Scottish Borders Self-Catering

Relax and enjoy the peaceful setting and beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders.  There's lots to see and do, from exploring castles and country houses, riverside and cliff-top walks, to flying your kite on the beach.

Country Houses

Paxton House, Gallery and Country Park is an 18th century Adam country house containing the largest collection of Chippendale furniture in Scotland. 3 miles west of Berwick-on-Tweed, with an adventure play-area, riverside walks, croquet lawn and red-squirrel hide. Children's activities are organised in the school holidays.  www.paxtonhouse.com

Manderston House is close to Duns.  Open on Thursday and Sunday afternoons from May to September. www.manderston.co.uk

Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland.  It has a walled garden, coffee shop and play area.  www.floorscastle.com

Abbotsford House was the home of Sir Walter Scott.  It is near Melrose and is a popular destination for our visitors.  Further information at www.scottsabbotsford.com

Traquair House, near Peebles, is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. It has the best maze I have seen, and its own brewery.  Look out for Traquir Fair in August.  Visit www.traquair.co.uk

Good Food and Real Ale

The Wheatsheaf at Swinton is ideal for a special celebration dinner.  Just 3 miles from our cottage, you could include it on a circular walk. www.wheatsheaf-swinton.co.uk

The Cross Inn at Paxton serves good food in a relaxed setting.  Book a table (Tel: 01289 386267) to avoid disappointment at this popular local pub. www.berwickrestaurant.co.uk

Another recommended pub is The Allanton Inn at Allanton, near Chirnside. Real ales and good food.  www.allantoninn.co.uk

Beaches

Coldingham Bay, near St Abbs, is good for paddling, swimming and sand-castles.  It has a life-guard and toilet facilities.

Cockburnlaw Beach, near Scremerston, just south of Berwick, has sand dunes and rock pools.  Good for kite-flying, but no toilets here. Bring a picnic or visit Pot-a-Doodle-Do for ice-creams and coffee.

Swimming Pools

Eyemouth has a small swimming pool with an excellent, warm children's pool, and lots of inflatables for non-swimmers.  There's a beach too, and wonderful fresh fish at the fish and chip shops.  Try Giacopazzi's for their ice-cream.

Dunbar Leisure Centre has a wave pool with pool-side cafe. When in Dunbar visit the John Muir Country Park.

Countryside Visitor Centre

Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, near Jedburgh, has a fantastic children's play area, a selection of wooden games, waymarked walks and outdoor activities for children in school holidays.  Take a picnic or try the cafe.  Admission free.

www.scotborders.gov.uk  

See www.borderevents.com for a list of organised events.