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TOP 20 ATTRACTIONS FOR THE BORDERS
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Abbotsford
Between Galashshiels and Melrose
Roxburghshire
Built in 1822 by Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's greatest literary figures. The building is located on the site of the Cantley Hall farmhouse where he lived until he died 10 years later. The building features turrets, battlements and corbiestepped gables, the house features a collection of historical Scott relics including Rob Roy's gun, Montrose's Sword and other weapons and armour. There is also a library in the house, which has more than 9,000 rare books on its shelves.
Price: free admission
Hours: Mar - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00; Sun 14:00 - 17:00
Details: 01896 752 043
Berwick on Tweed
Just South of the Border on the A1
Over the centuries Berwick has changed hands with the English on 13 separate occasions. Although at the moment it is in England for local Government purposes the district is in Scotland. Until the Reform Act of 1885 Berwick had to be mentioned separately in all Acts of Parliament passed at Westminster. When the Crimean War ended the Peace Treaty forgot to include Berwick so technically Berwick are still at war with Russia. Some of the original town structure still stands today, dating back to the 14th Century and the fortifications are among the finest anywhere in Europe.
Details: 01289 330 733
Crumstane Farm Park
Duns
Berwickshire
TD11 3LS
Opened in 1990 as part of a working farm, Crumstane Farm Park has developed as a centre for native livestock as well as more unusual breeds. With over 60 breeds on display, many of the livestock are or have been recognised as rare or minority breeds by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Price: Adult £2.00 Child £1.20
Hours: Good Friday - Sep 10:00 - 18:00
Details: 01361 883 268
Drumlanrig's Tower
1 Towerknowe
Hawick
TD9 9EN
'The Black Tower of Drumlanrig' is an imposing landmark in the Scottish Borders town of Hawick. The Tower has borne silent witness to the savage cross-border warfare and bitter inter-family feuding which marked the towns turbulent past. The story is traced from its earliest years as a 16th Century fortified tower house and stronghold of Douglas power, through to its development as a genteel 18th Century residence for Anne, Duchess of Monmouth and Buccleuch.
Hours: March - May & Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00; June - Sep Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:30, Sun 12:00 - 17:00; July & Aug Mon - Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00
Details: 01450 373 457
Eyemouth Museum
Berwickshire
Scotland
The local fisher-lassies, who 'travelled the herring' are not forgotten - imagine what it was like to gut, salt and pack all those fish into barrels in fishing towns right down the East Coast and England. In the fisherfolk's cottage kitchen you will see things as they were over 100 years ago, and even almost smell the wood-smoke from the grate.
Hours: Apr - June & Sep Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 13:00 - 15:00; July & Aug Mon - Sat 10:00 -18:00, Sun 11:30 - 16:30; Oct Mon- - Sat 10:00 - 12:30 & 13:30 - 16:30, Closed Sundays
Details: 018907 506 78
Floors Castle
Roxburghe Estate
Roxburghshire
TD5 7SF
The largest inhabited castle in Scotland is home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. Wander through spectacular State rooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings. Walk along the signposted riverbank and woodland nature trails and see local wildlife and many rare trees. You can also have a picnic by the River Tweed or in the walled garden with its new children's playground equipment.
Price: Adult £5.00 Child £3.00 Family £14.00
Hours: 2nd Apr- - 31st Oct 10:00 - 16:30 (last admission 17:00)
Details: 01573 223 333
Gretna Green
Just north of the Border on the A74
 When people hear the name Gretna Green their thoughts often step back in time to the history of runaway marriages. The World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop is at the heart of this fascinating tradition. Runaway marriages began in 1753 when an Act was passed which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old then consent had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply to Scotland where it was, and still is, possible to get married at 16 years of age, with or without parental consent. This led to many "elopers" fleeing England and their angry parents to get married in Scotland. Gretna Green is the first village at which they arrived. The Blacksmith's Shop, the focal point of the village became the centre of the marriage trade.
