A Day in The Scottish Borders

During my recent trip to Scotland I decided to do the unconventional and spend a day in the Scottish Borders.  I went south into the lowlands instead of north into the highlands. And what I found surpassed my every expectation. I was completely blown away by the historic abbeys, beautiful stately homes, quaint small towns, fascinating towers and castles, rolling hills, and a beautiful coastline. Best of all, none of the crowds you normally find during the summer months.  So, if you are planning a trip to Scotland I urge you to take the path less traveled. Be different and spend at least a day in the Scottish Borders.

How to Spend a Day In The Scottish Borders

There is so much to see and do that a day in the Scottish Borders will definitely not be enough to cover it all. You could easily spend a week exploring this underrated part of Scotland. However I know many have limited time. And since the Borders is so accessible to both Edinburgh and Glasgow it actually makes for a great day trip. So here is a taste of what a day in the Scottish Borders can look like and some of the great things you can see and do.

Crack The Code With a Visit to Rosslyn Chapel

Located in the little village of Rosslin, Rosslyn Chapel was brought to the spotlight by Dan Brown in his book “The Da Vinci Code”.  Many come to visit seeking some truth. However, regardless of what you believe of The Da Vinci Code or the Templars, Rosslyn Chapel is a great place to visit.

This beautiful gothic style chapel has been around since 1446 and while it is small it is filled with much character.  The chapel has a multitude of incredible sculptures and architecture. Many of which if you look closely seem at odds with the Catholic Church.  For example pagan fertility gods, devil faces and references to Norse mythology.

Also quite interesting is that this chapel survived the reformation largely unscathed. Considering how turbulent those years were it is quite impressive to see how well preserved it all is. Funny enough, I learned that the building was used at one point as a stable, so perhaps changing its purpose helped keep it intact. 

If you are planning a visit make sure to allow between 1 hr – 2 hrs depending on your level of interest in learning the history.  The visitor center does provide quite a bit of information and you can also take advantage of guided tours with your admission.  For more information on admission cost and hours check out the Official Rosslyn Chapel Website.  

Pro Tip – Don’t miss Rosslyn Castle which is only a 10 min walk away. 

Explore The Ruins of Crichton Castle

This castle seems to be in the middle of nowhere but in reality it is quite close to Edinburgh.  It sit on top of a hill overlooking the river Tyne and has an ominous and forbidding sense to it.  

We were not able to explore the inside of the castle as it was unexpectedly closed.  However I am told there is a remarkable diamond carved courtyard wall that is based on one from a palace in Italy (Palazzo dei Diamante in Ferrara).

Even though I did not get to see the inside I enjoyed exploring the ground including the nearby roofless stables.

Famous Ties to The Castle

Crichton Castle has historical ties to Mary Queen of Scots through her marriage to the 4th Earl of Bothwell. Due to treason, the Crichtons lost the property which was passed to Patrick Hepburn, Lord Hailes, who was later made Earl of Bothwell. One of his family members was James Hepburn, Mary, Queen of Scots third and final husband. 

Another famous connection to the castle is Scottish historical novelist an poet Sir Walter Scott who wrote a poem mentioning the castle. Here is an expert of said poem:

“At length up that wild dale they wind,

Where Crichtoun Castle crowns the bank;

For there the Lion’s care assigned

A lodging meet for Marmion’s rank.

That Castle rises on the steep

Of the green vale of Tyne:

And far beneath, where slow they creep

From pool to eddy, dark and deep,

Where alders moist and willows weep,

You hear her streams repine.” – by Sir Walter Scott

Pro tip: Don’t forget to visit Right Crichton Collegiate Church which is right next to the car park for the castle. The church is still in use although not open all year to the public. However the grounds and cemetery surrounding it are peaceful and beautiful. 

Be Inspired by Scotts View

The viewpoint is called Scotts View because it is rumored to be Sir Walter Scotts favorite lookout in the borders.  

Sir Walter Scott although born in Edinburgh, spent much of his life in the Borders. Even building Abbortsford House which eventually became his home.  

Scotts View is where he came to contemplate life and get inspiration for his poems and novels. It is said he came to this viewpoint so frequently that his horses learned over time to stop here without his command.  Furthermore, it is said that during his funeral and procession his horses stoped here out of habit and allowed him one last view of his favorite place. 

Regardless, Scotts View is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch, take in the sweeping views, and stretch your legs before moving on to visit other nearby abbeys and/or castles.

Pro Tip: Nearby is the Wallace Statute which is older than the more famous one in Stirling. Honestly I did not find the statute very impressive but there is a pretty woodland walk if you feel the need to stretch your legs a bit more otherwise just skip it. 

Delve Into The Past & See The Resting Place of a Poet at Dryburgh Abbey

The Borders  has many Abbeys in close proximity and you can easily spend a day exclusively visiting them. Kelso is probably the smallest, Jedburgh is impressive and gives the most sense of scale, Melrose is grand and perhaps the most famous. But we had time for only one and sometimes the path less traveled is the way to go.  So we picked Dryburgh the most secluded of the Abbeys. It is also where Sir Walter Scott is buried (I am starting to sense a them here). 

A Whimsical Photoshoot

The location of Dryburgh is quite special.  It is nestled in the woodlands by the River Tweed and the surroundings exude peace and tranquility. It is also in my opinion a very romantic setting.  So, it was a perfect place for a whimsical photoshoot with Kristy Ashton and her partner Richard Jackson from The Auld Romantics. 

