Things to Do in
the Scottish Borders
Peaceful Countryside, Historic Houses and Places to Visit in the Scottish Borders
Peaceful, authentic and still something of an unexplored gem, the beautiful Scottish Borders feels a world away yet lies just over an hour from Edinburgh. At Crabtree & Crabtree, it is a region we often recommend to guests looking for a slower pace where they can explore the picture-perfect countryside with the River Tweed and its tributaries, historic market towns with a rich textile heritage and country estates that shape a landscape rich in history. Visit Abbotsford, Floors Castle, Mellerstain House and the great Border abbeys, whose ruined arches speak to the region’s fascinating and often turbulent past.
The Scottish Borders is made for slow discovery, with walking, fishing, riding, road cycling and mountain biking to be enjoyed across river valleys, the Eildon hills and quiet country lanes. Not only for outdoor pursuits, discover independent shops, cafés, pubs and gardens in Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh or Peebles. Each town has a rich calendar full of seasonal events from Common Ridings to Gala Days allowing you to experience the region like a local. Browse our collection of the best places to visit in the Scottish Borders and plan a peaceful country escape with Crabtree & Crabtree.
Rutherford’s Micro Pub
Scotland’s First Micropub In the heart of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, Rutherford’s Micropub stands as a beacon for aficionados of fine drinks. This quaint haven invites visitors to relish…
Twelve Triangles
Artisan Bakery & Coffee Haven Twelve Triangles bakery delights with its exceptional range of cinnamon buns, almond croissants, and a variety of pastries, bread, and cakes. This artisan bakery embraces…
The Borders Distillery
Reviving Scotch Whisky Tradition in the Scottish Borders The Borders Distillery, the first to craft Scotch whisky in the Scottish Borders since 1837, is committed to local produce and sustainable…
Stobo Castle Spa
Scotland’s Premier Destination Spa Set within the serene Scottish Borders, Stobo Castle offers a sanctuary of luxury and relaxation. The spa provides a range of bespoke treatments designed to detoxify,…
Ridelines MTB
Expert Mountain Bike Tuition in the Tweed Valley Ridelines offers specialised mountain bike tuition in the Tweed Valley, Scotland, catering to riders of all levels. Their group skills courses are…
Thirlestane Castle
A Historic Jewel with Captivating Events Set amidst the rolling Border hills, Thirlestane Castle enchants with its rose-pink sandstone and fairy-tale turrets. One of Scotland’s oldest and most splendid inhabited…
Bisley at Braidwood
A Hub for Shooting Enthusiasts Bisley at Braidwood offers a wide array of shooting disciplines, including clay pigeon, air rifle, rifle, and virtual reality shooting. Its versatile layout caters to…
Go Ape Glentress Forest
Adventure in the Heart of Glentress Forest Nestled in the scenic Glentress Forest, Go Ape Peebles offers an adrenaline-filled escape amidst Scotland’s stunning landscapes. This treetop adventure features a challenging…
Abbey Fine Wines and Café
Bottle Shop & Café Bar in Melrose Nestled in the picturesque town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders, the Bottle Shop & Café Bar offers a charming retreat. Visitors can…
Beccatelli Artisan Gelato
A Taste of Florence in Every Scoop A favourite in Kelso, this artisan gelato shop offers a delightful range of gelato, milkshakes, and waffles. The gelato stands out for its…
Rip Tide Rib Rides
Discover the Berwickshire Coastline A visit to St Abbs is incomplete without a journey along its stunning coastline. Aboard Riptide, guests embark on a scenic trip where the beauty of…
Three Hills Coffee
Crafting Excellence in Every Cup Three Hills Coffee, based in the Scottish Borders, is a dedicated team committed to elevating the coffee experience. They meticulously roast a diverse selection of…
Schloss Roxburghe Golf Course
A Championship Gem in the Scottish Borders Nestled within the grounds of SCHLOSS Roxburghe, the championship golf course offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and challenge. Designed by the…
Paxton House
A Georgian Gem on the Scotland-England Border Paxton House, an exemplary Palladian mansion nestled on the border of Scotland and England, is surrounded by 80 acres of scenic grounds. This…
Waterloo Monument
A Historic Landmark in the Scottish Borders The Waterloo Monument, situated near Ancrum in the Scottish Borders, stands 150 feet tall and was constructed between 1817 and 1824 to honour…
Dōr
A Curated Lifestyle & Coffee Store Celebrating Independent Designers & Makers Dōr is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle and coffee store that champions the work of independent designers and makers. With…
Schloss Roxburghe Spa
