Things to do & places to visit in Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

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.

Scottish Borders #71 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.59 based on 10.3k traveler reviews, of 32 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 0:23.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Eyemouth Rib Trips (527 reviews)
- Great trip, great Cullen Skink
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Boat Tours

Had a great time with Tim, who was kind enough to give us a running commentary of all the local history. Tim is a highly experienced skipper and has a history of racing speed boats, so wrap up warm and hold on. Tim recommend the cafe in the harbour called 'Ebbcarrs' and especially the Cullen Skink (or Scottish haddock chowder) which came with a hot buttered baguette, and was easily the best chowder I've tasted by a mile. Cheers Tim! See more..
5.0 Don Coyote Outdoor Centre (355 reviews)
- Awesome shooting experience
Spent 2-3 hours Shooting Ranges

Don Coyote Outdoor Centre is the place for exciting shooting fun set in the idyllic Scottish Borders countryside. Try your hand at CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. Also .22 RIFLE SHOOTING, AIR RIFLE SHOOTING and ARCHERY available. We are the perfect choice for Days Out, Corporate Events, Team Building, Stag and Hen Parties, or why not treat someone to one of our Gift Vouchers? Whether a novice or a pro the Don Coyote Outdoor Centre is sure to have you smiling! See more..
5.0 7stanes - Glentress (282 reviews)
- Brilliant service
Biking Trails

Hired a bike the night before online and visited Glentress with my son and Nephew. Shop and staff couldn’t be nicer, carbon bike was great. Trails were also very good, and pretty full on. Can’t recommend them enough. I also can’t believe Google and Trip Advisor combined to post a bad review from 2010 as its lead search, that’s 11 years ago, ignore this utter rubbish, top people and well run business in difficult times, and the review is classic Trip Advisor misrepresentation. See more..
5.0 St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve (199 reviews)
- Nature Centre inc Car Park prior to short walk to St Abbs Head
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited on Monday 05th September 2022. Initially parking at the Nature Centre prior to village entry. This Nature Centre had in addition to the car park (there is a fee) a coffee shop and gallery as well as toilets. It was a short off-road path walk to St Abb's Head. This is approx half a mile from the car park. This had seating and a sign explaining the various circular walks available. Great spot for bird watchers. En route you pass a nice photo opp as the Village entry is listed as twinned with New Asgard! See more..
5.0 Robert Smail's Printing Works (162 reviews)
- A must visit for print enthusiasts and everyone
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Smail's Printing Works is an operational Victorian-era printing works, which still uses its original letterpress machinery to produce cards and stationery today. Visitors to the works will have the opportunity to find out about how printing was done before the days of the computer! There is a chance to set your own name in type to create your own unique letterpress bookmark, see out presses in action and view pieces from our extensive archival collections. Robert Smail's gift shop stocks a wide range of cards and stationery produced on the premises and a range of quality and quirky gifts to suit all pockets and purses. The printing works runs a variety of activities and workshops throughout the year. See our website for details. See more..
5.0 Beirhope Alpacas (160 reviews)
- Worth a long drive to support the Doddie Weir charity this Beirhope trek was dedicated to.
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Beirhope offers a truly unique experience in the South of Scotland. From alpaca walking in the Cheviot Hills to off-grid, eco camping in the most beautiful rural location. See more..
5.0 Jim Clark Motorsport Museum (136 reviews)
- Excellent museum for Lotus and fans of possible the greatest racing car driver ever
Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Opened in July 2019 Jim Clark Motorsport Museum 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 and admire the range of photographs and paintings showing Jim in action. Take away a memento of your visit from the specially curated gift shop. A temporary exhibition gallery showcases aspects of Jim's life and career. Funding has come from Scottish Borders Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust. Access to the museum is on one level, for full details visit our website and our access guide. Children's Trail available and regular programme of family focussed activities. Please see website for details. See more..
5.0 Velvet Hall Alpacas (107 reviews)
- Magical Experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Alpaca Trekking in the Scottish Borders An opportunity to walk with an Alpaca in the beautiful Tweed Valley countryside. We offer any trekking experience to meet all your requirements. Our Alpacas are adorable and love going out trekking. They amble along taking it all in their stride with a playful, inquisitive nature; we know that children and adults of all ages will fall in love with them. See more..
5.0 The Borders Distillery (105 reviews)
- Fascinating and informative
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries • Distillery Tours

