Things to Do in the Scottish Borders: Our Local Guide
A holiday is about making memories, discovering new places and enjoying a change of pace. Whether you’re planning scenic walks through rolling hills, leisurely lunches in charming market towns or days spent exploring the coast, we hope your stay in the Scottish Borders will be one to remember.
So, put the kettle on, get comfortable, and take a little time to browse our local guides. Every recommendation has been chosen from our own experience and local knowledge to help you discover the very best things to do in the Scottish Borders.
The Tweed Valley is home to many beautiful towns and villages, each with its own unique character. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’d recommend Melrose, Peebles and Kelso. Melrose is a picturesque market town brimming with history, charm and natural beauty. Wander its independent shops, relax in cosy cafés, enjoy excellent restaurants and soak up the friendly atmosphere—you may find you don’t want to leave.
If you’d like to venture a little further afield, the spectacular Berwickshire coast and Northumberland coastline are both within easy reach. St Abbs, North Berwick and Bamburgh all make wonderful day trips, offering stunning beaches, dramatic scenery and plenty to explore. Edinburgh is also less than an hour away on the scenic Borders Railway, making it an easy and enjoyable day out.
Wherever your adventures take you, we hope these guides help you discover some of the places that make this corner of Scotland so special. And if you stumble across a hidden gem that we’ve overlooked, we’d love to hear about it so we can share it with future guests.
Best places to eat and drink in the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders is a famous for its incredible produce and natural larder, you just have to dine at any of the top Edinburgh restaurants to see that most of the ingredients on their menus originate in the Scottish Borders! The area has plenty or superb eateries…
Best Spas and Beauty Treatments near Melrose
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage, some beauty treatments or a day at a spa, there are lots of options close by to Eildon Melrose. Read on to discover our recommendations for the best spas and beauty treatments near Melrose
Museums in the Scottish Borders
The beautiful Scottish Borders are steeped in history, with so many hidden gems to discover and museums to learn more about the fascinating heritage which surrounds us. Here are some of our favourite museums in the Scottish Borders and places of interest…
Whisky, Beer And Gin In The Scottish Borders!
THE BORDERS DISTILLERY a new distillery housed in a recently converted historic building in the centre of Hawick. Well worth visiting to take a tour of this unique distillery, learn how they craft their whisky, gin and vodka and maybe buy a bottle or two to take home!
Wheelchair Accessible Recommendations In The Scottish Borders
At Eildon Melrose Holiday Cottages & Log Cabins we have created holiday accommodation that is comfortable for all, including wheelchair users.
Best Golf Courses in the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders are a golfers paradise and we have many golfing parties returning year after year to stay in our holiday cottages which are centrally located giving great access to all the area’s best courses. Golf bags and trolleys can be kept in your holiday...
Fishing in Melrose and The Scottish Borders
Salmon & Sea-troutThe river Tweed flowing through Melrose is one of the most famous salmon fishing rivers in the world. Anglers travel here from far and wide for the chance to catch a beautiful Atlantic Salmon as they migrate up the river from the sea. Fly-fishing...
Events Guide – What’s On Scottish Borders
Borders Book Festival – normally in mid June – this is a brilliant event held in Harmony Gardens in Melrose every year and draws in some big name authors. There are always a wide range of interesting speakers and
Best Activities for Children near Melrose, Scottish Borders
Children will revel in the great open spaces and clean air that this pristine part of Scotland has to offer. There are unlimited opportunities to get back to nature and make those special childhood memories that great family holidays bring.
Best Active Days Out In The Scottish Borders
Go Ape is a tree top adventure course and zip wire located at Glentress Forest near Peebles which is around 45 minutes drive from the holiday cottages. A great fun day out for adventurous adults and children (minimum
Best Beaches In The Scottish Borders
COLDINGHAM BAY Situated close to the small village of Coldingham this is a gorgeous sandy cove with rocky headlands either side, great for sand castles and rock-pooling! Surf board hire and lessons available through St Vedas surf shop. EYEMOUTH Lovely sandy beach in...
Best Historic Buildings to Visit in the Scottish Borders
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford, stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. Abbotsford sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott.
Scottish Borders Common Ridings
COMMON RIDINGS & THE MELROSE FESTIVAL Huge schedule of events in different Border towns throughout the summer months. Unique opportunity to watch large gatherings of horse-back riders recreating and commemorating historical events based around riding the town...
Walking in the Scottish Borders
For walking holidays in the Scottish Borders our holiday cottages and log cabins are in a perfect location. As well as numerous local footpaths nearby we also have the famous St Cuthbert’s Way running past us, roughly 400 metres to the east. The route covers 100km of...
Mountain Biking in the Scottish Borders
MOUNTAIN BIKING The Scottish Borders is a mountain biker’s paradise with routes to suit every standard from absolute beginner to hardened professional.Glentress and Innerleithen (approx 25 mins drive from Eildon Melrose) host the two famous downhill and cross country...
Rugby and The Melrose 7s Tournament
The Borders is well known as the strong-hold of Scottish rugby producing many international players including many Scottish Rugby captains and the legendary commentator Bill McLaren. There is a wealth of great rugby clubs in The Borders and the annual 7s series (Kings...
St Mary’s Loch and The Loch of the Lowes
This is a beautiful place to visit at the top of the Yarrow river valley above Selkirk. The drive is around 45 minutes from Melrose through stunning Scottish landscapes of high hills and deep valleys. For anyone with a road bike its also a fantastic cycling route along quiet roads with incredible scenery.
Best Castles in the Scottish Borders
The largest inhabited castle in Scotland, home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. Spectacular State rooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings. There is a café next to the walled garden, a licensed restaurant next to...