The Smiddy sits just a five minute drive from the historic and very picturesque town of Melrose where you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the stunning backdrop. Here you will find an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays. You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores.

For gifts and lovely things, head to Michael Vee Design for elegant interiors; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; beautiful artisan goods from The Crafters; or Masons bookshop for a good holiday read. For those seeking something a little more energetic, there is also a bike shop and cycle hire where you will find plenty of friendly advice on local trails around the area.

For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious butter cream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended. A short drive or twenty minute walk will take you to the pretty conservation village of Gattonside (1.5 miles) for excellent food at Seasons or the Hoebridge Restaurant.

The area is a perfect base for sightseeing and exploring the wider attractions of the central Borders area. For sightseeing, the area sits in the heart of myth and legend and visitors come from all over the world to soak up its rich historical connections. Top of the list is the magnificent monastic ruins of Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 by the monks of the Cistercian order, featuring beautiful architectural detailing and fascinating connections to St. Cuthbert, Scottish Kings, and the philosopher wizard. Nearby you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden before a visit to the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre based in the town square.

Next, a short drive will take you to Leaderfoot Viaduct, an outstanding 19 arch bridge spanning the Tweed before heading to Scott’s View - the inspiration for many of Sir Walter Scott’s writings with stunning panoramic views across the rolling Border heartland. After a lazy lunch, head up the three peaks of the Eildon Hills for yet more amazing views, and explore their association with the fabled Thomas the Rhymer, the Fairy Queen, King Arthur and Merlin. Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford will reveal a treasure trove of artefacts connected to this great writer, while the grand stately homes and gardens of nearby Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Thirlestane will not fail to impress.

For walking, there is an abundance of local trails and waymarked routes across the area, with leisurely routes right from the doorstep to more extensive loops across the wider estate. Melrose is the starting point for St. Cuthbert’s Way which charts the historic trail of this revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively the sublime Southern Upland Way, Borders Abbeys Way and Sir Walter Scott’s Way run right through this area - each with shorter routes for less experienced walkers or those with less time.

If your passion is country sports, the famous Tweed and its tributaries provide the opportunity for salmon, trout and grayling, with notable middle Tweed beats offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game, can be arranged locally including nearby Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.

For golf fans, the picturesque 9 hole Melrose Golf Club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills while the 18 hole courses at Galashiels and Torwoodlee both sit nearby. Alternatively choose from over 30 courses within a 30 mile radius including the fantastic championship courses at Cardrona in Tweeddale or The Roxburghe at Kelso.

Cyclists will delight at the range of biking options across the wider area from long forest cruises to high energy burning climbs, including the 7Stanes biking centres at Innerleithen and Glentress which are just a half-hour drive away. Guided cycling tours of the area can also be arranged with the owners on request. For families, there is a playpark and tennis courts in nearby Melrose, a multi-screen cinema, skate park and leisure pool in Galashiels (5 miles), or try the wonderful forest adventure playground with huge slides and zip wires at Bowhill House and Country Estate (10 miles).

Melrose plays host to an impressive range of events throughout the year ensuring the town is always pleasantly bustling, even in the winter months. The Melrose Rugby 7s draws an international crowd in April, or you can witness the ancient traditions of the Melrose Festival in June which includes the custom of riding the town's boundaries on horseback. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Borders Book Festival which attracts a hugely impressive line-up of names such as Michael Palin, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin, Rory Bremner, Lynda La Plante and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few! Finally, why not soak up the sights and sounds of traditional Scotland at the International Pipeband Championships in August.

Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Golf

There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.

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Horse riding

Horse riding is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of the area and goes right back to the 13th and 14th centuries where townspeople would ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands. Thankfully our riding pursuits today are not quite so dramatic!

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Shopping, arts and crafts

We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.

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Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Spas and beauty treatments

Everyone needs a little time-out to relax and for many that may involve a little pampering, the chance to experience new therapies, or simply some dedicated ‘me time’ to enjoy or practise disciplines which bring a sense of well-being and good health.

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Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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