We pre-booked a small group tour for our family group at this new Borders distillery, and were lucky enough to be shown around personally by their distiller, Robyn! Her passion, enthusiasm and knowledge shone through from the start in her engaging style and we had a brilliant tour around the wonderfully renovated industrial building. Sadly the distillery wasn’t in operation as they are awaiting storage space construction, held up by Covid 19, but Robyn brought the process alive for us and it was a fascinating, personal and most enjoyable visit. The bar at the end had a great photo exhibition, and was the venue for our included tasting session...... really delicious William Kerr’s gin and Puffing Billy vodka made on site, and their Clan Fraser blended whisky. We loved our tour, and couldn’t resist purchasing some of the spirits and other goodies in the friendly and beautiful shop. A most enjoyable visit. Thank you! See more..
5.0 The Great Tapestry of Scotland (89 reviews)
- The best Borders attraction you've never heard of
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A truly magnificent stitchwork journey through the history of Scotland... but that is underpaying what is a tremendous experience with something for everyone - the design of the building housing it, the inspirational teamwork, the craftsmanship, and of course the story it tells. Why is not more made of this? We only heard about it by accident - it should be compulsory viewing! Topped off by a dog friendly cafe, this should be top of the Borders tourist trail. See more..
5.0 Walk This Way (80 reviews)
- Fantastic Museum
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • Antique Shops

WE ARE OPEN! Lots of genuine British and European military surplus and militaria. Come and browse our (FREE ) WW1 WW2 interactive museum and model rail layout. Test your skill and see if you'd make it as a Special Operations Executive. Great for kids and adults. Dogs welcome!! See more..
5.0 7stanes - Glentress (282 reviews)
- Brilliant service
Biking Trails

Hired a bike the night before online and visited Glentress with my son and Nephew. Shop and staff couldn’t be nicer, carbon bike was great. Trails were also very good, and pretty full on. Can’t recommend them enough. I also can’t believe Google and Trip Advisor combined to post a bad review from 2010 as its lead search, that’s 11 years ago, ignore this utter rubbish, top people and well run business in difficult times, and the review is classic Trip Advisor misrepresentation. See more..
5.0 St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve (199 reviews)
- Nature Centre inc Car Park prior to short walk to St Abbs Head
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited on Monday 05th September 2022. Initially parking at the Nature Centre prior to village entry. This Nature Centre had in addition to the car park (there is a fee) a coffee shop and gallery as well as toilets. It was a short off-road path walk to St Abb's Head. This is approx half a mile from the car park. This had seating and a sign explaining the various circular walks available. Great spot for bird watchers. En route you pass a nice photo opp as the Village entry is listed as twinned with New Asgard! See more..
5.0 Robert Smail's Printing Works (162 reviews)
- A must visit for print enthusiasts and everyone
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Robert Smail's Printing Works is an operational Victorian-era printing works, which still uses its original letterpress machinery to produce cards and stationery today. Visitors to the works will have the opportunity to find out about how printing was done before the days of the computer! There is a chance to set your own name in type to create your own unique letterpress bookmark, see out presses in action and view pieces from our extensive archival collections. Robert Smail's gift shop stocks a wide range of cards and stationery produced on the premises and a range of quality and quirky gifts to suit all pockets and purses. The printing works runs a variety of activities and workshops throughout the year. See our website for details. See more..
4.5 Melrose Abbey (1.180 reviews)
- A 14th century ruined abbey that is still a Must See!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings

The abbey grounds, cloister and museum are now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. 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. See more..
4.5 Abbotsford (1.165 reviews)
- Beautiful grounds
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. In 2021-2022 Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott. Visit Abbotsford during this special occasion to meet the man behind the monument, whose imagination and patriotism shaped the Scotland of today. Discover a treasure trove of fascinating objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels. Learn about Scott's life, browse the gift shop, enjoy seasonal food in our cafe or simply relax in the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands. See more..
4.5 Jedburgh Abbey (672 reviews)
- So impressed!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings

The grounds and shop are now open (the rest of the abbey remains closed). 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. See more..
4.5 Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre (595 reviews)
- Great artifacts, Great history, Well run, and its free, However we made a donation as it was worth it.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums

Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre is set in the centre of historic Jedburgh and this 16th century tower house tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen. Mary’s month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times but the cult that has grown up around her. There is an interesting gift shop on ground level. Audio guides are available in English, French, German and Spanish. Printed foreign language guides available in other languages. A children's printed guide also available. Access to the displays is problematic for those with mobility difficulties. There is an interactive touchscreen on the ground floor that allows visitors to see the collections displayed and Mary's story to be told. See more..
4.5 Traquair House & Brewery (554 reviews)
- Unspoilt Gem
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

What an amazing place! We started with lunch in the Cafe, serving excellent sourdough toasted sandwiches - a great start to an amazing few hours. The walled garden was a pleasant stroll among the apple trees followed by browsing the craft shops and the onto the house itself. We received a brief but informative introduction from a knowledgeable guide and the toured the ground floor - I'd recommend the introductory video as it gives a great insight into the history of the house and family. The house itself has a great atmosphere and it's worth spending time in each open room to read the information and look at the items. Outside, the maze offers good entertainment and there are some animals and a play area for the children. All in all a fascinating way to spend a day! See more..
4.5 Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum (524 reviews)
- A very interesting morning
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Castles • History Museums

