Photo: David Dixon (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Things to do in Scottish Borders
The best holidays are planned around great days out. Here's what's on the doorstep in Scottish Borders, from big-ticket attractions to rainy-day savers.
Museums & Galleries
1.6 mi from Scottish Borders
Sir Walter Scottʼs Courtroom
Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom is a small museum in Selkirk where the writer served as Sheriff of Selkirkshire for nearly 30 years. Housed in an iconic 1804 building with a 100-foot...
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1.7 mi from Scottish Borders
Halliwell's House Museum & Robson Gallery
Tucked down the narrow, cobbled Halliwell's Close in Selkirk, this atmospheric 18th century house lets you explore the town's long history alongside a reconstructed ironmonger's sh...
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4.4 mi from Scottish Borders
Old Gala House
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 exh...
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4.5 mi from Scottish Borders
Trimontium Museum
Trimontium Museum sits in the heart of Melrose in the Scottish Borders, telling the story of Trimontium, the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian's Wall, and its enco...
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4.7 mi from Scottish Borders
Commendator's House Museum
Architectural structure in Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK
4.7 mi from Scottish Borders
Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre
The Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre in Galashiels tells the country's history through stitched panels, with a current exhibition exploring links between the Bayeux Tapest...
8.9 mi from Scottish Borders
Borders Textile Towerhouse
Borders Textile Towerhouse sits in a beautifully-restored 16th century towerhouse in Hawick, telling the story of Border knitwear and tweed through garments, artefacts and photogra...
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10.8 mi from Scottish Borders
Jedburgh Castle
Jedburgh Castle was a castle at Jedburgh in Scotland. It was fought over during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was demolished by the Scots commanded by Sir James Douglas of... — Wikipedia
10.9 mi from Scottish Borders
Mary Queen Of Scots' Visitors Centre
Queen Mary's House is a listed sixteenth-century building in Jedburgh which is where Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed for a few weeks in 1566. The building has been open to the public... — Wikipedia
11.3 mi from Scottish Borders
Robert Smail's Printing Works
Architectural structure in Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK
12.1 mi from Scottish Borders
Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane Castle is a 16th century castle in the Scottish Borders, historic home of the Duke of Lauderdale and still home to the Maitland family today. You can join a guided tour...
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16.7 mi from Scottish Borders
Peebles Museum and Gallery
Local museum in the Chambers Institute, Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom
16.7 mi from Scottish Borders
John Buchan Story
The John Buchan Story is a small museum in the Scottish Borders dedicated to the life and legacy of John Buchan, the novelist, historian, journalist, politician, soldier and public...
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22.5 mi from Scottish Borders
Coldstream Museum
Coldstream Museum sits on General Monck's old headquarters in Coldstream Market Square, telling the story of the town and its famous regiment, the Coldstream Guards, through artefa...
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23.6 mi from Scottish Borders
Jim Clark Motorsport Museum
This museum in the Scottish Borders tells the story of racing driver Jim Clark, winner of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1963 and 1965 and the Indianapolis 500. You'll see fou...
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23.8 mi from Scottish Borders
Glenkinchie Distillery Visitor Centre
23.9 mi from Scottish Borders
National Mining Museum Scotland
National Mining Museum Scotland is housed in the Lady Victoria Colliery, a well-preserved Victorian mining site in Newtongrange, just outside Edinburgh, Scotland. You can explore t...
26.1 mi from Scottish Borders
Dalkeith Museum
Dalkeith Museum is a small, volunteer-run museum telling the story of Dalkeith, housed in the restored Grade A listed Victorian Corn Exchange, once the largest in Scotland. Inside,...
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27.7 mi from Scottish Borders
Heatherslaw Mill
Heatherslaw Mill is a water mill situated on the Ford and Etal Estate, 7 miles north of the town of Wooler in the English county of Northumberland. — Wikipedia
Theme Parks
14.8 mi from Scottish Borders
Go Ape Glentress Forest
Go Ape Glentress Forest is a high ropes and zip wire course set in the Tweed Valley near Peebles, built into huge Douglas fir trees above the forest's mountain bike trails and open...
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26.4 mi from Scottish Borders
Go Ape Dalkeith Edinburgh
Go Ape Dalkeith Edinburgh sits in Dalkeith Country Park, just outside Edinburgh, offering forest high ropes and zip lines over the River Esk. You can climb 14-metre-high platforms...
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Water Parks
Zoos & Wildlife
12.4 mi from Scottish Borders
Jacksons at Jedburgh
Jacksons at Jedburgh is a working family farm in the Scottish Borders where you can meet Highland cows, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry, with animal feed included in your ticket. Vi...
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Where to stay near Scottish Borders
Places to stay within easy reach of these days out.
More around Scottish Borders
Itineraries
- A weekend in Scotland with the kids · 2 days
- A weekend in Scotland · 2 days
- A weekend in Scotland with older parents · 2 days
Haunted Britain
Plan it day by day
Create a free account and hit "Save to my trip" on anything below — then assign each one to a day of your holiday so the whole week is sorted before you pack. And if you haven't booked yet, see our guide to holidays in Scottish Borders for the best places to stay.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Scottish Borders?
The list below shows attractions nearby with distances from Scottish Borders.
What can we do in Scottish Borders when it rains?
Museums, galleries and aquariums are your friends — filter the list below by category and keep a couple in reserve for wet days.
More ways to explore
Not booked yet? See the best places to stay in Scottish Borders.