Top Things to do in Scottish Borders
What to do and see in Scottish Borders, Scotland: The Best Ancient Ruins
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. 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!
2. 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.
3. Dryburgh Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Dryburgh 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. First established in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order and today continues to have a peaceful atmosphere. Despite having been set on fire three times, the chapter house features paintwork that dates back to its construction and today boasts some of the best Gothic architecture in Scotland. These graceful ruins became the burial place of David Eskrine, 11th Earl of Buchan in 1829, and three years later his friend Sir Walter Scott was also buried here.
Reviewed By Maud180291 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
We visited this abbey as part of the Borders Abbey Way. The property is managed by Scottish Heritage and we were able to get access using our life membership from English Heritage. The Abbey is situated in beautiful grounds that are well maintained with a large number of trees that help to create an air of tranquility. The grounds were well used however: families sitting on the grass, friends chatting on benches and the odd tour group. It was a great space to spend some time on a sunny afternoon. The abbey is well maintained with grave stones for Haig and Scott. There are a number of staircases that provide good views of the site. Their are some decorative painting in the chapter house that are worth a look Well worth a visit.
4. Cross Kirk
5. Kelso Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 261 reviews
This 12th-century abbey was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture.
Reviewed By freddiedoncaster
I was up in Kelso for the racing, and had been told so much about the abbey, that I just had to visit. Considering it’s age, it’s remarkable. Steeped in history along with beautiful ground to admire, this has to be a “must visit” whenever you’re in Kelso.
6. Roxburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
This 12th-century castle saw constant battle between the Scots and the English until it was destroyed in 1460.
