7 Days in the South of Scotland

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Explore this coastal haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers. See thousands of seabirds and be awed by the dramatic cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters.

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St Abbs itself is a small but picturesque fishing village with an important landscape, supporting wildlife both above and below the waves. Situated in the old village hall, the visitor centre tells the story of St Abbs' past and present with a main exhibition, but will also fill you in on the wonders of the geology and wildlife of the area.

Don't miss the high-powered telescope for a closer look at the cliffs and wildlife, and the local photographs, artwork and crafts on display around the centre.

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Complete your seaside trip with the third magical way of seeing this cliff-side landscape - heading out on a powerboat experience! Running from the nearby town of Eyemouth, the experienced skipper will take you around the cliffs and coves to see the seabirds and seals.

There's even a choice to suit your pace - the Fast Blast for those wanting the thrill of wind, spray and speed, and the Coastal Exploration, which is a more leisurely sea safari and scenic trip.

Once you're back on dry land, look out for a little van where you can pick up some seafood to feed the seals that bob around Eyemouth harbour!

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Scotland has produced many great literary figures throughout the years, from Robert Burns to Val McDermid. No matter what your favourite genre is, there is lots of Scottish literature waiting to be added to your reading list. Today we're here to shine a spotlight on another of the country's finest writers, Sir Walter Scott.

Helping to capture the imaginations from readers around the world, step inside his home and see where it all began! You'll stumble across shelves upon shelves of books in his personal study, a grand library and lots of artefacts on display relating back to some of his most famous works. Outside, adults can enjoy the peaceful setting of the Regency Walled Gardens while the fun awaits at the Play Trail for younger visitors, complete with a wooden fortress and seven-metre tunnel slide.

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We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along The Borders Abbeys Way. This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

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Enjoy the beautiful rolling Eildon Hills and twisitng River Tweed at this view made famous by Sir Walter Scott. 

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In the grounds of Barony Castle lies a hidden treasure - a large physical map of Scotland, sculpted in concrete to over 50m. You can easily walk the length and breadth of Scotland, thanks to the work of a small group of Poles from a Krakow university, who created this in the summers of 1974 to 1979.

Plan your next trip to Scotland with this unique look at our country!

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Retreat away from the crowds and enter the peaceful oasis that is Dawyck Botanic Garden. Home to a stunning collection of trees and shrubs, you'll be impressed by its vibrant bursts of colour all year round. When spring has sprung see swathes of snowdrops or immerse yourself in autumn colours, with hues of mustard yellows, glowing oranges, and vibrant reds to help you celebrate this picturesque season.

After exploring the garden, you'll have no doubt worked up an appetite. Stop off and soak in the views at the café. You'll find lots of tasty dishes to choose from and with their Taste Our Best accreditation, you can never go wrong on quality here.

Did you know? Dawyck Botanic Garden is just one of the many attractions that can be found along the John Buchan Way. This 13-mile route which starts in Peebles and finishes in Broughton boasts stunning scenery and a wide variety of attractions. Highlights include Caidemuir Hill, Stobo Kirk, John Buchan Centre and Neidpath Castle.

If you're willing to explore more of Peebles on foot, check out these other fantastic walking routes.

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As one of the UK's highest waterfalls, Grey Mare's Tail is well worth a stop. Park up at the car park, and just along a short path, you can stand and admire this tall, natural feature as the water pours down the hanging valley.

But if you're up for more of a challenge, why not follow the waterfall and see where it starts? On the other side from the first path is a second path. It's a steep climb up the side of the waterfall, following the cobbled path, but it soon flattens out and an hour after leaving the car park, you'll reach Loch Skeen, a beautiful glassy pool of mountain water.

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Head to nearby Moffat for a short stroll around the town and something to eat in one of the cafes or restaurants. If you've got time to spare, Moffat is Europe's first Dark Sky Town, so as soon as the sun sets, you get a better view of the night sky thanks to the special street lighting.

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Take a drive further west into Dumfries & Galloway and you'll soon reach the dizzy heights of not just the south of Scotland, but all of Scotland! Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village, which won't come as a surprise once you're there - in fact the drive up to the village is particularly stunning for the climb.

Once there, you can explore the Museum of Lead Mining to learn more about the local industry, or take a ride on the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway, Britain's highest adhesion railway, almost 1,500 feet above sea level.

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Landscaping and the cosmos are not something you would think come hand-in-hand, but Crawick Multiverse is a unique art land. Designed by Charles Jencks, it features striking stone sculptures and represents ideas around space, astronomy and cosmology.

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This 18th century windmill has a lot to offer you - from fossil footprints left by prehistoric reptiles to stone carvings by Scotland's first Christians, and home to the world's oldest Camera Obscura. Installed in 1836, this optical instrument gives panoramic views out over the region which you'll be exploring for the next couple of days.

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Situated in an 18th-century watermill by the banks of the River Nith in Dumfries, the centre tells the story of the Bard's extraordinary time in the market town.

Robert Burns spent the final years of his life in Dumfries and the centre's fantastic exhibition is illuminated by many original manuscripts and belongings of the Bard as well an impressive scale model of Dumfries in the 1790s and a haunting audio-visual presentation. In the evenings, the centre becomes a film theatre showing the best in contemporary cinema.

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This National Centre for Children’s Storytelling and Literature uncovers the world of stories and tales and is the birthplace of Peter Pan!

Step into Moat Brae House and the Neverland Discovery Garden where you and the wee ones can discover fascinating facts, get hands-on with interactive exhibits, enjoy inspiring play spaces, chase Peter Pan's shadow, or cosy up with a book in the sunlit library. Keep an eye open for free storytelling sessions, workshops, events and more.

Time to explore

4 hours

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The lush Galloway Forest Park is close to where Sam Heughan (Jamie from Outlander) grew up in Dumfries & Galloway. Head to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre to take a refreshing stroll along the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch.

Close by, you can see wild creatures in natural surroundings at the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park.

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Step inside the towering, white lighthouse and climb the 115 steps to the top of the tower. Kids (and adults) will be amazed by the stunning views from their lofty vantage point – you can even see across the water to Cumbria and Ireland. Look out for swooping gannets, fluttering butterflies and leaping dolphins from the RSPB reserve which surrounds the lighthouse too!

Other great attractions in the Rhins of Galloway include Logan Botanic Garden, full of exotic plants, and Castle Kennedy Gardens, which often has ranger-led activities for kids.

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Find out more about the lucky wildlife which call this spot home! From the noisy guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes in the spring, to the gannets, pied wagtails in the summer, terns, skuas and shearwaters in the autumn, and eider duck and shags in the winter.

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The beautiful gardens which surround this impressive ruined Castle Kennedy are the perfect place for a walk in the countryside or you could stop for a tasty snack in the tearoom.