Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders are home to some of Scotland’s most fascinating historical sites and tales, and this region just south of the cobbled streets, castle, and luxurious hotels of Edinburgh, will not only lure visitors with its cultural delights, but will also provide them with a gorgeous idyllic landscape, from its rolling moorlands to its sandy and craggy coastline. Visitors to “the Borders” as they’re commonly known, will find an array of thrilling outdoor activities to enjoy, and whether you’re a fan of heart-pumping fun like mountain biking through the forests and woodlands, or simply want to visit ruined castles and abbeys and stroll along the beach, you’ll soon discover that this southern Scottish gem is one of the country’s finest regions to explore.

Explore the Town of Duns

Duns is a quaint and typical Scottish Borders town, focused around its old central market where farmers once sold and traded livestock and produce. Today, the most visited sites in the area of Duns is Duns Castle, a fighting tower with over 600 years of history, and was the home to Lady Elizabeth Seton, an ancestor of the lineage that led to the crown of Mary Queen of Scots. The interior of the castle is decorated and furnished with magnificent 17th century pieces, and guests can enjoy an array of activities, from clay pigeon, falconry, and off road driving, to fishing croquet and tennis. Duns is also the birthplace of Scotland’s Formula 1 champion driver Jim Clark, and car enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the local Jim Clark Museum.

Discover and Stay in the Town of Kelso

This picturesque town is one of southern Scotland’s prettiest, and sits at the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot Rivers. Filled with beautiful architecture, such as the ruined Roxburgh Castle and Keslo Abbey, however, its most famous site would have to be the extravagant Floors Castle, the seat of the Duke of Roxburgh and the largest inhabited house in all of Scotland.

Find You Way to the Historic Town of Eyemouth

Just a few miles from the border with England, Eyemouth sits on the southeastern coast of Scotland, and is home to a natural harbour and stunning coastal views. The history of this small fishing town is rich with fascinating stories, as it was once commonly known to be a smuggler’s paradise, with the town’s clustered houses, narrow streets, and sea-caves providing the perfect cover for the illegal trade in tea, wine, spirits, and tobacco. Be sure to visit the local museum to view the intricate tapestry that recounts the town’s saddest moments, when a storm took the lives of 189 local fishermen.

So whether you’re looking to wander the sandy beaches and cliffs of the coast, play some golf on a classic Scottish links, trek through the rolling hills of the moorland, have tea in the charming town cafés, or simply try the local fare, the Scottish Borders has exactly what you’re looking for in a holiday destination. Be sure to book all your hotels, B&Bs, and accommodation now, with the easy-to-use Expedia search tool.