashiels, United Kingdom
The grounds are beautiful. We had our wedding her in 2019, and couldn't have picked a more beautiful setting in the area. The gardens are so well kept, you can sit for hours just looking at the beautiful fountain or the mini waterfall. The house itself is well worth a look as well. Kind of a cross between museum and art gallery. You can find a lot of information about the people who live and have lived in the area. Plus its a free day out
5. Halliwell's House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Halliwell's House Museum 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. For more information and updates please see the Live Borders website: www.liveborders.org.uk/book/coronavirus/ You can also find us on: @LiveBorders @LiveBordersMGA
6. Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre 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. Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre is set in the centre of historic Jedburgh and this 16th century tower house tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen. Mary’s month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times but the cult that has grown up around her.
Reviewed By JGrant44 - Cork, Ireland
Housed in a lovely building, this really is a good place to have a quick history lesson on Mary Queen of Scots and events of the time. Extremely interesting displays, lovely building, helpful staff, nice grounds and all without charge. Well worth a visit and thank you so much.
7. Trimontium Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Roman history museum that displays, curates, promotes and cares for the remarkable, Trimontium Roman Fort complex at nearby Newstead. Currently run a small free to enter Roman history museum, guided tours to the fort site and various public activities for all. Always recruiting keen volunteers to help with all museum activities, training provided, no experience but enthusiasm required !
Reviewed By minervamidsummer
An independent museum open to the public from March to October. Trimontium Museum Trust also offers a range of guided walks to the nearby site of an important Roman fort complex at Newstead which was a major strategic point north of Hadrian's Wall and the base of a series of Roman Cavalry units and troops stationed in South of Scotland. The relationship between the Roman military and native people in lowland Scotland is also presented via interpretation formats including text panels and an audio tour. Group visits are also made very welcome during the season, with pre-booking advised. Special arrangements for out of season for group visits can be negotiated by calling the Honorary Curator on the main phone number. Trimontium Museum is located in the beautiful Market Square of Melrose. The Museum is a single room display but provides excellent value as it offers a great deal to read, cased displays of Roman objects, coins, intaglios, glass, pottery and amazing highlight loan objects from the collections of National Museums of Scotland plus a wonderful silver coin hoard of 228 Roman silver denarii. There is an fascinating audio visual film immediately on arrival in the corridor leading to the museum so dn't miss that as it includes aerial film footage of the nearby important archeological locations - The Eildon Hills and Newstead farmland where the Roman army was stationed. There is a lot of reading material with extensive written interpretation and high quality replicas on display to help visitors make sense of the type of buildings, tools, equipment, weaponry and horse harness used by Roman cavalry units stationed at the military garrison at Newstead. There are some activities for younger children including dressing up section and a cavalry saddle to sit on. Please be aware that the Museum is currently in the process of undertaking a major development programme which will see an important extension added to the displays and entirely new interpretation/new interactives. It is expected that phase 1 of the renovations will roll out in late 2018-2019 so advice is to phone in advance of visiting during 2018 to check opening hours/arrangements, The Museum is also actively fundraising to support these improvements and new museum extension so will welcome any cash donations (which can be increased through Gift Aid at no cost to UK donors). This modest museum is a wee gem. it is entirely run by volunteers and well worth supporting as the only museum dedicated to Roman history of the South of Scotland. Books, post cards, souvenirs are available to purchase and you can even join the Trust and become a member of the Trimontium Legion!
8. Liddesdale Heritage Centre
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