Here at C&C we're quickly filling the pages of our 2023 diaries and getting excited for the months ahead. With so many fabulous events happening right on our doorstep, from book festivals and world-renowned sports tournaments to fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities, it's shaping up to be a wonderful year. If you're also looking to immerse yourself in all the action in the North of England and South of Scotland this year, we've rounded up some key dates to add to your list.

As these events are so popular, accommodation books up quickly, so be sure to secure your C&C stay sooner rather than later, whether you’d like to escape to a cosy cottage for a weekend à deux or bring the whole family to explore this wonderful corner of the world.

 

Spring

Borders Art Fair

Planning a visit to the Borders in March? Make your way to Kelso between the 17th - 19th and you’ll find the Borders Art Fair, exhibiting a fantastic selection of artists, galleries and collectives, and showcasing everything from ceramics and moving image to fine art. On top of the exhibition, there’s also a pop-up print studio where you can try some printmaking for yourself, and tours of the spectacular art collection at beautiful Marchmont House.

Stay nearby at: Linen House, Greenhead Cottage.

 

Melrose Sevens

The oldest rugby sevens tournament in the world, Melrose Sevens (8th April) dates all the way back to 1883 when the game was invented by a local butcher’s apprentice. Now, the town becomes abuzz with players, spectators and visitors, as the population of the town increases by 650% for the tournament weekend. With such an impressive heritage and a lively carnival atmosphere, this event is truly unforgettable.

Stay nearby at: Byre, Dryburgh Farmhouse.

 

Cherry blossom at The Alnwick Garden

Bursting into bloom each April, the cherry blossom at The Alnwick Garden is a spectacular sight to see. With 326 cherry trees (making it the largest Taihaku Cherry orchard in the world) and swinging benches scattered throughout, this is the perfect place to switch off amongst nature and enjoy the incredible views.

Stay nearby at: The Craftsman's Cottage, Stable Cottage, Glanton Pyke.

 

Amble Puffin Festival

The Amble Puffin Festival (27th - 28th May) celebrates everything about Britain’s most-loved bird - the puffin - and their newly hatched offspring: pufflings! Coinciding with hatching season in May, prepare for a cuteness overload and plenty of chances to spot the characterful birds at this two day event. Held at Amble, the closest port to Coquet Island where you can see the birds, the festival is a must for budding ornithologists and is jam-packed with activities including bird watching, guided nature walks, arts and crafts, water sports and live music.

Stay nearby at: The Old School, Lesbury House Lodge.

 

Ladies' Day at Kelso Races

Always a fun fixture on the racing calendar, Ladies' Day at Kelso Races (28th May) is the perfect way to wrap up the season with the final races of the spring. Don your smartest clothes and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere - as well as the fabulous fashion on show - and, if you fancy a flutter, keep your fingers crossed for your horse to cross the finish line first!

Stay nearby at: Barclay House, The Scott Apartment.

 

Summer

Borders Book Festival

Embrace your love of literature at this four-day event “where words come alive”. Taking place in Melrose from the 15th - 18th June, and bringing together a star-studded line-up of authors, speakers, actors, politicians and more, the bustling Borders Book Festival comprises over 100 events. With talks, live music, comedy and plenty of fun for little ones, there’s something to be found for everyone.

Stay nearby at: The Railway Carriage, Dryburgh Steading One.

 

Border Union Dog Show

Hosted by the Border Union Agricultural Society, this Championship Dog Show is held over two days (17th - 18th June) and usually welcomes around 6,000 dogs as competitors. Held just outside Kelso, this fantastic show makes for a brilliant day out for spectators, and of course your four-legged friends are welcome too! 

Stay nearby at: Barclay House, Heiton Mill House.

 

Open-air Opera at Ford Castle

Spend an evening enjoying the delights of a spectacular opera in front of the glorious backdrop of Ford Castle. Not usually open to the public, for two evenings this summer, you’ll be able to sneak a peek at this stunning castle as it plays host to La Bohème (23 June) and La Traviata (24 June). Bring a cosy blanket, a tasty picnic and settle in as you enjoy the incredible performance.

Stay nearby at: Skyfall, Peewit Cottage.

 

Genesis Scottish Open

Taking place at the world-class Renaissance Club golf course, the Genesis Scottish Open (13th - 16th July) is one of the top events in the European tour each year. Nestled between the picturesque towns of Gullane and North Berwick, and close to their beautiful beaches, there's also plenty to see and do here once the golf has finished.

