Things to Do in Scottish Borders
31 attractions and days out
Photo © Nigel Andrews, Google Maps
The Scottish Borders mixes grand houses, wildlife reserves and coastal walks with a scattering of family days out, so a trip here can be shaped around whatever pace you fancy. Melrose and Lauder have their share of historic sites, including Thirlestane Castle, while the Bowhill Stables area near Selkirk gives a sense of the region's country estates.
Peebles has become something of a hub for active pursuits, with Go Ape Glentress Forest and treasure trail routes like the Peebles Spy Mission adding a different kind of outing. Further east, Eyemouth and Coldingham Bay lead towards the cliffs of St Abbs Head, one of the best spots for seabirds and seals, while Tweed Valley Osprey Watch offers a rarer sighting inland.
Elsewhere, smaller attractions such as Bird Gardens Scotland and the Trimontium Heritage Centre near Newcastleton and Hawick fill in the gaps, making it easy to combine a castle visit with an afternoon outdoors.
⭐ 5.0
Arts & Crafts Workshops
kids stop
Let your little ones unleash their creativity at this hands-on arts and crafts venue on Northgate, perfect for budding artists to explore different materials and techniques.
⭐ 5.0
Zoos & Animal Parks
Tweed Valley Osprey Watch
Watch magnificent ospreys in their natural habitat at this wildlife viewing experience set between Glentress Forest and Kailzie Gardens in the stunning Scottish Borders.
⭐ 5.0
Horse Riding
Bowhill Stables
Saddle up for an equestrian adventure at this Estate-based riding facility, where families can experience horseback activities in scenic Scottish Borders countryside surroundings.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Trimontium Heritage Centre
Explore Roman Scotland's largest fort through fascinating displays and artefacts at this accessible museum in the heart of the Scottish Borders, with family facilities including baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.8
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Glentress Forest, Peebles
Scale treetop obstacles and soar through the forest canopy on an exhilarating aerial adventure, including an impressive 325m zip wire that's perfect for thrill-seeking families visiting the Scottish Borders.
⭐ 4.8
Zoos & Animal Parks
Bird Gardens Scotland CIC
Meet exotic feathered friends at this accessible Scottish Borders wildlife haven, where families can explore aviaries and enjoy onsite dining with full facilities including baby changing.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
St Abbs Head Nature Reserve
This dramatic coastal nature reserve offers spectacular clifftop walks with stunning sea views, complete with wheelchair access, onsite dining and facilities for a memorable family day out.
⭐ 4.7
Garden Centres & Home
Abbotsford
Step into the historic Scottish Borders estate where Sir Walter Scott lived and worked, featuring beautiful gardens and fully accessible grounds perfect for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure & Activity Centres
Rock UK Whithaugh Park
Nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders near Newcastleton, this activity centre offers outdoor adventures and onsite dining for families seeking an action-packed day in beautiful countryside surroundings.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Wilton Lodge Park
Set among mature woodland in Hawick, this scenic park offers traditional outdoor games including putting greens, crazy golf, bowling greens, croquet lawns and tennis courts for active family fun.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Kailzie Gardens
Nestled near Peebles, this tranquil haven features vibrant greenhouses and naturalistic planting that delights visitors seeking botanical beauty and calm outdoor spaces.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Thirlestane Castle
Step into Scotland's enchanting historic fortress where ancient architecture meets storybook charm. Family-friendly facilities include a restaurant, picnic areas, accessible toilets and ample parking.
⭐ 4.6
Historic Houses & Gardens
Bowhill House and County Estate
Explore this magnificent Selkirk estate where families can discover nature through guided wildlife walks, let children enjoy dedicated play spaces, and refuel at the onsite restaurant between adventures.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Lochcarron of Scotland Visitor Centre
Discover the heritage of traditional Scottish textile-making at this working mill visitor centre, featuring displays of tartan weaving and Scottish woolens with onsite parking and baby facilities.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
Step inside a Victorian prison turned museum where families can explore authentic cells and learn about 19th-century justice in the Scottish Borders through interactive exhibits and displays.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Mary Queen Of Scots Visitor Centre
Explore the dramatic life and legacy of Scotland's most famous monarch through engaging exhibits and displays that bring Tudor history alive for all ages.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Textile Towerhouse
Explore the heritage of fabric-making at this historic tower in a scenic location, with refreshments available from the onsite restaurant. Note that access is limited due to the building's traditional layout.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
Coldstream Museum
Discover local heritage at this Market Square museum offering convenient parking and an onsite restaurant. Note that wheelchair access and baby changing facilities are not available.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
The Hirsel Estate
Enjoy outdoor adventures at this scenic estate near Coldstream, where families can explore natural surroundings and refuel at the onsite restaurant after a day of discovery.
⭐ 4.4
Parks & Play Areas
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre
Discover scenic forest trails and indoor soft play areas at this countryside haven near Jedburgh, offering wheelchair-accessible adventures for families exploring the Scottish Borders.
⭐ 4.4
Sightseeing & Attractions
Manderston
Visit this grand Scottish Borders estate near Duns, though families should note limited facilities including no toilets, baby changing areas or wheelchair access available on site.
⭐ 4.3
Ice & Roller Skating
Border Ice Rink
Glide across the ice at this family skating venue on Golf Course Road, where an onsite restaurant keeps everyone fueled between sessions on the rink.
⭐ 4.3
Beaches & Coastline
Coldingham Bay
This expansive sandy beach within a protected marine reserve offers excellent rockpooling opportunities and abundant coastal wildlife, with wheelchair access and picnic-friendly facilities.
⭐ 4.3
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Teviotdale Leisure Centre
This leisure facility on Mansfield Road offers swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant, though families should note limited accessibility and no baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.2
Museums & Galleries
Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre
Watch salmon navigate their natural river habitat through underwater viewing windows at this fascinating wildlife centre. Wheelchair-accessible facilities include onsite parking and toilets.
⭐ 4.0
Beaches & Coastline
Eyemouth Beach
This sandy South Scotland shore delights young adventurers with excellent rockpooling opportunities, plus wheelchair access and facilities including toilets for family convenience.
⭐ 4.0
Museums & Galleries
Eyemouth Museum
Housed in an historic kirk on Manse Road, this wheelchair-accessible museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into local heritage, complete with an onsite restaurant and nearby parking facilities.
⭐ 3.0
Parks & Play Areas
Pennine Way National Trail
Britain's most iconic long-distance hiking trail stretches 268 miles through rugged moorland and dramatic peaks, ending at this Scottish border village perfect for adventurous families seeking outdoor challenges.
Horse Riding
Nenthorn Equestrian Centre
Saddle up for memorable riding experiences at this Scottish Borders equestrian centre, where snacks keep energy levels high during your visit to Nenthorn's countryside setting.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Peebles Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Transform into secret agents as your family solves clues around Peebles on this outdoor adventure trail starting from Kingmeadows Road. Pack a picnic and enjoy exploring together on foot.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Gunsgreen House
This fascinating 18th-century mansion on the harbour welcomes families with excellent facilities including a restaurant, accessible amenities throughout, and convenient onsite parking.
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