Borders Things to Do

Jedburgh Castle Jail

by EdinburghRoc

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Jedburgh Castle Jail
by EdinburghRoc
Jedburgh Abbey: one of the highlights
by EdinburghRoc
Jedburgh Castle Jail
by EdinburghRoc
Mary Queen of Scots house
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Historical characters
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Hirsel Country Park

by nickandchris

Another find!! Hirsel House is not open to the public but the 3,000 or so acres of woodland, river and lakeland walks are.Farming and forestry are still carried out today. In the Homestead Complex is a wonderful museum, housed in various outbuildings, depicting the historical background of the people who lived and worked here. Old farming equipment and gardening implements are on display. There is also a popular art and craft centre, where we were fascinated by the gem-stone workshop and retail outlet. Beautiful stones on display.And naturally there is a tea-room and a gallery. For the children there is a playground. When we visited, there was a whole hollow tree which children could run through.We thought the whole place excellent and for the £2 you pay to park, well worth it.

St. Abbs Head

by nickandchris

This is a National Nature Reserve, belonging to National Trust for Scotland.It is an outstanding coastal area, extending for some 192 acres over sheer, jagged cliffs, formed from an extinct volcano.If you are into bird watching, then this is for you. During April - Aug thousands of nesting birds, kittiwakes, guillimots, kittiwakes, razor bills to name a few, gather on these plunging cliffs. What a racket!!! Even without the birds, it's a scenically beautiful place ideal for exploring the coast. The views, if you are there on a clear day, are stupendous. There are way-marked walks and also a visitor centre.As usual, it was blowing a gale and raining on our visit. Somewhere else to return to!!!!PHOTOS TO FOLLOW

Jim Clark Rooms

by nickandchris

I have to admit, I gave this one a miss and let the "boys" do it on their own. I don't know whether this was the start of Michael's love for the Grand Prix, but since then he has been to Silverstone twice and follows the racing avidly.The museum houses a collection of memorabilia from Jim Clark's motor racing days. He was twice the world racing champion in the 1960's. Before this, he was a lowly Berwickshire farmer.There are displays of trophies and photos as well as model cars.It's not a large museum so won't take too long to see everything.Admission charge and you can also buy souvenirs.

Kelso

by nickandchris

A pleasant Borders town situated at the confluence of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot, looked over by the Lammermuir Hills in the north and the Cheviots in the south. In the centre of the town is Kelso Abbey, built in 1128. It was one of the wealthiest abbeys in Scotland, taking it's riches from the vast lands, churches, schools and farms around it.By 1550, after the Reformation, the abbey was mostly in ruins. Many of the stones from the ruin were taken and used for buildings in the town. It wasn't until 1823 that the abbey ruins were made safe. Today, you can wander at will amongst the ruins, soaking up the history, and no admission price!!There's a tourist information centre, race track, golf course and Floors Castle. I seem to think this was closed when we were around.One bad point was that there was a charge, in 1998, of 20p to use the public toilets in the town. Outrageous.

Eyemouth

by nickandchris

Berwickshire's (part of the Scottish Borders) largest town on the east coast. We really liked the place, with it's intersting and busy harbour, sandy beach and lots to see and do.Eyemouth harbour, formed naturally from the mouth of the river Eye, has been a port since 13thc. Like many of these coastal towns it was renowned for smuggling during the 18thc. Wine, spirits, tea and tobbacco were amongst the more popular contraband. It is still one of Scotland's busiest fishing ports. Many fishing boats arrive back in the morning when the day's catch is sold at the daily fish market. It's the place to be for FRESH FISH.It was soooo damn cold when we were here we retreated to the leisure centre for a swim. Certainly couldn't stay on the beach long!!!!PHOTOS TO FOLLOW.

Teviot Water Gardens and Smoke House

by nickandchris

Once again the heavens opened but we were not going to let that stop us visiting places. After all, we are British!!!Teviot Water Gardens was a little gem. We just happened to pass a sign after leaving Harestanes and thought we'd take a look. Easy parking and no admittance. Here you'll be delighted with the tiered water garden built into the banks of the Teviot. Riverside walks and bird watching along with ponds well stocked with interesting fish. Wonderful displays of unusual plants.Also belonging to this place is the Teviot Gamefare Smokery with an array of mouth-watering fare to be purchased from the shop. Get your purse out now!!! Then have a coffee in the cafe.Whilst your hand is in your pocket, you might like to visit the garden centre here, also.

Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre

by nickandchris

A great family day out. lots of info on the area, a fantastic adventure playground, woodland walks, gardens, wooden toys and more. This used to be a working farm, but like many farms it has had to come up with side-lines in order for it to survive. Now, probably one of the region's most popular spots.We were impressed with the place but due to the weather, have no photos..

Melrose Abbey

by stevezero

There as been an abbey in Melrose since 650AD, but a structure on the present site dates back to the 12th C.Construction of the abbey buildings took around 50 years.In the 13th C the abbey was attacked by the English and many of the monks were killed.Much of the abbey was also destroyed.The rebuilding was much supported by Robert the Bruce, and his embalmed heart was buried in the grounds of the abbey. It is now marked by a plaque.The abbey was destroed again by the English in the 14th C, and rebuilt over the next century, much of what we see today dating back to the 15th C.In the care of Historic ScotlanAdmission Charge - Adults £3.30

Jedburgh Abbey

by stevezero

Jedburgh Abbey has always seemed to draw the unwanted attention of foreign armies, since its foundation in 1138. Nowadays it just gets invaded by tourists.Still quite complete, as well as the abbey church buidings, there is also a herb garden and a visitor centre to explore.The visitor centre contains 8th C carvings and other artefacts excavated from the abbey grounds.In the care of Historic ScotlandAdmission Charge - Adults £4.00

Dryburgh Abbey

by stevezero

Dryburgh Abbey is a magnificent ruin of an abbey, that sits by the river Tweed. It is still quite complete for its age, an gives a good insight into monastic life.The abbey buildingd have been destroyed by fire three times and also felt the ravages of war on four seperate occaisions. Despite this fine examples of eccliesiastic architecture await the visitor.Its chapter house still has plaster and paintwork dating back to its inception in the 13th C.Now in the care of Historic Scotland.Admission charge - £3.30 Adults