Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
Top 10 Specialty Museums 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. 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. )
2. 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.
3. Borders Textile Towerhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Borders Textile Towerhouse will be 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. At Borders Textile Towerhouse, visitors can discover the story of the region’s knitwear and tweed industries and learn how the Borders’ manufacturers attained the height of luxury and fashion. Garments, fabrics, objects, photographs, film and art reveal over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the Borders woollen industries. A vibrant programme of changing exhibitions and craft workshops means there is always something new to enjoy and our renowned gift-shop is well worth a visit.
4. Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland 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 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 Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom is one of our direct links to the great Scottish writer. In this building, Sir Walter Scott sat as Sheriff of Selkirkshire, dispensing justice for nearly 30 years until his death in 1832. Visitors can explore the reconstructed courtroom and discover tales of past crimes.
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. Gunsgreen House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Gunsgreen House is a visitor attraction in Eyemouth, Scottish Borders. The Smuggling museum and historical house is open to the public from 1st April-31st October Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm. Last admission 4pm.
Reviewed By Maps822757
We booked a private tour of the Museum and were very glad we had done as the weather was atrocious! My five year old son loved the interactive activities and we all found out some interesting facts about Eyemouth and the smugglers! The staff were very friendly and helpful, too.
7. The John Buchan Story
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
This museum celebrates the life and works of John Buchan, author of 'The 39 Steps.'
Reviewed By Liilgal78 - Ottawa, Canada
The museum is very well placed in the town of Peebles, Scotland. Easy to locate and a very well laid out museum with family history of the famous author " John Buchan" ( The 39 Steps) aka Lord Tweedsmuir when he was Governor General of Canada from 1935-1940 plus be sure to get a copy of a recent book : "John Buchan: Model Governor General" by J Wm Galbraith concerning his time as Canada's Governor General. The museum has some interesting artifacts from the Buchan family history from the area around the Borders - A must for any Buchan fans to get a sense of his family and of his many writings - some may not know of his wealth of writing both fiction and non- fiction books. His life is very well highlighted at the museum and is indeed a must visit place for any Buchan fan.
8. Coldstream Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Coldstream 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. Visit Coldstream Museum and uncover the story Coldstream Guards and the town of Coldstream, with artefacts such as the Provost's Robes and Chain of Office. Located in the centre of Coldstream, it was the site of General Monck's headquarters before he marched on London in 1660 to restore the Stuart Monarchy.
Reviewed By I6922CIpauld - Hartlepool, United Kingdom
If you are in or near Coldstream this small, local museum is well worth a visit. Although small (it is basically three rooms and a courtyard) it is packed with information on Coldstream and the Guards. The curator was a very friendly lady who made us feel welcome and gave us a clear guide of what was available (including a small play/dressing up area for young children - ideal for 2 - 7 yearolds). The exhibits are well presented with good information about each item and its history. Some good stories about local people through the years. On our visit there was also an Easter Egg hunt for the kids in the form of a list of fun questions to find the answers too. A cream egg was the reward and entry into a draw for a larger egg was included for a pound. If you come expecting The Imperial War Museum you will be disappointed, but if you want a local, friendly and informative museum for a half hour well spent this fits the bill perfectly. If you are a military buff, combine your visit with the local Military Surplus shop on the High Street which also has a small museum in its basement.
9. Tweeddale Museum & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
Following advice from the Government and Public Health Scotland in relation to Covid-19, Tweeddale Museum & Gallery is temporarily closed. An 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. An important building, situated in the very heart of the vibrant Borders town of Peebles, The Chambers Institution was established by William Chambers, one of the founders of the famous publishing house W & R Chambers Publishers, in 1859. The Museum & Gallery host a lively programme of visual art, educational and local history exhibitions throughout the year. A downloadable programme is available from our website. The Chambers Room houses the extraordinary friezes commissioned by William Chambers and also features exhibitions on the history of Peebles and the surrounding area.
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
The entrance is through the library and is well known for exhibiting art works . When we visited there was a large exhibition of the famous artist Hamish McDonald . In a well lit room The older part of the museum is available but you will have to ask the Librarian to let you in at the far side of the quadrangle . We were pushed for time and will have a look next time we are down
10. Blackpotts Cottage
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