THINGS TO SEE AND DO

 We are extremely lucky to live in the Scottish borders and delighted to share it with you. As the gateway to Scotland, the Scottish Borders is rich in history and beauty. The magnificent and famous River Tweed has been an integral part of it’s history and culture for centuries. The river stretches for 97 miles to its mouth at Berwick-upon-Tweed where it finally meets the North Sea. The landscape surrounding the river is stunning with rolling hills, craggy peaks, forests and waterfalls.  Along its path there are numerous opportunities for you to explore this stunning Scottish landscape on foot or by bike and indulge in some salmon fishing.  We are lucky to have so many interesting and important Houses and Abbey ruins on our doorstep. Kelso, Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey ruins are well worth a visit. Some of the Historic houses dotted through the rolling countryside are Mellerstain, a Robert Adam beauty. Floors Castle. Thirlestane Castle and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott to name but a few.

 
There are 100’s of miles of dedicated walks and national trails within easy reach. While staying on Bughtrig estate, you have a view of two of the major hill ranges. To the north, the Lammermuirs and to the south, the Cheviots. Both wonderful walking opportunities.

 The immediate policies and estate are available for your use, with walks from your door. Beautiful formal gardens with a sculpture trail and a small museum dedicated to Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, a key figure in the 2nd World war and Grandfather to the current owner.

Mark, our gardener, is delighted to answer any horticultural questions. If you enjoy tennis, we are delighted to share our court with you and your guests.

 Kelso, 8 miles away, is a beautiful market town. It could keep you busy all day, with it’s charming independent shops, abundance of cafes and restaurants and charming market square and it’s own race course.

EXCURSION IDEAS:

 KELSO: For a perfect Kelso day, visit floors castle, just a mile out of the town, lunch at the French bistro at Scotts in Kelso, visit the abbey and stroll along the river.  If you’re keen on racing, check the kelso race course website.

 DUNS: Take a walk to Edin's Hall Broch, an Iron age Hill fort. It is one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in the country and offers valuable insights into the lifestyles and construction techniques of the people who inhabited this area over two thousand years ago. Lunch at The Woodlands Cafe, Abbey St Bathans TD11 3TX (open only at weekends, make sure you check opening times) or lunch at The Black Bull and visit the Jim Clark Museum.

FORD AND ETAL: Hay Farm is a wonderful place for all the family. A rare breed farm with a resident breeding programme for Clydesdale horses brought back to the area after 50+ years, rare breed pigs, ducks and geese. There is an onsite café which uses locally sourced produce and serves a home made menu. From here head to the Heatherslaw working mill and light railway for a charming trip in this miniature train. Lunch, Tea and cakes are served in the mill café.

MELROSE: Melrose is 30 mins away and another really lovely town. Visit the gardens at Harmony house and the abbey opposite. Lunch at Burts and then take a walk across the bridge to Gattonside.  If you’re still there in the evening, The Hoebridge in Gattonside is a must (book in advance).

BERWICK UPON TWEED: The coast to the East is a mere 25 mins away and has a huge choice of beaches.  Head to Berwick upon Tweed and walk the wall, then head along the coast to the Barn at Beale for lunch and head to Holy Island for beach walks and explore Lindisfarne (make sure you check the crossing times). Or if you fancy a bonding afternoon with the children painting pottery and then a walk on the beach, head to Pot a doodle doo (5 mins out of Berwick) https://potadoodledo.com and then perhaps a walk on Cocklawburn beach, just beyond.

BAMBURGH: Further south down the coast is the beautiful coastal town of Bamburgh.  Visit the castle and lunch at The Potted Lobster.

NORTH BERWICK AND GULLANE: To the north east, North Berwick and Gullane are worth a visit. Lunch at the Bonny Badger in Gullane and then shopping in North Berwick and plenty of beach walks.

JEDBURGH: To the west, Jedburgh, where Mary Queen of Scots was housed for a time during her “house arrest”. You can visit and read all about this fascinating period in history. There is also plenty of cashmere shopping opportunities.

WOOLER: To the south, Wooler with it’s antique shops and new distillery with great new restaurant. If you head another 10 mins south, you’ll come across Powburn Antiques which is fun for a browse.

EDINBURGH: To the North, Edinburgh, only an hour and 15 mins away is a must. George street shopping, the new St James Centre shopping mall, National Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, Grass Market. For the children Camera Obscurer and Dynamic earth are fabulous fun and educational.

If you fancy a walk from your cottage to have lunch or dinner, the local village (Leitholm) has a pub, The Plough where you will receive a warm welcome. (check opening times and up to date menu’s)

 Other local eateries include:

 The Black Bull, Duns

The Allanton Inn, Allanton

The Collingwood Arms, Corn Hill

The Wheatsheaf, Swinton

The Black Bull, Lowick

 We hope you enjoy all The Scottish Borders has to offer and really look forward to welcoming you to Bughtrig Estate.