Borders visitor information

An Introduction to The Scottish Borders

The Borders of Scotland, located between Edinburgh to the north and Northumberland to the south (and a little further south, Newcastle), run broadly east-west following the line of the river Tweed. Berwick-upon-Tweed is actually in England (having swapped ownership several times!) but is considered a Border town. It is a region with rich farmland and interesting countryside, that is dotted with signs of the ancient keeps and fortifications that helped divide the English from the Scots. Today, this is a peaceful and largely unspoilt rural area with many large and interesting historic houses and gardens, several of which are open to the public. Towns include Galashiels, Selkirk, Duns, Greenlaw, Hawick, and Coldstream. The gems are Kelso and St Boswells, both pretty and historic market towns with ruined Abbeys.

Things to do in The Scottish Borders

There are many attractions in the Scottish Borders. These include the Glenkinchie distillery, New Lanark world heritage centre and the Kings Own Scottish Borders Regimental Museum. The Scottish Borders is a walk around four of the ruined abbeys established in the 1100's. Thrilstane Castle is a 13th century National Trust property. Jedburgh Castle has existed since the 12th century and  was rebuilt as a Howard reform prison in 1823.

Getting to the Scottish Borders

By Rail

The Borders does not have a railway, except the East Coast London to Edinburgh Line which does not have a station in the Borders. It is best to arrive at Edinburgh Waverly station, Carlisle Station or Newcastle Centeral Station. Both Edinburgh and Carlisle stations have bus services to the Central Borders.

By Air

When travelling to the Borders by air it is best to land at either Edinburgh Airport or Newcastle airport which both have bus services to the borders.

By Car

The borders are 7 hours from London and situated East of the M74. The main roads in the area are the A7, A68 and A1. Edinburgh is North of the region.

By Coach and Bus

National Express is the main coach operator to the region whilst First and Munros of Jedburgh are the local bus operators.