I am not a model, and am not used to being in front of the camera. Therefore,  I was really surprised by how at ease Kristy and Richard made me feel and how much fun we had. I was wearing a dress in cool weather, no shoes (which made my feet wet and dirty) and was sitting on a very uncomfortable pointy rock. Yet somehow none of it mattered and I had the most magical experience. All I remember is that in those moments I became the heroine of a Romance Novel. But not one who needs rescuing.  But a strong and fearless woman following her dreams….and they captured the spirit of the moment perfectly. 

Now back to the Abbey…

I was really impressed with Dryburgh Abbey. Established in 1150 it has beautiful gothic architecture. But, what is most impressive, is that despite it being set on fire 3 times and being ravished by war it is mostly intact.  It was probably my favorite stop all day and I could have spent hours exploring and photographing every nook and cranny.  If you can see only one Abbey make it this one. 

Climb to The Top of Smailholm Tower

There are many peel towers scattered across The Borders. But for our day out in The Scottish Borders we chose to visit Smailholm Tower.  It is a 65 ft tower-house that sits proudly on top of a rocky hill commanding superior views of the surrounding countryside.  And as with most peel towers their main purpose was protection. 

Continuing with the Sir. Walter Scott theme and according to the Historic Environment Scotland “Ancestors of the great Romantic novelist called the tower home, and Scott learned the power of border ballads as a young infant living on the estate.”

If you go inside you will find The Historic Environment Scotland reception and shop, visitor displays and some permanent exhibitions featuring tapestries and costumed figures.  Make sure to climb to the top and take in the views.

Wander Around The Seaside Village of St Abbs, The Nature Reserve & The Lighthouse

If you are taking a day trip to the Scottish Borders then St. Abbs should be on your list.  This seaside town seems to have it all. A beautiful Nature Preserve which is home to around 50,000 sea birds. Miles of rugged coastline and beautiful hiking trails. A lighthouse with a stunning location. And a cute harbor which has now been featured as New Asgard in the popular Avengers movie Endgame.  

The Nature Reserve And The St. Abbs Lighthouse

During our visit the weather was windy and cold (yup you never know what you get even in June).  And to be honest I was tired and cold so decided against the coastal path to the lighthouse.

I only took a short walk to see some of the rugged coastline, however my friend Lena was determined to see the lighthouse and embarked on the journey alone. Quite frankly I had a small moment of regret after seeing her pictures. Thankfully she has allowed me to share them with you so that you can be inspired to visit yourself.

The St. Abbs Lighthouse was built 1862 and was once manned by three keepers until automation took over in 1994. It is an important lighthouse as it signals the entrance to the Firth of Forth.

The trails in the area are clearly marked and asside from the beautiful panoramic views and the lighthouse, you can see many seabirds. Bird watching is a popular activity in the area especially from May to August when the cliffs have thousands of birds that call it home. Some of the species you can expect to see are guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and of course my favorite – puffins. 

If you are interested in seeing Puffins while in Scotland there are several places including this one that you can go. A few years ago I had close encounters with them on the Isle of Lunga and I highly recommend that day trip.

Read More – Seeing Puffins on the Isle of Lunga

The Seaside Village of St. Abs

We parked near the Old Smiddy Coffee Shop where there is a coffee shop of course, public toilets and a cool looking Yurt that seemed brand new and is available to rent via AirBnB. If you have not used AirBnB before and want a $30 off your first stay you can use this promotional code here.  

While Lena took her walk to the lighthouse we walked to the village which is only about 10 min walk.  On the way there you can see an old church perched on a hill then you will pass the official visitor center before arriving at the view point.  

St. Abbs is a small fishing village in a rugged setting. The compact town and harbor won’t take long to visit.  A half hour to forty five minutes is plenty of time to take a stroll in this picturesque seaside town.

Additionally St Abbs is also a Marine Reserve. And if you are a scuba diver I am told that St. Abbs is a great spot for heading underwater to explore. The waters are clear and there is an abundance of marine life due to the series of caves and tunnels created by erosion over the years. So if that is an activity you enjoy make sure to make time for it.  

Discover The Magic of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle

There is something magical and romantic about a clifftop castle.  My favorite castle in Scotland is Dunnottar and I was very excited to be able to get a glance at another of Scotlands clifftop beauties. 

Because it was late in the day, the castle and its grounds were not be open.  Additionally the tides were high so the beach view point was not an option.  So we found a different spot to watch the sunset and have Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock as our backdrop.  I must say that while it was not the most beautiful sunset I have seen, there was no better way to end our day in the Scottish Borders.

I will have to return during the day to explore the castle itself. Perhaps even see it from the beach as well. But I was pleased to be able to see it, at least for a little bit, at sunset.  And best of all these were moments shared in the company of friends.  This day in the Scottish Borders is a day I will not soon forget. 

Read More – Magical Castles to Visit on Your Scotland Holiday

Other Options For a Day in The Scottish Borders

Because it was four of us during our day in The Scottish Borders we tried to make it a varied day. We tried to have something in the itinerary each one of us wanted to experience.

But with so much to see and do you can make your day in the Scottish Borders as unique as you. This day in the Scottish Borders was just a sample so you can see what it has to offer.  A small taste so that perhaps on your visit to Scotland you head South for a day instead of North.  

And here are some additional attractions to see while in the Scottish Borders: Floors Caste & Gardens, Traquair House, Abbotsford the Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose Abbey, Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, Duns Castle, Hermitage Castle, Thirlestane Castle….

This itinerary is assuming a self drive tour. However please note that you can access many places in the Scottish Borders by public transport.  Also there are some great tour companies like Rabbies who provide several tour options of the Scottish Borders.  So if you do not wish to drive you can still spend a fabulous day in this beautiful part of Scotland. 

Pin For Later

Have you been to the Scottish Borders? Which of these places do you wish to visit? Always happy to hear from you so leave your comments below or feel free to get social with me on Instagram or Facebook.