Jedburgh Castle Jail is now closed to visitors for the season. We look forward to welcoming you when we re-open on 1 April 2023! This attraction may look like a grand castle – but inside is a different story! Visit the cell blocks of this 1820s jail and discover what life was like for prisoners and staff in what was a model prison in its day. The building is also home to Jedburgh’s town museum, exploring the traditions, industries and the lives of famous people of the town. Lots of children’s activities make this a fun family day out. There is a kids guide, gift shop and partial disabled access. Ground floor displays are accessible for wheelchairs but upper floors are not. There is a fly over video that gives a flavour of the Jail, including the currently closed Male Prisoner's Block. Jedburgh Castle Jail is a popular haunt for groups interested in ghostly goings on and is hired out most weekends during the evenings for paranormal investigations. See more..
4.5 Eyemouth Harbour (472 reviews)
- Fabulous working fishing harbour with a gorgeous family of seals.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

We stayed in Eyemouth for a week in August with my two daughters age 11 and 8 and my husband. The harbour is a busy working fishing harbour. Its wonderful to watch the boats coming and going. Feeding the seals was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. There's a family of seals that live in the harbour. The local fish shack in the harbour sells fish that you can then use a large rid to feed the seals. The girls loved it and wanted to visit the seals every day. You can see fish in the harbour and have a walk round. Really enjoyed ourselves and the history of the harbour and the town is really interesting See more..
4.5 Dryburgh Abbey (393 reviews)
- Excellent!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

The grounds are now open and free of charge. The abbey nave, including Sir Walter Scott's tomb, is now open with a small charge. 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. See more..
4.5 Dawyck Botanic Garden and Cafe (377 reviews)
- Pleasant way to pass a couple of hours
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Dawyck is truly one of the world's finest arboreta. Seasonal displays of abundant exotic and native plants provide a breathtaking backdrop of colour throughout the year. The Garden also offers an award-winning visitor centre, gift shop with plant sales and a cafe. Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. See more..
4.5 Scott's View (311 reviews)
- Fab
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas

Would recommend to everyone. The views were still amazing even though the weather was miserable. Used to have red kites here but they were nearly extinct a long time ago but sadly they haven’t came back yet. See more..
4.5 Coldingham Sands (230 reviews)
- Body boarding visit
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Coldingham Bay is located on the East Berwickshire coast just a 10 minute gentle stroll from Coldingham Village. The beach has been awarded the top Marine Conservation Society award for water quality. There are public toilets, showers and car parking. During the main holiday season the beach is patrolled by RNLI Life Guards, the first beach in Scotland to provide this valuable feature. Coldingham Bay is a perfect family destination with wide gently sloping sands surrounded by many rock pools for exploration. The Berwickshire Coastal Path crosses the beach. See more..
4.5 Smailholm Tower (214 reviews)
- Peel tower in dramatic location
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Castles

Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a stone barmkin wall. This 65 ft towerhouse was built by a well-known Scottish Borders family in the first half of the 15th century, and today you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from Smailholm Tower’s battlements. Inside the tower is a model of this Pringle residence and a charming collection of costume figures and tapestries relating to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders. It was the sight of Smailholm that fired Walter Scott's imagination when, as a young boy, he was brought up by his grandparents at the nearby farm of Sandyknowe. See more..
4.5 Thirlestane Castle (187 reviews)
- Beautiful and we learned a lot!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Castles

Within just an hour's drive of Edinburgh, this magnificent 16th Century Castle is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. With grand State Rooms featuring some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe and one of the most extensive collections of family portraits in Scotland, Thirlestane Castle is steeped in history. The Toy Museum "School Room" will also open for its first full year in 2022, featuring an impressive collection of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys. Guided tours of Thirlestane Castle led by expert local guides are also available from 31st May-September (booking recommended), including a complimentary cup of tea and a treat at the end. The Castle boasts 5 luxury accommodation suites, as well as the option of exclusive use for the ultimate fairytale experience. Thirlestane has a world class, public events' calendar, featuring showstoppers such as the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring and Champagne Tours of the Castle. See more..
4.5 Bowhill House & Grounds (172 reviews)
- A Happy and Memorable Afternoon
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

We visited Bowhill to take part in the Sir Walter Scott "Walk and Talk" tour as part of the 250th birth anniversary celebrations of the great literary figure focusing on Scott's long association with Bowhill and the Buccleuch family. From the friendly reception at the ticket booth to waving good buy the whole Bowhill team we met were so friendly and professional, but the best was yet to come. Our nonagenarian tour guide was amazing with so much knowledge of the history of both Bowhill and Sir Walter Scott. He made the fascinating history come alive and it made for a happy and memorable afternoon. See more..
4.5 Gunsgreen House (162 reviews)
- Smugglers secrets by the sea
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

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. See more..
4.5 Wilton Lodge Park (160 reviews)
- Hats off to the groundsmen
Parks

This amazing park is well worth a visit. We don't live in Hawick but regularly travel to just sit or wander here - there is something for everyone. The variety of trees are just beautiful. There is a wonderful play park, scented garden, waterfall, walled garden, cycle routes, sports pitches and a museum - the list is endless. When you've had enough of walking by the river or through the woodland there is a lovely little cafe. This is what a park for the community looks like. The groundsmen here do a fantastic job. See more..