the best Scottish borders guide
Your guide to visiting the Scottish Borders – Scotland’s best kept secret.
Scotland’s best kept secret
The Scottish Borders is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
While visitors often head north towards the Highlands or west towards Edinburgh’s coastline, those who venture south discover a region packed with history, stunning scenery, fantastic food and drink, and genuine Scottish hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend escape, here’s everything you need to know.
Pictured: Borders Malt & Rye
Discover The scottish borders
hawick
At the heart of the Scottish Borders lies Hawick.
Known for textiles, craftsmanship and industry, the town offers a fascinating blend of heritage and modern creativity. It’s also home to us, The Borders Distillery, the first Scotch whisky distillery operating in the region since 1837.
Why not join us for a tour led by one of our distillers?
melrose
The Scottish Borders is certainly rich in history, with stunning abbeys, castles and ruins to explore.
Perhaps the most famous Borders town, Melrose is known for its picturesque streets and historic atmosphere.
The stunning Melrose Abbey is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites and is believed to be the burial place of the heart of Robert the Bruce.
The town also offers excellent independent shops, restaurants, and easy access to the famous Eildon Hills.
Kelso
Located where the Rivers Tweed and Teviot meet, Kelso is often regarded as one of Scotland’s most attractive market towns.
Visitors can explore Floors Castle, browse local shops, or enjoy riverside walks through the surrounding countryside.
jedburgh
Steeped in history, Jedburgh offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent border past.
Highlights include Jedburgh Abbey and the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
If you love chocolate, be sure to check out Jedburgh Chocolate House – you won’t be disappointed.
Discover the Borders Landscape
One of the biggest reasons to visit the region is the scenery.
The Scottish Borders offers:
- The Eildon Hills
- Scott’s View
- The River Tweed
- St Mary’s Loch
- The Southern Upland Way
- Hundreds of miles of walking and cycling routes
Whether you’re an experienced hillwalker or simply looking for a gentle riverside stroll, there’s a route for every ability.
Need a guide? Check out WalkHighlands for the best free walking guides.
The region is also popular for fishing, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and photography.
Food and Drink in the Borders
Food lovers are well catered for throughout the region.
Local menus often showcase:
- Borders beef and lamb
- Borders game
- Artisan cheeses
- Fresh seafood from the nearby Berwickshire coast
- Local ales and spirits
Many towns offer excellent cafés, independent restaurants, and traditional pubs where visitors can experience genuine Borders hospitality.
The area’s agricultural landscape also means that fresh, seasonal produce is never far away.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The Scottish Borders can be enjoyed year-round.
Spring brings colourful landscapes and quieter walking routes.
Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, Common Ridings, and enjoying the region’s towns in full swing.
Autumn offers beautiful colours across the countryside and excellent opportunities for photography.
Winter provides a quieter, more atmospheric experience, particularly when paired with a warming dram by the fire.
Final Thought
This guide to visiting the Scottish Borders only scratches the surface of what the region has to offer.
From historic abbeys and scenic landscapes to independent businesses and award-winning whisky, the Borders remains one of Scotland’s most rewarding destinations. It’s a place where history and innovation sit side by side, where communities remain at the heart of local life, and where visitors are always welcomed warmly.
Whether you’re discovering the region for the first time or returning for another adventure, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
Distillery faqs
When was the borders distillery founded?
We were founded in 2013 by a group of friends, all veterans of the Scotch whisky industry, who saw something missing – no distillery in the Borders.
In 2018, spirit flowed again for the first time in the region since 1837.
What is the borders growers and distillers program?
It’s how we keep things local and circular.
We work directly with 10 local farms and Simpsons Malt to grow our barley, and in return, by-products from distilling go back to those farms to generate energy and nutrients. It’s about quality, sustainability, and backing our community at every step.
Does the borders distillery offer tours?
We run guided tours where you’ll see the full process, hear the stories, and (most importantly) taste the results, guided by our distillers themselves. Whether you’re deep into whisky or just curious, you’ll be right at home.
Where is the borders distillery?
The Borders Distillery is based in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders. We’re the first Scotch whisky distillery in the region since 1837, making us a must-visit for anyone exploring whisky in the south of Scotland.
What spirits do you produce?
At our Hawick distillery, we produce Scotch whisky, as well as gin and vodka. All are made using Borders-grown barley and crafted on-site using traditional distilling methods with a modern edge.
can i own a cask of borders whisky?
We offer a private cask programme that allows you to own a cask from The Borders Distillery. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the modern history of Scotch whisky in the Scottish Borders.
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