A Sanctuary of Serenity in the Scottish Borders The Schloss Spa, nestled in the Scottish Borders, offers a tranquil retreat from daily stress. Spread over 1,100 square metres, this elegant…
The Cross Inn, Paxton
A Quintessential Village Pub & Kitchen The Cross Inn, an 18th-century inn nestled between the River Tweed and the Whiteadder, is a traditional village pub offering real ales and unique…
Melrose Abbey
Scotland’s Majestic Medieval Ruin Founded by David I in 1136, Melrose Abbey stands as a grand example of early Cistercian architecture. Originally built to assert both piety and power in…
Hume’s Outfitters
Timeless Country Clothing in the Scottish Borders Hume Outfitters, located in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, has been a cornerstone of country attire since 1929. Renowned for its selection of…
Eyemouth Beach
A Coastal Gem on the East Coast Framed by black rocks to the west and harbour walls to the east, Eyemouth Beach is an ideal spot for catching crabs and…
Beirhope Alpacas
Unique Alpaca Adventures in the South of Scotland Beirhope, nestled in the Cheviot Hills of the South of Scotland, offers a truly unique experience with alpaca walking and off-grid, eco-friendly…
Provender
A Culinary Gem in the Borders In the heart of the charming Borders town of Melrose, lies Provender, a family-run restaurant known for its exceptional blend of Scottish, British, and…
Kelso Races
Premier Racing Events in the Scottish Borders Kelso Racecourse, nestled in the picturesque Borders countryside, hosts National Hunt races from September to May. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the racecourse…
Fin & Game
Essential Gear for Fly Fishing & Shooting Enthusiasts Fin and Game offers a curated selection of fly fishing and shooting gear, including clothing and accessories for both men and women.…
Tempest Brewery
Crafting Unique Flavourful Beers in Tweedbank Tempest Brewery, based in Tweedbank, is renowned for its innovative and flavourful beers. Established thirteen years ago in a converted dairy farm in Kelso,…
Weigh Greener
Sustainable Shopping in the Scottish Borders Weigh Greener CIC, located in Lauder in the Scottish Borders, is a Zero Waste Refill Shop offering a diverse range of everyday products without…
Abbotsford House
The Historic Home of Sir Walter Scott Abbotsford, the magnificent home of 19th-century novelist Sir Walter Scott, is a treasure trove of Scottish heritage. Scott, who popularised tartan, saved the…
Mellerstain House & Sculpture Park
A Georgian Masterpiece & Sculpture Haven Mellerstain House, situated in the Scottish Borders, stands as a splendid example of Georgian architecture, designed by the renowned Robert Adam. Set amidst 100…
20 Storey
Unique Gifts, Quirky Art, & Brilliant Books 20 Storey, nestled in the heart of bustling Kelso, offers an eclectic mix of unique gifts, quirky art, and brilliant books. In addition,…
Café U
A Warm Welcome Awaits Cafe U offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. This friendly café takes pride in baking on the premises…
The Reading Room
A Charming Bookshop in Melrose The Reading Room, located in the picturesque town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders, offers a diverse selection of books with a special focus on…
7Stanes
Adventure Awaits in Southern Scotland The 7stanes are a collection of seven renowned mountain biking centres spread across the south of Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway.…
Flat Cat Gallery
Art Gallery & Café in Lauder Nestled in the picturesque town of Lauder, the Flat Cat Art Gallery offers a vibrant collection of contemporary and traditional fine art, featuring a…
The Great Tapestry of Scotland
Unveiling Scotland’s Rich Heritage The Great Tapestry of Scotland offers a vivid portrayal of Scotlands 420 million-year history, heritage, innovations, and culture through its intricate and historic tapestry. Conceived by…
Border Union Show
Events all year round at the Borders Events Centre The Borders Events Centre, located near the charming town of Kelso, hosts a diverse range of events year-round, including art fairs,…
Applehouse Flowers
Fresh Blooms from Bonjedward Walled Garden Applehouse Flowers, located in the historic Bonjedward walled garden near Jedburgh, supplies gift bouquets, arrangements, and buckets of flowers for personal arrangement. This enchanting…
Apples for Jam
Artisan Coffee, Breakfast, and Lunch Located on the high street in Melrose, this charming café offers artisan coffee, breakfast, lunch, and delicious cakes. Known for its cosy atmosphere, the snug…
The Hoebridge, Gattonside
A Culinary Gem in the Scottish Borders The Hoebridge, an independent restaurant in the Scottish Borders, has been delighting diners since 2015. Founded by Hamish Carruthers and Kyle Tidd, this…
St Abbs
