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Issue 28 - The Borders – what to do, where to stay, where to eat

History & Heritage

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Scotland Magazine Issue 28

Scotland Magazine Issue 28
September 2006

 

This article is 5 years old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

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The Borders – what to do, where to stay, where to eat

The definition Scottish Borders is misleading since not all of the counties encompassed within its boundaries a join England.

The Borders – what to do, where to stay, where to eat (Issue 28)
How to get there

BY AIR
There are a wide range of national and international flights to and from Edinburgh Airport which is no more than an hours drive from the Borders heartland www.edinburghairport.com

BY CAR
A number of reputable car hire firms are available from the airport and major railway stations. www.thrifty.co.uk www.budget.co.uk www.arnoldclark.co.uk

BY TRAIN
The three handiest railway stations are Carlisle, Edinburgh or Berwickupon- Tweed www.firstscotrail.com

What to do

Abbotsford
Melrose, Roxburghshire
The former home of Sir Walter Scott, 19th century novelist and poet. The house is full of memorabilia and treasures connected with the history of Scotland including Montrose's Sword, Rob Roy’s gun and a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair.
www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk

Bowhill House and Country Park
Bowhill, Selkirk
Contains an outstanding collection of paintings, silverware, porcelain and French furniture, as well as important relics of Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott. There’s also an intimate 72 seat theatre with full programme of music and drama.
www.buccleuch.com

Coldstream Museum
Market Square, Coldstream
A good local history museum with a section on the Coldstream Guards, a temporary exhibitions gallery and courtyard with fountain and picnic area.
Tel: +44 (0)1890 882 630

Drumlanrig’s Tower
Tower Knowe, Hawick
A beautifully restored building which uses period rooms, figures and audiovisuals to explain the turbulent past of the town.
Tel: +44 (0)1450 377 615

Floors Castle
Kelso, Roxburghshire
The largest inhabited castle in Scotland, home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Tour the castle and gardens, and stop for tea and cake in the excellent coffee shop.
www.floorscastle.com

The Hawick Cashmere Company
Duke Street, Hawick
Four star visitor centre where you can watch frames at work from a special viewing gallery. Also a large shop where you can buy quality knitwear.
www.hawickcashmere.com

Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh
One of the border abbeys, founded by David I around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church is built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Old Gala House and Scott Gallery
Scott Crescent, Galashiels
Dating from 1583 the former home of the Lairds of Galashiels is now an interpretive centre with displays and changing exhibitions, family history, tearoom and a garden.
Tel: +44 (0)1896 752 611

Paxton House
Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Award winning historic house, gallery and country park. Contains the finest collection of Chippendale furniture in Scotland and numerous other treasures.
www.paxtonhouse.com

Priorwood Garden and Dried Flower Shop
Melrose
A specialist garden where the colourful and imaginative selection of flowers ensures variety for the dried flower arrangements made on the premises and provides material for courses held here on the ancient craft of drying flowers.
www.nts.org.uk

Smailholm
Kelso, Roxburghshire
Inside the tower is a model of this Pringle residence and a charming collection of costume figures and tapestries relating to Sir Walter Scott’s Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Thirlestane Castle Lauder,
Berwickshire
One of the seven “Great Houses of Scotland.” Famous for its 17th century plasterwork ceilings, fine furnishings, pictures and other family treasures.
www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

Traquair House
Traquair, Innerleithen
Ancient sporting lodge of Scottish kings. Lays claim to the title of oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.
www.traquair.co.uk

Where to stay

Black Bull Hotel
Market Place, Lauder
The Black Bull is a B listed coaching inn of great charm and character, dating from around 1750. Eight elegant en-suite rooms and fine dining.
www.blackbull-lauder.com

Burts Hotel
Market Square, Melrose
This four star small hotel is set in Melrose’s picturesque 18th century market square. Run by the same family for 30 years, it comes with a very high reputation.
www.burtshotel.co.uk

