Tourist Attractions
Historic houses & castles
Eleven of the finest historic houses in the Scottish Borders have joined forces to produce an online portal for heritage enthusiasts visiting and living in the area.
Here are some more local that we’d recommend visiting.
Abbotsford
The home of Sir Walter Scott, the biggest selling author of his day. He purchased the land in 1811 whilst renting nearby Ashiestiel and travelled through The Yair on a regular basis whilst the house was under construction and for his regular visits to Selkirk.
A new visitors centre was recently completed where you’ll find and exhibition, gift shop and cafe.
Bowhill House & Country Estates
Country home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and home to the famous Buccleuch art collection. A 15 minute drive from The Yair. Check opening hours before visiting on their website.
Traquair House
Scotland oldest continually inhabited house, visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens. Visit the house, the famous maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe & their famous brewery. Traquair also hosts numerous interesting events throughout the year.
Floors Castle
Scotland’s largest inhabited castle and home to The 11th Duke of Roxburghe and his family. Explore the mesmerising castle and explore the stunning grounds and gardens. There is a gift shop and cafe open all year round.
Abbeys & Monuments
Melrose Abbey
Founded by David I in 1136 and so beloved by Robert The Bruce that it is the resting place of his heart. Open all year round except 25th & 25th December, 1st & 2nd January.
Abbey Street, melrose, TD6 9LG
Drive time: 16 mins
Dryburgh Abbey
The abbey was established by Premonstratensian cannons in 1150. The abbey suffered four savage attacks, the most famous in 1322 when Edwards II’s soldiers turned back to set fire to Dryburgh having heard its bells ringing out as the English army retreated.
Dryburgh, St. Boswells, TD6 6RG
Drive time: 18 mins
Gardens
Monteviot House Garden
The Gardens at Monteviot lie along a dramatic slope of the Teviot Valley with formal and informal gardens linked with meandering paths and bridge over water features.
DAWYK BOTANIC GARDEN
Dawyck is a five star garden set over 65 acres with one of Scotland’s finest tree collections, renowned for its woodland walks and seasonal displays. Visitor centre, exhibitions, cafe & shop.
Free parking, open daily from February to 30th November.
Kailzie Gardens
Gardens, cafe and live viewings of the Tweed Valley Ospreys
Distilleries & Breweries
Tempest Brewery
Based at Tweedbank since 2014, the award winning Tempest Brewing Co. brew a selection of beers, offer brewery tours and a Tap Room open on the Friday & Saturday.
The Borders Distillery
Opened in March 2018 this is the first Scotch Whiskey distiller in the Scottish Borders since 1837. They offer distiller tours and have a shop.
Born in the Borders
Founded in 2011, this is a multi-award winning microbrewery creating real ale using barley grown in neighbouring fields. Self-guided tours of the brewery are all year round free of charge.
Also home to the Liiliard Gin Distillery. They can not always accommodate visitors but if you’re making the trip then send them an email and they will do their best to accommodate you. enquiries@lilliardgin.co.uk
Lanton Mill, Jedburgh