Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do 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. 7stanes - Glentress
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By Goose1647 - Garforth, United Kingdom
1st visit to the trails here and they certainly don't disappoint, did the black route straight off the bat and it broke me a little, did a bit of pushing up but the flies took a shine to me so stopping wasn't an option. The downhills are ace though and well worth the climbing, spooky wood is great fun and even the blue at the end is pretty mega with great flow, just a shame it's so far away.
2. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
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. )
3. 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.
4. Fatlips Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Agnesxxx - Hawick, United Kingdom
Super adventures :) Graet trip across the forest and picnic in a Fatlips Castle plus a beautiful views from top of the tower.
5. Widows And Bairns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom
A heart rending piece of art that somehow reaches deeper than any memorial I have ever seen. That says it all.
6. The Borders Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
The Borders Distillery® opened in March 2018 – the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. We’re dedicated to capturing the true spirit of the Borders, and bringing whisky-making back to the region. Our hometown, Hawick, has a famous history of manufacturing, where cashmere is king and where tweed was invented. There is a spirit of industry and enterprise in the town that inspires us in everything we do. The distillery is in a landmark building in the centre of town, making us both familiar and new. Occupying the site of the former Hawick Urban Electrical Company, we undertook a complete and careful renovation of the building, turning it into a fully functioning distillery. With an attention to detail and acknowledgement of the building’s history, every tiny detail has been covered. From the restoration of the original 1930 crane, to the lead welded windows, we are immensely proud of every bit of the renovation. Visit us, and see it for yourself.
Reviewed By AnnB623 - Bristol, United Kingdom
We pre-booked a small group tour for our family group at this new Borders distillery, and were lucky enough to be shown around personally by their distiller, Robyn! Her passion, enthusiasm and knowledge shone through from the start in her engaging style and we had a brilliant tour around the wonderfully renovated industrial building. Sadly the distillery wasn’t in operation as they are awaiting storage space construction, held up by Covid 19, but Robyn brought the process alive for us and it was a fascinating, personal and most enjoyable visit. The bar at the end had a great photo exhibition, and was the venue for our included tasting session...... really delicious William Kerr’s gin and Puffing Billy vodka made on site, and their Clan Fraser blended whisky. We loved our tour, and couldn’t resist purchasing some of the spirits and other goodies in the friendly and beautiful shop. A most enjoyable visit. Thank you!
7. Hermitage Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Find out more about our reopening plans. Soak up the eerie, powerful atmosphere of an imposing stronghold with a notorious reputation. One of the great Borders castles, Hermitage dates back to the 1300s. Look for the garrison's cesspit and seek shelter under the great arch if it rains.
Reviewed By Fergs85 - Thornton-Le-Dale, United Kingdom
This is a pretty iconic place, one of the most brooding and formidable examples of border fortification you will find. Always been on my "bucket list".It used to be known as “the guardhouse to the bloodiest valley in Britain” (referring to Liddesdale, where the castle sits today). Although not open right now, it’s still worth taking in the structure from the outside alone – there are plenty of informative orientation boards – and the atmosphere of the place can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet. Impressive! Looking forward to a "proper" visit in the (not to distant?) future.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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.
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