Six of the prettiest towns to visit in the Scottish Borders

Melrose

History, gardens and literary heritage in the Scottish Borders

With the rolling three-peaks of the Eildon Hills as its backdrop, Melrose is widely considered one of Scotland’s prettiest towns. The landscape was enough to inspire renowned writer Sir Walter Scott, who made his home here on the banks of the River Tweed, and his historic home can still be visited today. The town is best known for the romantic ruins of Melrose Abbey, burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, but you’ll also find handsome Georgian streets, gorgeous gardens and plenty of independent shops. Each June, Melrose plays host to the Borders Book Festival, drawing writers and readers from across the UK.

Stay at Hawk’s Brae, a chunky log cabin with a grass roof, wood-burning hot tub and views of the majestic Eildon Hills, just half a mile from pretty Melrose.

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Peebles

River walks and indie shops in the Scottish Borders

Another gorgeous little town for a Scottish Borders holiday can be found on the banks of the shining River Tweed. Peebles is only a short hop from Edinburgh, although it feels a million miles from anywhere, with remote jaw-dropping scenery and great walks all around. The thriller writer, John Buchan, once lived here and you can join the John Buchan Way through the green hills and leafy valleys of Tweeddale all the way to Broughton. Packed with independent shops, a thriving arts centre – Eastgate Theatre and Arts – and an annual jazz festival, this small town positively hums with culture. For a dose of the outdoors, Glentress Forest nearby is one of the UK’s top spots for mountain biking and woodland walks.

Stay at Barns Tower, a 14th-century defence tower above the river Tweed, steeped in history and romance, with a great big sleigh bed and open fires.

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Kelso 

Market town charm in the Scottish Borders

Kelso is a classic Scottish market town with a cobbled square, elegant Georgian buildings and a riverside setting where the Tweed meets the Teviot. The town is also home to Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, surrounded by parkland, riverside trails and Victorian walled gardens. Its grand rooms, magnificent collection of fine art, porcelain and tapestries makes Kelso one of the must Scottish Borders towns to visit. Back in town, pick up local produce at the farmers’ market or simply sit with a coffee and soak up the bustle.

Stay at The Yetholm Hayloft, a peaceful, romantic village escape with a wood-burner, roll top tub in the bedroom and owners (next door) who leave you lots of treats. 

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Jedburgh 

Abbeys and royal intrigue in the Scottish Borders

Once a rough frontier town, Jedburgh is now all delightful Georgian townhouses, cobbled lanes, an atmospheric ruined abbey and a castle, turned prison, turned museum. The abbey, built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles, is remarkably well-preserved, with an 8th-century shrine on display and a pretty herb garden to wander. Nearby you’ll find the original site of Jedburgh Castle, which was transformed into a prison in the 1820s and is now a fascinating museum. Take a tour through the original cell blocks and get a taste of a prisoner’s life in Victorian Scotland. You can also discover Mary Queen of Scots’ House, a museum dedicated to her dramatic life. Stroll along the riverbank, wander into the Carnegie library, browse the independent shops in Market Place and Canongate. 

Stay at The Potting Shed, a cosy hideaway for two, surrounded by woods and wildflower meadows. Shops and pubs are a stroll away, the coast under an hour. 

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Hawick

Textiles and rugby passion in the Scottish Borders

Hawick, known as ‘the home of tweed’, is one of the largest Border towns, with four bridges spanning the River Teviot. The town’s one remaining textile mill, Lovat, spins knitwear and cashmere for Gucci, Chanel and other high-end brands. This is the place to pick up a cashmere scarf or jumper, or a full blown Tweed suit if that’s more your thing. Visit the Borders Textile Towerhouse and discover the fascinating 200-year-old story of Border knitwear and tweed. If you’re looking for more things to do in the Scottish Borders, Hawick is also a rugby stronghold. Catch a game if you can, or time your visit with the Common Riding, one of Scotland’s oldest festivals.

Stay at Fiddle Hill, a peaceful retreat for couples in a clever new build in a stunning setting made from sustainable wood and run on renewable energy.

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Selkirk 

Wool, weaving and Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders

Another handsome Borders town, standing proudly above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, with a connection to Sir Walter Scott. For the last 30 years of his life, Scott was Selkirk’s sheriff, dispensing justice to the independent-minded townsfolk. Take a look at his imposing statue before entering the 1804 court building and browsing displays of the renowned writer’s personal objects and writings. The town’s rich history dates from Roman times, there’s a hill fort nearby, and William Wallace was proclaimed Overlord of Scotland here in 1297. Selkirk is a good leaping off point for Ale Water Valley’s outdoor activities: golf, horse riding, cycle trails. Set yourself up with an excellent cup of coffee from The Three Hills Coffee Roastery on the bustling high street.

Stay at The Five Turrets, a Scottish Baronial-style house with valley views and a mezzanine library with hundreds of books and Netflix to escape to. 

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Your guide to the Scottish Borders

Which is the nicest town in the Scottish Borders?
It’s hard to choose just one, as each of the Scottish Borders towns has its own charm. Melrose is often called the prettiest, with its dramatic abbey ruins and riverside walks, while Kelso enchants with its cobbled square and grand Georgian architecture. For a creative buzz, try Selkirk or Hawick, both known for their textiles heritage and independent shops.

Are the Scottish Borders worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Scottish Borders is one of Scotland’s most rewarding regions, combining rolling countryside, historic castles and abbeys, and vibrant local communities. You can hike in the hills, cycle along quiet country roads, explore charming market towns, or simply relax in a cosy inn with a pint of local ale. It’s a slower, less crowded alternative to the Highlands but just as rich in beauty and culture.

Where to stay in the Borders of Scotland?
There’s no shortage of special places to stay in the Scottish Borders, from traditional coaching inns and riverside hotels to self-catering cottages tucked into valleys. For something really memorable, pick a characterful pub with rooms in a market town or a self-catering countryside cottage where you can walk straight from the door. Wherever you choose, you’ll find warm hospitality and a laid back pace of life.

What is the main town in the Scottish Borders?
The largest town in the Scottish Borders is Galashiels. It’s a lively hub with good shopping, transport links and cultural attractions, including the Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery. However, many visitors prefer to stay in the smaller surrounding towns like Melrose, Kelso or Peebles, which offer more in the way of historic charm and picturesque settings.

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