Things To Do In The Scottish Borders Itinerary

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Retreat away from the crowds and enter the peaceful oasis that is Dawyck Botanic Garden. Home to a stunning collection of trees and shrubs, you'll be impressed by its vibrant bursts of colour all year round. When spring has sprung see swathes of snowdrops or immerse yourself in autumn colours, with hues of mustard yellows, glowing oranges, and vibrant reds to help you celebrate this picturesque season.

After exploring the garden, you'll have no doubt worked up an appetite. Stop off and soak in the views at the café - you'll find lots of tasty dishes to choose from.

Did you know? Dawyck Botanic Garden is just one of the many attractions that can be found along the John Buchan Way. This 13-mile route which starts in Peebles and finishes in Broughton boasts stunning scenery and a wide variety of attractions. Highlights include Caidemuir Hill, Stobo Kirk, John Buchan Centre and Neidpath Castle.

If you're willing to explore more of Peebles on foot, check out these other fantastic walking routes.

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If you're looking to sweeten up your day, we've got just the treat for you! Head to Cocoa Black and live your dreams of becoming a master chocolatier. Put on your apron and head into the kitchen where you'll be taught how to make delicious desserts from afternoon teacakes, pastries, and even vegan chocolates. At the end of your class, you'll be able to take home your wonderful creations to try out. Mmmm!

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Fancy an adrenaline rush? Explore the Borders' natural beauty on two wheels with Innerleithen 7Stanes. Located at Innerleithen Forest, this is a prime location for downhill riders and offers four main tracks to hone your skills. If you really want to test your mountain bike out, take on the challenging red-graded Innerleithen XC trail. This thrilling single-track route is complete with lots of jumps and drop offs for a challenging but fun ride.

It's not just mountain biking that Innerleithen is renowned for. Cool down and take a leisurely stroll through the forest with lots of walking trails to choose from or take in the beautiful scenery while on horseback.

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Explore Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, a former royal hunting lodge dating from 1107 which remains a family home to this day.

Wander round the beautiful rooms, tour Traquair House Brewery and navigate your way around the maze.

While you’re there find out more about Traquair House’s Jacobite connections - in the 1700s the earls of Traquair supported the Jacobite cause. Bonnie Prince Charlie even visited the house in 1745.

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You don't need to live life in the fast lane to enjoy this wonderful attraction. Discover the incredible legacy of racing driver, Jim Clark. From his humble beginnings working as a farmer in the Scottish Borders to becoming the most decorated Formula One driver of all time, take a trip down memory lane to look back on his remarkable career. Watch short films of him competing in races, browse through his impressive trophy cabinet and view two of his winning race cars, the Lotus Cortina and the Lotus 25.

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We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along The Borders Abbeys Way. This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

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Scotland has produced many great literary figures throughout the years, from Robert Burns to Val McDermid. No matter what your favourite genre is, there is lots of Scottish literature waiting to be added to your reading list. Today we're here to shine a spotlight on another of the country's finest writers, Sir Walter Scott.

Helping to capture the imaginations from readers around the world, step inside his home and see where it all began! You'll stumble across shelves upon shelves of books in his personal study, a grand library and lots of artefacts on display relating back to some of his most famous works. Outside, adults can enjoy the peaceful setting of the Regency Walled Gardens while the fun awaits at the Play Trail for younger visitors, complete with a wooden fortress and seven-metre tunnel slide.

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It's not just all about the history in the Borders, the food is a huge part of the experience too. If you're planning a holiday to South Scotland, be sure to make a reservation at The Hoebridge. Serving happy customers since 2015, this family-run restaurant uses the freshest of ingredients from local suppliers to create mouth-watering dishes. Choose from a selection of small or large plates to tantalise your tastebuds. Roast chicken croquette, chargrilled shaws Borders ribeye steak and grilled sea bass are just some of the foodie favourites that make a regular appearance on the menu.

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Enjoy a slice of paradise at Harmony Garden where you will wander around freshly cut lawns and view spectacular displays of flowerbeds full of vibrant colour. Make sure you have your camera at the ready, the garden is a great location to admire the ruins of Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills from a distance.

Fancy staying that wee bit longer? The garden also offers self-catering accommodation, perfect if you're looking to rest your head for the night.

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Impressively grand and very much still intact, Scotland's largest inhabited castle is impressive even without its 5-star status. Built in 1721 by architect William Adam, it has been a family home to the Innes-Ker family for over 300 years.

With so much to see and do, one day may not be enough to view its vast collection of fine art, porcelain and tapestries, extensive gardens and woodlands walks, as well as its child-friendly adventure playground.

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Having opened in 2018, it is the first Scotch Whisky distillery to open in the region since 1837, offering visitors the chance to learn more about Scotland's national drink. Take a distillery tour and you'll uncover the secrets behind the distilling process of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Kerr's Gin and Puffing Billy Steam Vodka before finishing off with a wee dram at the distillery bar. Don't worry if you're the designated driver, you'll be able to take home a few samples to try in the comfort of your own home.