Gretna Registrar's Office: 01467 337 635
The Old Blacksmith's Shop, Price: Adult £1.50 Child: free
Hours: Apr - June Mon - Sun 9:00 - 18:00; July - Sep 9:00 - 20:00; Oct Mar 9:00 - 17:00
Details: 01461 338 441
Harmony Gardens
Melrose
A tranquil garden offering herbaceous and mixed borders, lawns, vegetable and fruit areas. Fine views of Melrose Abbey and the Eildon Hills. The early 19th Century house (not open to visitors) was named 'Harmony' after the Jamaican plantation where its first owner made his fortune.
Hours: 1st Apr - 30th Sep Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 13:00 - 17:30
Details: 01721 722 502
The Hirsel
Coldstream
TD12 4LP
Hirsel House itself is not open to the public, but throughout the year the grounds are open during reasonable hours. They have much to interest the visitor who values the peace and ever changing beauty of the countryside. There is something for the ornithologist, botanist, forester, zoologist, historian and archaeologist. The estate covers some 3,000 acres and is run as a commercial farming and forestry enterprise.
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 weekdays, 12:00 - 17:00 weekends
Details: 01890 882 834
Jedforest Deer and Farm Park
Mervinslaw Estate
Camptown
Jedburgh
TD8 6PL
For a great family day out that's really different, why not explore the farm with a difference? Admire the magnificent herds of deer and find out more about deer farming. See how they look after the animals and protect the countryside. Watch the farm in action on the special demonstration days. Explore the farm animals of yesteryear within their large conservation collection of rare breeds of sheep, pigs, cattle, chickens, ducks and others. Gaze at the collection of birds of prey, marvel as they fly gracefully through the air. You even get a chance to cuddle and feed the animals in the 'clapping corner', a must for all the family.
Hours: May - Aug 10:00 - 17:30; Sep - Oct 11:00 - 16:30
Details: 01835 840 364
Kailzie Gardens
Peebles
A large domestic garden on the grand scale, Kailzie Gardens lie within a traditional estate occupying a beautiful position on the River Tweed. Surrounded by magnificent hills, and planted with a wide variety of mature specimen trees. Within the walled gardens are greenhouses, herbaceous borders, and many unusual species of shrubs, laburnum arches and an enchanting rose garden. The 15 acres of wild garden feature woodland and burn side walks.
Price: Adult £2.50 Child 75p
Hours: Mar - Oct 11:00 - 17:30; Nov - Feb Daylight Hours
Details: 01721 720 007
Manderston House
Duns
Berwickshire
 Manderston, its buildings, park and gardens form an ensemble that is unique in Britain, Georgian in taste, but with all the elaborate planning for Edwardian convenience and comfort. Visitors will find much to enjoy. There was no expense spared on the making of the house. The quality experienced throughout the house embracing design, craftsmanship and materials makes Manderston the most outstanding house of its age. Here visitors can not only see the sumptuous staterooms decorated in the Adam manner but also the only silver staircase in the world.
Hours: 13th May - 26th Sep 14:00 - 17:00 Thursdays & Sundays
Details: 01361 883 450
Mary Queen of Scots House
Jedburgh
After her famous ride to visit her future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, at Hermitage Castle in 1566, Mary Queen of Scots got a fever and stayed in this house to recover. Since then the building has been turned into a visitor's centre which tells the tragic story of her life in a series of three rooms. It features beautiful tapestries, oil paintings, furniture, coats of arms, armour and some of the Queens possessions all dating back to the mid 1600s.
Price: Adult £2.00 Child £1.00
Hours: Easter - Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:45, Sun 10:00 - 16:30
Details: 01835 863 331
Mellerstain
Near Gordon
Berwickshire
Mellerstain, one of Scotland's great Georgian houses was begun in 1725 by William Adam and completed several years later by his famous son, Robert. First mentioned in 1451, the estate was granted by Royal Charter to George Baillie of Jerviswood in 1642. His descendent, George Baillie and his wife Lady Grisell Baillie commissioned the design of the present house. The interior decoration is outstanding, the ceilings are especially worthy of note, having been preserved in the original Adam colours. The library is a masterpiece of classical decoration and colour.
