Step into the Scottish Borders

Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford remains today as one of the most famous houses in the world, it reflects, almost as no other place, the mind, enthusiasms and preoccupations of the man who built it.

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.

Kelso Abbey was built in 1128 and in the years following, it was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. Finally finished, it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St John in 1243.

First established in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order and today continues to have a peaceful atmosphere.

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.

Dawyck Botanic Garden is home to one of Scotland's finest tree collections including some of Britain's oldest and tallest trees.  The 65-acre five star Garden offers woodland and burnside walks and is renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops,

Thirlestane Castle nestles in the hills of the beautiful Scottish Borders just one hour south of Edinburgh. The Castle was originally a great stone keep but over the years became a grand ducal palace and then a grand country mansion.

A magical day out for the whole family... Beside winding glens and heathery hills, an enchanting Country Estate full of activities awaits you!

In their seasons, including the display of Snowdrops, Daffodils and sheets of Bluebells, the Gardens provide a rich variety of colour and charm for both the keen gardener, and for the visitor simply wanting to enjoy a beautiful garden in peaceful sur

Nearest rail/bus services at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Bus link between Berwick, Eyemouth and St Abbs, and Edinburgh to St Abbs. Contact Perryman’s Buses 01289 308719.

In by-gone days, in its heyday, the Smiddy was at the centre of the village’s working and social life. It was much frequented by locals and visitors.

The Borders Textile Towerhouse tells the fascinating story of the region’s textile heritage. Many of the world’s leading designers have used the skills of the Scottish Borders’ textile workers, including Chanel, Dior and Vivienne Westwood.

Hawico Scotland welcomes you to its Mill Shop and Visitor Centre.

Herges on the Loch is ideally situated for anyone visiting Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott or the nearby Abbey town of Melrose.

We aim to welcome visitors to the Borders with an amazing experience. Serving a range of coffees, local sandwiches, salads, soups and cakes.

We are committed to using only the best ingredients, sourced locally where possible. Everything is cooked on the premises and we offer a relaxed and informal environment with great coffee, fantastic wines and a varied drinks offer

Seasons (formerly Chapters) is a ten minute walk from Melrose over the picturesque chain bridge and in the other direction 10 minutes walk from Tweedbank station.  Our restaurant is located in the centre of Gattonside village.

Home to UK World Chocolate Master, Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black is located near the banks of the River Tweed in the Royal Burgh of Peebles, near Edinburgh.

With our wide selection of multi-award winning ice cream and sorbet, made fresh daily on our premises, you're sure to find your favourite flavour or a new creation you'll love. Why not try one of our fabulous ice cream sundaes or desserts.

Built by local smuggler and merchant John Nisbet in the 1750s, Gunsgreen House was described in the eighteenth century as a ""splendid palace built by a smuggler"".

There's so much going on in the Tweed Valley your biggest challenge will be where to start! Four hundred thousand mountain biking visitors each year can't be wrong!

At the Teviot Smokery we offer a selection of specialist fine foods. As well as our own Smoked Salmon, Trout, Chicken etc. We use traditional smoking methods to enhance the natural flavour of the finest fare.

Broughton Ales is a small independant brewery situated in the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders.

Traquair House brewery founded in 1965 by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair. Since his death in 1990 the brewery has been managed by his daughter Catherine Maxwell Stuart. In 1997, the brewery was formed into a limited company.

Where do you start with Glentress? It is Scotland's biggest and most popular mountain bike centre, and the unofficial hub of the sport of mountain biking in Scotland. It is, in short, a phenomenon and the flagship 7stanes centre.

Close to the Scottish - English border, Newcastleton has trails for all levels of rider and offers a great introduction to the 7stanes.

Robert Smail founded R Smail and Sons in 1866, which was passed onto his sons and then his grandson.

Celebrate summer with a visit to one of Britain's friendliest book festivals. As well as seeing your favourite authors at their events, there are lots of things to do within the setting of the National Trust for Scotland's glorious Harmony Garden.

Lindean Mill Glass is the partnership of David Kaplan (USA) and Annica Sandstrom (Sweden). Established 1978 in the Scottish Borders, they are pioneers of the studio glass movement in Scotland.

Selkirk’s Twist Glass Studio offer a range of original contemporary colour-twisted stemmed glasses, hand crafted in the 18th century tradition, along with sculptured glass animals. 

Watch bowls, vases paperweights being made by hand in age old methods, using skills that have been handed down over generations,  Browse in the studio gallery, see displays of different designs and colours.