A Scenic Coastal Haven with Dramatic Cliffs & Rich Wildlife St Abbs, a remote fishing village on the Berwickshire coast, is renowned for its rugged beauty and historic charm. Nestled…
Cocoa Black
Exquisite Chocolates & Pastries Founded in Peebles by UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks, Cocoa Black specialises in handmade chocolates, truffles, signature cakes, and artisan chocolate bars. Ruth, also the…
Active 4 Seasons
Unforgettable Water Adventures Await You Develop a passion for adventure through canoe and kayak coaching and guided trips in North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders with Active 4 Seasons. Led…
Main Street Trading
A Scottish Borders Destination Located in the picturesque village of St Boswells in the Scottish Borders, The Mainstreet Trading Company stands out as a multi-award-winning hub. This unique venue, housed…
The Buccleuch Arms
A Historic Haven of Flavour The Buccleuch Arms, an elegant hunting lodge built in 1836 by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, stands at the heart of the Scottish Borders. Known…
Smailholm Tower
A Historic Inspiration for Sir Walter Scott Perched on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm Tower offers a glimpse into the 15th-century life of the Scottish Borders. Built in the first half…
The Terrace Café. Floors Castle
Seasonal Flavours in a Garden Setting The Terrace Café at Floors Castle presents a delightful menu crafted from local Scottish produce. Nestled beside the Walled Garden, this charming café serves…
Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Sands: A Hidden Gem on the Scottish Borders Coast Coldingham Sands, a sheltered sandy beach at the mouth of the Buskin Burn, is a picturesque spot on the Scottish…
Jackson’s at Jedburgh
Experience Life on a Scottish Borders Farm Jackson’s family farm in the Scottish Borders offers a serene escape into the world of traditional farming. Visitors can engage with a variety…
Easy Sketching
Nurture Your Creative Flair For those with a creative flair and an eye for detail, art lessons in Melrose offer the perfect opportunity to nurture artistic passions. Held in a…
Country Sports Centre
Premier Sporting Activities in Scottish Borders Nestled in the rolling parkland of Schloss Roxburghe, the Shooting Centre offers a diverse range of sporting activities ideal for both novice and seasoned…
Catherine & Co
A Gallery Shop with Heart Catherine & Co, nestled just off the main square in Kelso, Scottish Borders, offers an array of beautiful artisanal items from Scotland and around the…
Cove Harbour
A Historic Coastal Retreat in South-East Scotland Cove Harbour, nestled near Cockburnspath and the A1, offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s maritime past. This natural harbour has served fishermen since…
The Allanton Inn
Local Flavours at The Allanton Inn The Allanton Inn, a charming eighteenth-century coaching inn in the tranquil village of Allanton, Berwickshire, celebrates the rich bounty of the Borders. With a…
Jedburgh Abbey
Uncover the History of Jedburgh Abbey Jedburgh, a significant religious site for 300 years, saw the arrival of the Augustinians in 1138. While no buildings from the earlier period remain,…
The Hirsel Homestead
A Culinary Delight from The Hirsel Estate Located on the enchanting Hirsel Estate in Coldstream, The Homestead Café presents a menu brimming with local produce sourced directly from the estate…
Findra
A Hub for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Innerleithen Located in the historic textile town of Innerleithen, the Findra Shop & Cafe resides in a charming former town jail. This unique space…
Lucy Wilsons Farm & Kitchen
Field to Fork Tours in the Scottish Borders Situated at Cowbog Farm near the village of Morebattle in the Scottish Borders, Wilsons Farm and Kitchen offers immersive farm tours and…
Floors Castle
A Majestic Landmark in the Scottish Borders Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, stands as the magnificent centrepiece of the Roxburghe Estate. With its rich history dating back…
Haus & Co
Scandinavian Design in the Heart of Innerleithen Nestled in the picturesque town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders, Haus and Co is an award-winning lifestyle store specialising in Scandinavian design.…
Jim Clarke Motorsport Museum
Explore the Legacy of Jim Clark at the Motorsport Museum The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in the Scottish Borders celebrates the extraordinary career of Jim Clark, one of the greatest…
Explore Properties in the Scottish Borders
Explore our handpicked collection of holiday homes in the Scottish Borders. Whether you’d love to relax in a fairytale castle apartment plucked straight from the pages of Sir Walter Scott or escape to a bucolic cottage resting on the banks of River Tweed, our properties allow you to immerse yourself in the very best of this picturesque region.
