The Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders spans a large swathe of the south of Scotland, encompassing sweeping coastline, open countryside and the winding River Tweed that forms part of the border with England. It’s a place of deep history and heritage, dotted with ruined abbeys, Border Reiver castles, textile mills and even an ancient Roman fort. Wander through a land steeped in myth and legend that inspired some of Scotland’s literary greats and visit towns full of character, each with their own identity to discover.  

O Caledonia! stern and wild, / Meet nurse for a poetic child! / Land of brown heath and shaggy wood, / Land of the mountain and the flood, / Land of my sires! what mortal hand / Can e'er untie the filial band / That knits me to thy rugged strand!

Sir Walter Scott, writer from the Scottish Borders

History comes alive as you explore ancient Roman sites, browse the bookshelves of a literary giant or hear the current lap against your canoe as you paddle on the iconic River Tweed. 

Layers of history 

History runs deep in the Scottish Borders. Step back into a time of myths and legends at the Roman fort Trimontium, the largest stronghold north of Hadrian’s Wall. Pilgrims have long sought out the Scottish Borders, visiting the abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose and Kelso where light streams through ruined stone. Bordering with England to the south, the region is well-known for its chaotic history, with Border Reivers raids and crumbling towers that have survived battles and sieges. It’s also host to many grand stately homes – admire the snowdrops that carpet the grounds of Floor Castle in early spring, admire true regency chic at the Palladian Paxton House or step inside Scotland’s oldest inhabited house at Traquair. 

More magical castles and stately homes 

The great outdoors 

Reconnect with your surroundings and get active in the gentle hills, rushing rivers and atmospheric forests of the Scottish Borders. Cut through challenging mountain bike paths at one of the 7stanes mountain biking centres in the Scottish Borders, or hike through Sir Walter Scott’s favourite scenery in the distinctive triple-peaks of the Eildon Hills, listening to leaves rustling in the wind as you look out to panoramic views of the River Tweed and Teviotdale. St Cuthbert’s Way and the Berwickshire Coastal Path offer longer routes to stretch your legs and breathe the invigorating sea air. Get even closer to the river with the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, which spans a 30-mile stretch where you can spot ruined castles, towering bridges or watch otters darting in and out of the water as you paddle by. The River Tweed is one of the best fishing spots in Scotland, well-known for its excellent salmon fishing. Admire the peaceful surrounds and feel the current beneath your feet whilst you wait for your big catch. 

Get active in the Scottish Borders

Literary connections

The expansive landscapes and intriguing history of the region lend themselves to art, storytelling and literature. See the influence of one of Scotland’s greatest writers at one of the many sites associated with Sir Walter Scott, who called the area his home. Get swept away in the romance of setting at Abbotsford – Scott’s baronial home – where you can follow a storybook trail with the kids, soak up the scents of the garden wildflowers or be inspired by the careful craftsmanship of the house itself. Imposing Smailholm Tower, Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Scott’s View and many more spots are associated with Sir Walter Scott. Further inland are the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys which influenced the author James Hogg, also known as the ‘Ettrick Shepherd’. The wild hills, deep lochs and ancient pathways in this part of the Borders shaped his writing and are the perfect spot to switch off and seek inspiration. The Borders Book Festival in Melrose is held every June for those looking to meet current authors, feel the buzz and be part of the conversation.  

A tour through the literature of the Scottish Borders

Duns

Duns is a quaint market town nestled amid beautiful countryside and farmland in the east of the Scottish Borders. Challenge yourself to a climb of Duns Law hill with views across the Merse, learn about the Polish soldiers stationed here during WWII or get in the driving seat at the Jim Clark Museum – a must-visit for any Formula One fan. 

Explore Duns

Galashiels

Galashiels is easily accessed from Edinburgh on a short 50-minute train journey. It lies in a narrow valley close to the River Tweed with a rich textile heritage that’s alive and well today. Feel the peace of sitting in the gardens of Old Gala House or see Scotland’s story and craft up close at the impressive Great Tapestry of Scotland. 

More about Galashiels

Hawick

Hawick is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and is easily accessible from the south thanks to its proximity to the English border. It dates back to the 1100s and you can still see the deep influence of the old textile mills the area is famous for. Luxuriate in the soft textures of the wool and cashmere produced here at Johnstons of Elgin, or visit the Borders Textile Towerhouse to find out more about Hawick’s industrious history. Watch the calming flow of the River Teviot as it winds along Wilton Lodge Park on the edge of the town, which has over 107 acres of nature to uncover. 

Discover Hawick

Innerleithen 

Plan a stimulating trip to this historic former mill town deep in the Tweed valley. It’s the meeting point of the River Tweed and the Leithen Water, surrounded by steep hills which make it popular with cyclists. The magic of the place is tangible when you visit the well of St Ronan, a monk who is said to have founded a settlement here in 737 A.D. The mineral waters and spa inspired Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg and they’re vital to the St Ronan’s Border Games – the oldest in Scotland. Traquair House – the oldest inhabited house in Scotland – is also nearby.  

Uncover Innerleithen

Jedburgh

This thriving market town is only 10 miles from the English border and boasts an impressive history. Be spell-bound as you walk under the ruined Gothic arches of Jedburgh Abbey, or visit Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre where you can see the pear trees she was so fond of that made the town famous throughout the UK. For the more daring, take the family to the imposing Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum which brings the history of the town to life with original cell blocks, escape room experiences and spooky stories of the prisoners who stayed here. 

Visit Jedburgh

Kelso

The River Tweed and River Teviot meet in this picturesque large town. Admire the medieval craftsmanship of Kelso Abbey, founded by King David I back in the early 12th century, or step through the grand doors of Floors Castle filled with intricate tapestries and art with extensive grounds and gardens to explore. Pamper yourself and unwind with a treatment or luxury stay at Schloss Roxburghe, the golf resort and spa cocooned in the countryside nearby.   

Explore Kelso