Hidden Gems of the scottish borders
Discover hidden gems of the Scottish Borders, craft distilleries and breweries to artisan food spots and scenic villages.
Hidden Gems of the Scottish Borders: Food, Drink & Local Finds
The Scottish Borders is often overlooked by travellers heading for the Highlands or Edinburgh, but those who take the time to explore the region quickly discover something special. Rolling hills, historic towns, independent food producers, and a growing drinks scene make it one of Scotland’s most rewarding destinations.
Beyond the well-known landmarks, the Borders is full of lesser-known places worth seeking out – from artisan chocolatiers and craft breweries to family-run distilleries and farm shops. These Scottish Borders hidden gems offer a genuine taste of the region and the people who shape it.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a whisky pilgrimage, or simply exploring somewhere new, this guide highlights some of the best hidden gems in the Scottish Borders for food, drink, and local experiences.
Pictured: Tiny home Borders
Discover the borders Distilling Revival
Tucked into the centre of the textile town of Hawick sits one of the most exciting hidden gems in the Scottish Borders.
The Borders once had a thriving whisky industry, but the last distillery in the region closed in 1837. The opening of The Borders Distillery in 2018 marked the return of whisky production to the area after nearly two centuries.
Visitors can take guided tours through our distillery to learn about the whisky-making process, from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation. The experience offers a rare chance to see a fully operational Scotch whisky distillery in a region that’s still rediscovering its distilling heritage.
The tasting rooms showcase a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and experimental whisky blends, offering a fascinating insight into how a modern distillery develops new flavours while waiting for our single malt to mature.
For travellers interested in the evolving Scotch whisky landscape, it’s easily one of the most intriguing Scottish Borders hidden gem.
Explore Melrose and the Abbeys
Start in the historic town of Melrose, one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Set along the River Tweed and surrounded by countryside, Melrose has a long reputation as one of the Borders’ most charming market towns, full of independent shops and cafés.
The highlight of any visit here is Melrose Abbey, one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval ruins. Founded in the 12th century by monks during the reign of David I, the abbey is famous for its ornate stonework and its connection to Scottish history.
A short walk from the abbey brings you to Harmony Garden, a peaceful walled garden now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. The gardens cover around 3.5 acres and offer a calm green space right in the centre of town.
If you’re keen for a quick hill walk, climb the nearby Eildon Hills, which provide one of the most recognisable views in the Borders.
Walks and Hidden Landscapes
Spend the afternoon exploring the countryside around Hawick. One of the great advantages of visiting the Scottish Borders is how quickly you can leave town and find yourself surrounded by quiet hills and open landscapes.
Just a short drive outside Hawick lies Alemoor Reservoir, a peaceful loch nestled among rolling hills. The reservoir stretches for around two kilometres and offers easy walking paths along the shoreline.
It’s a perfect place for a relaxed afternoon walk, with wide views across the surrounding countryside and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
For those who enjoy longer walks, part of the Cross Borders Drove Road runs through the area. This historic route was once used by drovers moving cattle south into England and today forms part of Scotland’s network of long-distance walking and cycling trails.
Even a short stretch of the route provides a sense of the region’s long agricultural history and the wide-open landscapes that define the Borders.
Craft Beer from a Borders Brewery – Tempest Brewing Co
While whisky often steals the spotlight in Scotland, the Borders has quietly developed an impressive craft beer scene.
Tempest Brewing Co., based near Tweedbank, has built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most respected independent breweries.
Their beers range from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and experimental small-batch releases. The brewery taproom offers a relaxed space to sample their latest creations while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.
Tempest represents the newer generation of drinks producers bringing fresh energy to the region. For travellers seeking out hidden gems in the Scottish Borders, it’s a must-visit stop.
Final Thoughts
The Scottish Borders may not yet have the global recognition of Scotland’s whisky regions or island landscapes, but that’s precisely what makes it special.
From distilleries and breweries to artisan food producers and historic towns, the region is full of places that reward curious travellers.