The Camping and Caravanning Jedburgh Club Site
Elliot Park, Jedburgh
A quiet and secluded site for tents and caravans only a short walk away from the town centre.
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Castle Venlaw Hotel
Edinburgh Road, Peebles,
This turreted 18th century castle has panoramic views over the village of Peebles. If you can, stay in one of the new ‘romantic rooms’ with huge four poster bed and equally large bath tub.
www.venlaw.co.uk

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
St Boswells, Melrose
A delightful old country house on the outside, but inside you'll find all the modern comforts you would expect from a leading hotel including a luxurious indoor swimming pool and sauna.
www.dryburgh.co.uk

Glenteviot Park Hotel
Hassendeanburn, Hawick
A family run country house hotel set in peaceful woodland. Offers five individually styled bedrooms suite, snooker room and sauna centre.
www.glenteviotpark.com

Jedforest Hotel & Restaurant
Jedburgh, Roxburghshire
Set in 35 acres of idyllic countryside this luxurious hotel is “the first in Scotland” – perfectly situated on the A68 which is the main tourist route from Newcastle to Edinburgh.
www.jedforesthotel.com

Peebles Hotel Hydro
Innerleithen Road, Peebles
Large four star hotel with leisure facilities including indoor pool, gym, sauna, tennis court etc. Popular with families.
www.peebleshotelhydro.com

Philipburn Country House Hotel
Linglie Road, Selkirk
High quality and characterful rooms, including five luxury suites including jacuzzi bath, mezzanine bedrooms and balconies. Dine in the award winning restaurant. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and giant garden chess.
www.philipburnhousehotel.co.uk

The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course
Kelso, Roxburghshire
This Victorian hotel was named Best Country House Hotel of The Year, 2005. Guests can make use of the championship golf course, shooting facilities, fishing, archery, croquet, woodland walks as well at the luxurious health and beauty suite.
www.roxburghe.net

Stobo Castle
Stobo, Peebles
Luxury spa hotel offering more than 70 different health and beauty treatments. The chlorine-free pool has fantastic views out over private grounds.
www.stobocastle.co.uk

Windlestraw Lodge
Tweed Valley, Walkerburn
A four star ‘restaurant with rooms’. Stunning views, six beautiful ensuite bedrooms and an excellent food make this an ideal choice for a romantic getaway.
www.windlestraw.co.uk

Where to eat

The Allanton Inn Chirnside, Duns
A tranquil country coaching inn with two charming restaurants and a tearoom producing wholesome, home-made food from locally produced vegetables, fish and meats. Menu changes daily.
www.allantoninn.co.uk

Edenwater House
Ednam, Kelso
Highly acclaimed restaurant offering a four course set dinner for a very reasonable £35. Four rooms also available.
www.edenwaterhouse.co.uk

Giacopazzi’s
Harbour Road, Eyemouth
An ideal place for a quick bite. House specialties include “the best fish & chips in town” and a multi-award-winning ice cream and sorbet.
Tel: +44 (0)1890 750 317

Oblo Bar
Harbour Road, Eyemouth
Modern and stylish restaurant serving local seafood and home baking.
Tel: +44 (0)1890 752 527

Mansfield House Hotel
Weensland Road, Hawick
This hotel provides bar food or more formal restaurant meals in a tastefully restored dining room. The cullen skink is deservedly popular.
www.mansfield-house.com

Marmion’s
Buccleuch Street, Melrose A popular local bistro serving authentic food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tel: +44(0)1896 82 2245

Sunflower Restaurant Bridgegate, Peebles
An informal bistro using fresh local produce. Diners are seated in three separate rooms which gives a relaxed, private feel.
www.thesunflower.net

The Wheatsheaf at Swinton
Swinton, Berwickshire
Restaurant specialising in fresh Scottish game and seafood, acclaimed in several major guide books. Also has rooms.
www.wheatsheaf-swinton.co.uk