Scottish Borders Vacations, Scotland

It is full of meandering rivers, trees, pretty towns and ancient abbeys.

Getting there
The nearest airport is Edinburgh. I would advise you to hire a car to visit the Borders as public transport is very limited. There are plans to re-open the Borders rail link but this will take a few years to complete.

What to see
I will describe each of the towns which I consider to

be the most interesting to visit, starting from east to west.

St Abbs, Coldinghan & Eymouth
These towns lie on eastern coast of the Borders region. It is possible to walk along the coastal path along this route. The views down the cliffs and out to sea are really spectacular. St Abbs, a small fishing village, is the most northerly. The harbour is very busy at the weekends with divers. There is a bird reserve where you can see guiliemots, kittiwakes and razorbills, to name but a few. Coldingham has a stunning beach, golden sand, clean and well sheltered. It is popular with surfers and it is possible to hire suits and boards. Eyemouth is a small fishing port. One of the attractions there is watching the seals jumping out of the water to eat pieces of fish hanging a few metres above on a fishing rod like contraption: you buy the fish from a nearby stall and they provide the contraption. The old pier was first constructed in 1747. In 1834 the new quay was built which directed the River Eye down to the estuary. There is a small museum in Eyemouth, open during the Summer months.

Coldstream
Coldstream is just over the border on the northern bank of the River Tweed. What you notice most in Coldstream is the Majorbanks Monument. A statue of a local MP, Charles Majorbanks, sits on the top of a high doric column. The town was the home of the Coldstrean Guards regiment, formed in 17th century. You can find our more about the regiment and local history at Coldstream Museum. You can have a pleasant walk on the footpath by the riverside, Hirsel Country Park has a tearoom and marked walkways. The original Hume Castle was destroyed by Cromwell in 1650. Hirsel House was built to replace the castle.

Kelso
Kelso ia a rather grand town, with an impressive cobbled main square. A part of the square was originally used to tie up cattle on market days. Construction of the Abbey in a Romanesque style, began in 1128. During medieval times it was one of the wealthiest abbeys in Scotland and was renowned for its extensive library. Kelso Bridge was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century. Just outside the town is Floors Castle. The castle is still used as a family home. It was first expanded in 1721 by William Adam.

Jedburgh
The former Jedburgh castle hosted the wedding feast of King Alexander II in 1285 here but it was destroyed in 1409. The Castle Jail was built on the site of the castle in the 1820s and is now a visitors centre. Jedburgh Abbey remains in very good condition considering that construction started in 1150, taking 75 years to complete. Mary Queen of Scots House is an attraction telling the story of the life of the doomed Queen. She stayed in house in 1566. There are 2 interesting sites just of the A68 south of Jedburgh. The Capon Tree is said to be 1000 years old. It was given this name as legend tells that a group of Capuchin monks sought shelter under the tree on their way to Jedburgh Abbey. James Hutton, a local doctor and farmer, developed his Theory of the Formation of the Earth, a geological text, after observing the rock shape and layering at Allans Mill.

Selkirk
Selkirk was the first town in the Borders to have an abbey. William Wallace was declared "Guardian of Scotland" in the town in 1298, as it was one of the few Borders town still under Scottish control during this period. Every June there is the Common Riding which commemorates the 79 men killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The Riding follows the ancient custom of riding around the town boundaries bearing the town flag. Up to 500 riders participate in this event. Sir Walter Scott, the author, was Sheriff in Selkirk between 1804 - 1832, his courtroom is now a museum,

Peebles
Pebbles sits on the banks of the River Tweed. It was a royal burgh by the mid 12th century. You can visit the 12th century St Andrews Church, The steeple of the church is still standing but stones were taken from the building to widen the Tweed Bridge in 1663. There is an interesting collection of gravestones surrounding the church. Pebbles was completely destroyed by the English in 1549. Much of current High Street dates from the period when the town was rebuilt. The nearby Traquair House is Scotland's oldest inhabited stately home, built in 1107. The Beltane Festival is an annual event which takes place during the third weekend in June. It traditionally marked the start of Summer with the burning of Winter bedding and floor coverings. The Sware Walk affords views of the lovely countryside Cairns Gallery, which has a display of original art works, is housed an unique 1930s building.

You can read the full guide with photos and accommodation

choices at: http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/scottishborders.html

About the Author:
Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer. Her website Europe a la Carte, http://www.europealacarte.co.uk, features less well known destinations in Europe. Karen believes that if you venture even slightly off the beaten tourist track that you will see more of the real Europe.

Top 10 Things To Do and See in Borders

Abbotsford House, Melrose, Borders
Home of Sir Walter Scott, built in 1822.
Attraction type: Historic home; Architectural building

Thirlestane Castle, Melrose, Borders
Attraction type: Castle

Melrose Abbey, Melrose, Borders
The most famous and elegant ruin in Scotland

was founded in 1136 and mostly destroyed in 1385.
Attraction type: Historic site; Architectural building; Ancient ruins

St. Cuthberts Way, Melrose, Borders
A hundred KM walk through the Scottish countryside

off the coast of Northumberland.
Attraction type: Hiking trail

Dawyck Botanic Garden, Peebles, Borders
Attraction type: Garden

Neidpath Castle, Peebles, Borders
Attraction type: Castle; Historic site

Kailzie Gardens, Peebles, Borders
This large semi-formal, walled garden features rose gardens,

herbaceous borders, well-stocked greenhouses and woodland walking trails.
Attraction type: Garden

Manderston, Duns, Borders
Attraction type: Historic home

Stobo Castle Health Spa, Peebles, Borders
Attraction type: Spa

Drumlanrig Tower, Hawick, Borders
This 16th-century tower played a large part in the protection of the Borders.
Attraction type: Tourist/visitor center; Historic site

- View all attractions & tours of Borders | by Trip Advisor