Museums & Galleries · Scottish Borders
Old Gala House
📍 TD1 3JU
Photo: Walter Baxter (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Historic house dating back to 1583, former home of the Lairds of Galashiels
- Museum and gallery telling the story of the town
- Gardens with SiMBA Tree of Tranquillity, fountain and waterfall
- Gentle Museum Mornings for sensory-considered slower-paced visits
- Available as a wedding venue
Old Gala House is a historic building dating back to 1583, once home to the Lairds of Galashiels and now a museum and gallery telling the story of the town, with a programme of exhibitions and events. You can also enjoy the gardens, which include the SiMBA Tree of Tranquillity, picnic benches, a fountain and a waterfall. It suits those who enjoy local history and a relaxed pace, with Gentle Museum Mornings available for a calmer visit. Entry is free, with limited on-site parking, disabled facilities and access by public transport nearby. Located in the Scottish Borders, it's close to Galashiels station, just 0.3 miles away, and there are 19 bookable places to stay within 5 miles, making it easy to combine with an overnight stay.
Practical details
- Open
- 10:00–16:00, Monday, 13 June–30 September
- Parking
- Limited free parking on site, including disabled spaces
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only
- Accessibility
- Ground floor accessible; stairlift to first floor; accessible toilet with baby changing
- Booking
- Free admission, donations welcomed
From the attraction's own website on 21 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Disabled Access
- ✓ Baby Changing
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Picnic Area
- ✓ Guided Tours
- ✓ WiFi
- ✓ Parking
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
1.2 mi
1.2 mi
2.7 mi
2.7 mi
3.2 mi
3.3 mi
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Old Gala House into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Galashiels 0.3 miles
- Tweedbank 2 miles
- Stow 5.8 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page