Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Top 10 Bus Tours 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. 1 Day Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Coast & Scottish Borders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore the castles of the rugged ‘Viking Coast’ within Berwickshire and Northumberland as you cross the Border between Scotland and England. Step back in time at the spectacular Alnwick Castle – the real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Sir Walter Scott’s Borders countryside and allow your Guide to immerse you in Scotland’s history with tales of Robert the Bruce, the ‘Outlaw King’. This tour is ideal for both fans of Harry Potter and history buffs alike, looking to explore a more of Scotland and into Northern England.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Entry to attractions
Reviewed By iswrt
Going on this tour is one of the best decisions I have made. I was quite nervous to begin with as I usually travel alone but our tour guide John made us all feel welcome very quick. All of the stops and sights were so beautiful and like nothing I have seen before. The people on the tour were also very kind. Highly recommend!
2. 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 ☀️☔????
3. Borders and Alnwick Castle Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 13 reviews
A tour that takes you from Edinburgh over the border to England and back. You’ll have ample time to explore one of the UK’s best castles, Alnwick Castle, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Also, stop at Melrose Abbey in the Borders, on the magnificent east coast of Scotland.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Mercedes air-conditioned vehicle, panoramic windows
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Admissions
Reviewed By C1893GXsallyj
Amazing day tour to Loch Ness with Michael - he looked after us all well and told great stories & took us to stunning view points! I loved it and am keen to book another tour soon.
4. 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. :)
5. 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 ☀️☔????
6. Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 112 reviews
Explore the legends of Rosslyn Chapel and journey through the Scottish Lowlands on this borders tour. Discover Melrose Abbey, the fabled resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce and take a 'tour and a taste' at Glenkinchie, a rare lowland whisky distillery.
Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By 167mahmoudm
A fantastic day with Neil our tour guide. A PLENTY of information in attractive way. Ask to go the trip with him. You deserve a trip like this with a fantastic tour guide like Neil. We saw 7 lochs, 4 castles, and two villages. Thank you Neil
7. 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 ☀️☔????
8. 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 ☀️☔????
9. 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. :)
10. 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!
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