Stay nearby at: Archer's Retreat, The Coach House, Kingston.

 

Music at Paxton

Taking place across 10 days in July (21st – 30th), the Summer Festival of Chamber Music promises to be a fantastic event packed with a wealth of talented musicians. Whether you’re drawn to string quartets, chamber choirs, fiddlers or sopranos, there’s something to captivate you at this wonderful festival – all in the gorgeous setting of beautiful Paxton House.

Stay nearby at: Albero, Lane Cottage.

 

Fringe by the Sea

A 10-day arts festival in August (4th - 13th), set in the beautiful town of North Berwick, Fringe by the Sea has grown from a small community festival to a thriving, vibrant event that welcomes plenty of visitors, artists, musicians and authors. If you're in the mood for some culture and entertainment during your holiday, but don't fancy venturing into nearby Edinburgh for the bigger festivals, this is the place to be. And with more than 200 shows on offer, there's something for everyone at Fringe by the Sea.

Stay nearby at: Fenton Lodge, Papple Farmhouse.

 

Edinburgh's Festivals

Throughout August, the Scottish capital bursts into vibrant life with the arrival of four cultural festivals: the Edinburgh International Festival (4th – 27th August), the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (4th – 26th August), the Edinburgh International Book Festival (12th – 28th August) and the biggie, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (4th – 28th August) – the world’s largest cultural arts festival. With performing and visual arts, bagpipes and military marching bands, plus everything in between, you're sure to find something you love here.

Stay nearby at: Coldwells Farmhouse, The Grieve's House. 

 

Roxburghe Rocks

Taking place within the stunning grounds of Floors Castle, Roxburghe Rocks (5th August) is a fabulous day-long festival packed with live music. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere as you enjoy the music of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis performed by wonderful tribute acts, and replenish your energy from one of the many tasty food and drink stalls dotted around the event.

Stay nearby at: Head Gardener's House at Floor's Castle, Mill Dowrie.

 

Hardwick Festival

Held in the grounds of impressive Hardwick Hall, the Hardwick music festival (18th-20th August) brings together more than 50 artists including big hitters such as The Kooks, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, The Vaccines, Johnny Marr and more over! 

Stay nearby at: North Farm, The Old Papermill. 

 

Malton Food Lovers Festival

Celebrating the finest food in Yorkshire and all the fabulous produce this region has to offer, the Malton Food Lovers Festival (26th - 27th August) is a must for any foodies visiting the area. The programme includes celebrity chefs, artisan stalls and - of course - delicious tastings and tempting street food, plus live music for that fun festival atmosphere.

Stay nearby at: Royland Cottage, Number 109.

 

Autumn

Scottish Borders Walking Festival

Explore Kelso and the beautiful surrounding area by foot during the Scottish Borders Walking Festival (2nd - 9th September), from historical walks around the town to romps in the Cheviot Hills there are up to 28 routes to follow. 

Stay nearby at: Junction House, The Square, Barclay House.

 

Berwick Literary Festival

With a wealth of captivating events spanning a weekend in October (12th - 15th), the Berwick Literary Festival is one for the avid readers. Giving a strong focus to writers based in the northeast of England and the south of Scotland, the programme offers everything from illuminating poetry readings and tours of local printing works to drawing and writing workshops, along with several well-known authors delighting audiences with stories and readings.

Stay nearby at: Lions House, The Loovre.

 

Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival

Taking place in various locations throughout the Yorkshire Dales National Park in October, the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival celebrates the very best of local produce, with cheese as the star of the show. Follow the wonderful cheese map to farm shops, cafes, creameries and pubs to sniff out the very best cheese while sampling everything from artisanal ice cream to Yorkshire pudding wraps along the way! If you’ve had your fill of local delicacies, there are plenty of fascinating ‘meet the maker’ events, which offer the opportunity to meet local artists and to learn about their work – all of which is inspired by the glorious surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

Stay nearby at: Heatherdene, The Art House.

 

North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival

A celebration of the incredible night skies in this gorgeous part of the world, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival takes place from the 27th October - 5th November and spans both the Dales and the North York Moors. Both National Parks have oodles of stellar experiences on offer, from fascinating lessons in astrophotography and night navigation to fun kids crafts and dark skies walks. And, if one festival isn't enough, the Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival takes place in February.

Stay nearby at: Partridge Lodge, East Lodge.

 

Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival image © Stephen Garnett