Hours: Good Friday - Easter Monday & 1st May - 30th Sep 12:30 - 17:00 (except Saturdays) (last admission 16:30)
Details: 01573 410 225
Melrose Abbey
Melrose
At one point this was probably one of the richest Abbeys in Scotland. Built in the 12th Century this it endured an attack by an invading English army in 1385. It was rebuilt in the 15th Century by Robert the Bruce. His heart was reburied in the grounds recently after it was dug up in its original lead container. In the 19th Century Sir Walter Scott repaired some more of the Abbey including many on the gargoyles which have among them a pig playing the bagpipes.
Price: Adult £2.80 Child £1.00
Hours: Apr - Sep Mon - Sat 9:30 - 18:30, Sun 14:00 - 18:30; Oct - Mar Mon - Sat 9:30 - 16:30, Sun 14:00 - 16:30
Details: 01896 822 562
Paxton House & Country Park
Berwick Upon Tweed
TD15 1SZ
Paxton House combines the best in 18th Century architecture, fine and decorative art, with beautiful Scottish Borders countryside, wildlife and the unspoiled natural beauty of the River Tweed. With excellent visitor facilities and plenty to see and do, Paxton has something to interest everyone. With 80 acres of gardens, parkland, woodland and riverside walks, it is a superb place to relax and appreciate nature.
Hours: 11:00 - 17:00
Details: 01289 386 291
Robert Smail's Printing Works
High Street
Innerleithen
Discover here how the printing industry worked at the beginning of the century. See the printing presses in action and try typesetting by hand. Victorian office, reconstructed water-wheel and many other historic items are on display.
Hours: Good Friday - Easter Monday & 1st May - 3rd Oct Mon - Sat 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00, Sun 14:00 - 17:00
Details: 01896 830 206
Teddy Melrose Teddy Bear Museum
The Wynd
Melrose
Fascinating displays record the heritage of British Teddy Bears from the early 1900 Bruins through to today's artist designer bears. Visitors can meet their life long friends, Winnie the Pooh, Rupert and Paddington with their creator's story. The collector's bear shop displays contemporary Scottish designer bears alongside pots of teddy gifts.
Hours: Summer Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00
Details: 01896 823 854
Thirlestane Castle
By Lauder
Scottish Borders
Just outside Lauder, on the banks of the Leader, is Thirlestane Castle, seat of the Earl of Lauderdale. Thirlestane Castle started life a defensive fort built by the English army during the War of Rough Wooing in 1548. Two years later, in 1550, Lauder Fort was surrendered during the Peace Treaty of Bologne and was dismantled. The present castle dates from the 1590s, and the magnificent main rooms have beautiful plasterwork ceilings. The old nurseries hold a collection of historic toys.
Price: Castle and Grounds £4.50 Family £11.00 Grounds only £1.50
Hours: Good Friday - Easter Monday & 1st May - 31st Oct 11:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:15)
Details: 01578 722 430
Trimontium
Ormiston Institute
The Square
Melrose
See the story of Trimontium, Agricola's 'Three Peaks' Roman fort and annexes at Newstead in the Tweed Valley (80AD - 185 AD), high above the river crossing, stretching up to the Celtic tribal capital on the North peak - Eildon Hill North. Do not miss the Roman military atmosphere, or the Roman skull and his face mask, or Claudius flooring Britannia. There is also the Lost Legion's video that tells the story of the Romans and is narrated by Leonard Nimoy.
Price: Adult £1.30 Child 80p Family £3.60
Hours: 1st Apr - 31st Oct 10:30 - 16:30
Details: 01896 822 651
Click on any of the categories below to find detailed local information:
REGIONAL INTRODUCTION GOLF WINING & DINING
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