Attractions in the Borders Scotland
Attractions in the Borders
The Borders region has numerous visitor attractions for all the family including:
Abbotsford House
Abbotsford House is the property Sir Walter Scott had built and lived in, he is the famous novelist and author of numerous classics. Abbotsford house boast an excellent collection of historic relics, weapons, armour, and a very substantial library of rare volumes.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has been owned by the Percy family since around the year 1320. It is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Alnwick Castle is in an excellent state of preservation. This wonderful castle has been utilised as the filming location for several famous movies including "Harry Potter", "Elizabeth" and "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves".
Ayton Castle
Ayton Castle was built in 1846 and is a very fine and unique example of a Scottish Castle. It has been restored and still currently occupied in as a family home.
Bamburgh Castle - Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle, the home of the Armstrong family, is a stunning building which dominates the rugged Northumberland coastline. It is located just south of magical Lindisfarne and features the King’s Hall, the Cross hall, reception rooms, the Bakehouse, Armoury and atmospheric Dungeon. The castle has been restored on numerous occasions and dates right back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Cragside House Gardens & Estate
Cragside House is the fine home of Lord Armstrong, a Victorian engineer and outstanding landscaping specialist. The house features a living exhibition of the development of technology. This was the first house in the entire world to be lit by electricity. Visit the beautiful gardens, tranquil walks, labyrinth and play area for children.
Dirleton Castle and Garden - Lothians
Visit the ruins of 13th century Dirleton Castle which features both formal and contemporary gardens. It has the longest herbaceous border (Source: Guinness Book of Records).
Greenlaw County Hall - Duns
Greenlaw County Hall was built 1829 to house the offices for the local government of Berwickshire. Greenlaw was the county town of Berwickshire at that time. The hall was designed by John Cunningham, who also designed the Castle Hotel across the Square, the building was abandoned for government use after the administration of Berwickshire was transferred to Duns around 1903.
Hermitage Castle - Newcastleton
A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th century which is associated with the De Soulis, Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots. It was partially restored during the 19th century. The 14th century Hermitage Chapel is also near the castle.
The location is not very accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. The castle site has an uneven boggy surface and has a lot of steps inside although you can get a very good view of the castle from the road.
Hume Castle - Duns
Hume Castle is very rare example of a basic courtyard castle built in the 13th century, the ruined outer walls were used to create a folly which was built in 1794 for the last Earl of Marchmont.
Lindisfarne Castle - Northumberland
On Holy Island, this castle was built to protect the area against all comers. Converted into a baronial style home in 1903, by Sir Edwin Lutyens it now has a beautiful interior of antique Flemish and English furniture, porcelain and brass.
Lindisfarne Priory - Northumberland
One of the holiest Anglo-Saxon sites in England – the Cradle of Christianity. For 1300 years this has been a place of pilgrimage.
Mary, Queen of Scots Visitor Centre - Jedburgh
Formerly named Mary Queen of Scots House, this property tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots , her tragic life, and of her visit to Jedburgh in 1566. Audio Tours available.
Rosslyn Chapel
The chapel is an enigma, unique and famed throughout the world for its carvings and the aura of mystery and magic surrounding it. Rosslyn with its links to the past has a place in pilgr...
Smailholm Tower - Kelso
This is a well preserved and well restored border tower house dating from the 15th century. Situated on Sandyknowe Farm, it is visible for miles around. Formerly the home of the Pringles of Smailholm and later that of the Scotts of Harden, it was well known to Sir Walter Scott who came to Sandyknowe regularly to visit his grandfather. The tower was surrounded by a barmkin wall, wh...
Thirlestane Castle - Lauder
One of the 7 great houses of Scotland. Originally dating from the 13th century, it became the home of the Maitland family in the 16th century. The nursery has a unique collection of historic toys.
Tantallon Castle - Lothians
A formidable stronghold set on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Forth. Was one of the main fortresses of the Douglas Earls of Angus.
Ferniehirst Castle Jedburgh
Built as the seat of one of the main branches of the Kerr family, it was the home of the late Marquis & Marchioness of Lothian.
Floors Castle and Gardens Kelso
Floors is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and the home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. Kelso has excellent bus services linking to Edinburgh, Berwick upon Tweed.
Neidpath Castle
A medieval castle situated in a glorious spot on the Tweed, with displays of interest, and wall hangings depicting the life of Mary Queen of Scots.
Norham Castle - Berwick
The massive remains of one the border strongholds on the banks of the Tweed, which protected Northumberland from the marauding Scots.
There is no shortage of things to do in the Borders region even if there is the odd rainy day, the only problem is fitting it all in!
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