These hidden gems of the Scottish Borders showcase a region defined by craftsmanship, heritage, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re tasting whisky in Hawick, sampling chocolate in Peebles, or enjoying a quiet countryside café, every stop reveals something unique about the Borders.
For anyone seeking a different side of Scotland – one that feels authentic, creative, and welcoming – the Scottish Borders remains one of the country’s most rewarding places to explore.
FAQs
WHERE ARE THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
The Scottish Borders lie in the south of Scotland, bordering England. The region sits roughly between Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne, making it easily accessible for a weekend break from both cities.
How do you get to the scottish borders?
One of the best things about planning a weekend in the Scottish Borders is how easy the region is to reach. Despite feeling wonderfully rural and peaceful, the Borders sits within easy travelling distance of several major cities in Scotland and northern England.
By Car
Driving is the easiest way to explore the Scottish Borders, as many of the most scenic spots and small villages are spread across the countryside.
From Edinburgh, the journey to Melrose takes around 1 hour, while reaching Hawick takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
If you’re travelling from Newcastle upon Tyne, the drive north into the Borders takes around 1.5 hours, depending on where you’re heading.
Several scenic routes cross the region, including the A68 and A7, both of which pass through rolling hills and quiet countryside.
By Train
While there isn’t a railway line running through the entire region, you can travel to the Borders by train and continue by bus or taxi.
The Borders Railway connects Edinburgh with Tweedbank, just outside Melrose. The journey takes about 55 minutesand offers beautiful views across the countryside.
From Tweedbank station, it’s a short taxi ride or bus journey to nearby towns like Melrose or Galashiels.
By Bus
Regular bus services also connect the Scottish Borders to nearby cities.
Companies such as Borders Buses operate routes linking towns including Kelso, Melrose, Galashiels and Hawick with both Edinburgh and Newcastle.
By Air
The closest airport is Edinburgh Airport, which is around 90 minutes from most Borders towns by car. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or travel into the city centre and connect via train or bus.
Is the Scottish Borders good for walking?
Absolutely. The region is famous for its walking routes and gentle landscapes. Popular options include the Borders Abbeys Way, hill walks around the Eildon Hills, and countryside trails throughout the Teviot and Tweed valleys.
The variety of routes makes the Borders ideal for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
What towns should I visit in the Scottish Borders?
Several towns make great bases for exploring the region:
- Melrose – charming streets and historic abbey
- Kelso – market town with Georgian architecture
- Hawick – textile heritage and distillery tours
- Jedburgh – historic abbey and castle jail museum
Each town offers a different perspective on Borders history and culture.
Is there a whisky distillery in the scottish borders?
Yes. The Borders Distillery offers guided tours where visitors can learn about whisky production and taste spirits made on site.
Opened in 2018, the distillery reintroduced Scotch whisky production to the region after a gap of nearly two centuries.
When is the best time to visit the Scottish Borders?
The Scottish Borders can be visited year-round, but spring through early autumn is particularly popular thanks to longer days and mild weather.
Spring brings colourful countryside and quieter towns, while summer is ideal for walking routes and exploring historic sites. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, when the hills and forests surrounding towns like Melrose and Kelso turn rich shades of gold and red.
Is a weekend enough time to visit the Scottish Borders?
A weekend is enough time to experience the highlights of the region, including historic towns like Melrose, scenic viewpoints such as Scott’s View, and distillery visits in Hawick.
However, many visitors find themselves returning to explore more of the countryside, walking routes and historic sites across the region.
tour our Distillery
Winner of the Tripadvisor 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award
‘Beautiful distillery. Had an excellent tour with a very passionate and enthusiastic distiller who was our tour guide. Super impressed with the efficiency and mindfulness with which the Whisky, Vodka and Gin are prepared, taking care to not waste but recycle. Thank you Cerys for an informative tour.‘
Mallika, distillery visitor
THE BORDERS, BOTTLED.
Explore our range of experimental Blended Scotch Whiskies, Borders Gin & Vodka.
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Right As Rain£35.00 -
The Long & Short of it£35.00 -
Border’s Malt & Rye£35.00 -
Puffing Billy Steam Vodka£30.00 -
Kerr’s Gin£30.00
