Top 10 things to do in the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders have rolling hills, ruined abbeys, textile towns and literary connections to Sir Walter Scott. It is gentle, quiet and good for walking and cycling.
- 1
Melrose Abbey
📍 MelroseHistory, ruinsA ruined Cistercian abbey, said to hold the heart of Robert the Bruce.
- 2
Abbotsford
📍 Near MelroseHouse, literaryThe home of Sir Walter Scott, with gardens and the Tweed beside it.
- 3
Floors Castle
📍 KelsoCastle, gardensScotland’s largest inhabited castle, on the Tweed.
- 4
Kelso Abbey
📍 KelsoHistory, ruinsA ruined Romanesque abbey in the middle of Kelso.
- 5
Jedburgh Abbey
📍 JedburghHistory, ruinsA magnificent ruined abbey with a large collection of carved stones.
- 6
Traquair House
📍 InnerleithenHouse, historyScotland’s oldest continuously inhabited house, with a maze and brewery.
- 7
Scott’s View
📍 Near MelroseViews, walksA viewpoint over the Tweed, loved by Sir Walter Scott.
- 8
St Abb’s Head
📍 St AbbsCoast, seabirdsCliffs, seabird colonies and a lighthouse.
- 9
Dryburgh Abbey
📍 DryburghHistory, ruinsA peaceful ruined abbey by the Tweed, where Scott is buried.
- 10
Peebles
📍 PeeblesTown, outdoorsA cheerful market town on the Tweed, with cycling and walking.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.