Where is it:
Southeast, Scotland, bordering Edinburgh and Lothians to the north, Northumberland in England to the south, Dumfries and Galloway to the west.
Why visit:
The Borders is often a lesser-visited part of Scotland but it’s no less interesting and beautiful!
It’s easy to get to from Edinburgh or Glasgow or for those coming up from the south. The scenery is more rolling hills and picturesque coastlines than you’ll find further north and has plenty of attractions and activities for you and your family. Try hill-walking or mountain biking, or visit one of the many Stately homes and Abbeys scattered across the countryside.
Top things for families:
Like the rest of Scotland, the Borders offer a wealth of activities for all the family, welcoming villages to explore and sandy beaches to enjoy. The Borders Railway is also a lovely way to see the countryside and the full journey from one end to the other takes approximately 55 minutes from Edinburgh.
Major towns:
The Borders is known for its many towns and villages rather than any one destination. A few of the most popular include:
Galashiels: Located at the heart of the Scottish Borders, it was once the centre of the Tweed industry in the area but is now a great spot to start your explorations of the area
Hawick: Known for it’s fine knitwear, especially cashmere. You can visit the Borders Textile Towerhouse or the recently opened Borders Distillery, the first in the Borders since 1837.
Jedburgh: A picturesque town, home to the ruins of the 12th century stunning Jedburgh Abbey, one of 4 established in the Borders in the 1100s and the most well-preserved.
Melrose: At the foot of the distinctive peaks of the Eildon Hills, and site of the ruined monastery of Melrose Abbey.
Peebles: Set on the River Tweed, and home to the Glentress Forest where you can go mountain biking, zip-lining, or just for a stroll with the little ones, filling them with fresh air and adventure!
Known for:
Borders Railway: The famous Borders Railway leaves from Edinburgh and ends in Tweedbank, passing through the picturesque Borders scenery and several villages in between and is a must for any family traveling with a train-lover! The journey features 140 tunnels and bridges including two very ‘Potteresque’ Viaducts.
The journey lasts around 55 minutes from Edinburgh to Tweedbank so you could easily do it within a day, or you can stop along the way. In August a special steam train service runs, starting in Linlithgow and including the Forth Road Bridge, through Edinburgh and then continuing along the Borders Railway.