Six of the prettiest towns to visit in the Scottish Borders

Melrose

Overlooked by the rolling three-peaks of the Eildon Hills, the fine landscape all around this pretty town is soul-stirring indeed, enough to inspire renowned writer Sir Walter Scott. He made his home here on the banks of the River Tweed, renovating a grand manor house with the proceeds from an unparalleled literary career. Wander through Scott’s study, be awed by his magnificent library and marvel at his eclectic collection of artefacts. Melrose’s ancient ruined abbey, burial place for Robert the Bruce’s heart, really adds something to the dreamy atmosphere. Check out the unusual sculptures adorning the facade, in particular the bagpipe-playing pig. Melrose is stuffed with independent shops including cafes, galleries and craft stores, with the unmissable opportunity to tuck in at Michelin-recommended restaurant, Provender. 

Stay at Fauhope House, with stunning views, luxurious rooms and fantastic hosts who give you afternoon tea or sherry on arrival.

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Peebles

Another gorgeous little town 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 fabulous walks all around. The thriller writer, John Buchan, once lived here and you can join the John Buchan Way through the emerald 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. Glentress Forest is popular with mountain bikers and is perfectly suited to gentle ambles too. 

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 

The market town of Kelso is architecturally impressive with much to admire. Wander around the ruined abbey, once the largest and richest holy house in the land. In the market square you’ll find a rather fancy town hall with impressive columns towering above you and spanning the Tweed is a graceful five-arched bridge, designed by engineer John Rennie it inspired his later design for Waterloo Bridge. Set in acres of rolling parkland on the edge of town is the turreted and fabulous Floors Castle. The largest inhabited house in Scotland, it’s been home to eleven generations of the Dukes of Roxburghe. Wander around grand rooms and view a magnificent collection of fine art, porcelain and tapestries. There’s a superb Victorian walled garden, vast grounds, riverside trails and two cafés to discover. 

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 

Jedburgh is a bit of a dreamboat. Once a frontier town, home to plundering and pillaging by Reivers, now it’s all delightful Georgian townhouses, 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 fine 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. 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

Hawick, known as ‘the home of tweed’, is one of the largest Border towns, with four bridges spanning the River Tweed. 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, take a tour of The Borders Distillery, the first Scotch Whisky Distillery to operate in the region since 1837, or pick up delicious local cuts from independent butcher Going Native and stop to recharge at its sprinkling of little cafes. 

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 

Another handsome Borders town, standing proudly above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, with a connection to Sir Walker Scott. For the last 30 years of his life, Scott was Selkirk’s sheriff, dispensing justice to the independently-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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