Barons Tower enjoys a fabulous location in the Scottish Borders. It lies just less than 3 km from Ettrickbridge and 5 km from Selkirk which lies on the Ettrick Water, a tributary of the River Tweed. The people of the town are known as Souters, which means cobblers. The area surrounding the tower offers excellent walking, cycling, shooting, fishing and horse riding so guests that enjoy the outdoor life will have a ball. The Shooting Times regularly lists the neighbouring Bowhill Estate pheasant shoot as one of the country’s Top 10. The River Tweed offers legendary salmon fishing nearby.
The area is also perfect for those that love cultural activities. There are magnificent stately homes, romantic abbey ruins and many castles and towers to discover, all with a fascinating history. Some of the most popular spots are the ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose and Kelso. The castles include Thirlestane and Floors and the stately homes that should not be missed include Traquair, Abbotsford, Bowhill and Paxton. There are also some stunning, colourful parks and gardens such as Kailzie, Priorwood and Dawyck.
The area boasts a rich literacy history with the borders inspiring the likes of Sir Walter Scott, James Hogg and John Buchan. The Borders Book Festival is one of Scotland’s most prestigious literary events attracting poets, authors, musicians and comedians from all over the globe.
The Borders are home to many of Scotland’s historic textile towns such as Hawick, Galashiels and Selkirk. They have produced some of the world’s finest tartans, cashmere and tweeds in all shades. World renowned names including Pringle, Belinda Robertson, Lochcarron and Lyle and Scott were born in the Borders. Visitors can tour the mills and buy souvenirs to take home.
Tours of breweries and distilleries have become increasingly popular. Beer was first brewed in the Borders at Traquair House in the sixteenth century when Mary Queen of Scots visited. The Born in the Borders Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery with tours and special events. Kelso is home to Rutherford’s Micropub and the Tempest Brewery in Tweedbank is equally popular. Lilliard Gin is a local gin, handcrafted using ingredients foraged in the Scottish Borders. Whisky also flows steadily at the Borders Distillery.
The captivating City of Edinburgh enjoys a wealth of top attractions for the whole family, excellent shopping opportunities and sensational fine dining. With a stunning backdrop of the dramatic Arthur’s Seat, the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh’s waterfront, this ever popular city is a remarkable place to visit. In just a few days you can take a cruise on the River Forth, explore the ancient castle, visit the zoo, wander around the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, climb aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, shop until you drop, wander through the cosmopolitan streets of the Port of Leith, listen to bagpipes and dine until you burst. The Edinburgh Festival which takes place in August is the world’s leading arts, culture and comedy festival. At the top of the Royal Mile on the top of Castle Rock, you can enjoy Edinburgh Castle, the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city. It looks even more impressive at night with clever lighting so you should bag a table in one of the rooftop restaurants such as the Thai Chaophraya, asking for a table in the glass box. Perched on the top of an extinct volcano, the castle and its esplanade offers astonishing views of Edinburgh. Inside, you can visit St Margaret’s Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is home to the Grand Hall and Scotland’s crown jewels. Visitors discover Edinburgh’s grisly history at The Edinburgh Dungeon, coming face to face with Scotland’s ravenous cannibals and infamous killer duo Burke and Hare. There are plenty of ghost walks and lots of light-hearted fun with immersive, actor-led shows and state-of-the-art special effects. Edinburgh is especially popular during the August Festival and at Christmas and New Year. Edinburgh is also home to three excellent galleries, The National Gallery on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Scottish National Gallery boasts some of the world’s finest art by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world, celebrating the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. It was built in the 19th century and is one of the most striking landmarks on the Edinburgh city skyline. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to enjoy far reaching views of the city and surrounding countryside. The Holyrood Palace is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Some areas of the Palace are open to the public including the State Apartments, the Throne Room and the Morning Drawing Room. Away from the galleries, museums and shops, the Royal Botanic Gardens are located in Stockbridge, a very attractive area 20 minutes walk from the city centre. You will discover a beautiful collection of more than 100,000 plants and 70 acres of stunning green space. The Royal Yacht Britannia was Her Majesty The Queen’s floating palace for over 40 years and is one of the city’s best attractions. You can enjoy a complimentary audio tour and follow in the footsteps of royalty exploring this wonderful yacht that is permanently moored beside Ocean Terminal.
The Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Scottish Borders
Get ready for a fabulous adventure in the Scottish Borders! This slice of heaven tucked away in the southern part of Scotland is a treasure chest of rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes and the cutest little towns and villages you ever saw. Pick one of our luxurious properties, grab your map, pack your bags and dive into the adventure!
First on the list of must-see wonders is the magnificent Melrose Abbey, a historic monastery dating back to the 12th century. It boasts Gothic architecture that will make your jaw drop. This is where Robert the Bruce's heart decided to take its eternal nap. You will wander through the atmospheric ruins, marvel at intricate stone carvings and let the sense of history soak into your very soul.
The Eildon Hills are your ticket to hiking paradise. These bad boys, with three distinctive peaks, offer views so breathtaking you will be convinced you have stepped into a postcard. Featuring patchwork fields, dense forests and the snaking River Tweed, you will quickly fall in love.
Peebles, a town nestled along the River Tweed, enjoys streets so quaint they practically wink at you. Known for its independent shops and charming vibes, Peebles is your ideal base for exploring. Close by is Dawyck Botanic Garden, a horticultural wonderland with rare and exotic plants galore. For mountain biking fanatics, Glentress Forest is right around the corner, offering trails for all skill levels.
Galashiels, with its textile heritage and woollen mills, now hosts the amazing Borders Distillery. Whisky fans, this one is for you with tours and tastings awaiting your visit! If you are feeling literary, you can gallop over to Abbotsford House, the swanky former pad of Sir Walter Scott.
The scenic A708 road, also known as the "Queen's Way," takes you to the charming town of Moffat. Offering High streets that pop with vibrancy, a Woolen Mill that is the talk of the town and the Devil's Beef Tub, a dramatic hollow in the hills that adds a dash of mystery to your adventure, it is a great place.
St. Abbs, a fishing village on the coast, is a real-life fairy tale. Colourful cottages, rugged cliffs and a bustling harbour offer enchantment at its finest. Nature lovers, grab your binoculars for coastal walks and birdwatching, because the diverse marine life here is like a living, breathing National Geographic documentary.
So head to the Scottish Borders to explore ancient abbeys, conquer scenic hills and enjoy the charm of quaint towns and villages. This region is a captivating tapestry just begging to be explored!
