The Scottish Borders has to so much to offer and it's now more accessible than ever with the Borders Railway.
With travelling time less than one hour, enjoy iconic city views and picture-perfect countryside sweeping past your train window on one of Scotland’s great scenic rail journeys.
Hop off at one of the 10 stops along the route to enjoy way-marked walking routes, family friendly attractions or explore the rich culture and history of Scotland’s leading cycling destination on two-wheels.
Linking the Borders Railway with communities and visitor attractions, the hop-on, hop-off bus calls at Galashiels, Tweedbank, Melrose, Scott's View, Dryburgh and St Boswells, giving easy access to local tourist attractions
Whether you are looking for adventure, history, food and drink or family fun we have it all and to help guide you on your journey we have put together some example itineraries which can help you to plan your visit.
Attend an event
There so much going on in each of the areas served by the railway: Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders. You should also check out event calendars on VisitScotland, The List and ‘This is Edinburgh’. If it's a day trip at the weekend, a week off work, or simply an evening adventure in the Summer months, each region served by the line has something which will appeal to everyone.
From tasty food and drink, country walks, culture, family fun, history and heritage, you're bound to find an adventure aboard Borders Railway.
Explore
You can find great ideas about what to do and see along the Borders Railway from Visit Scotland or browse our suggestions below.
Adventure
Adventure is easy to find along the route of the Borders Railway - starting with the walks on Arthur’s Seat in the heart of Edinburgh, then further out via the year-round ski-slopes on the edge of the city. The Pentland Hills are the back-drop to other leisure and adventure options - and also the introduction to the classic landscapes of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Hill-slopes mean mountain biking, woodlands are for laser combat, the lovely river valleys of the Scottish Borders are for angling, while the quiet roads and hill-tracks attract cyclists - in short there’s plenty of choice within easy reach of the railheads.
Food & Drink
With farmers markets, food-themed walking tours and venues for connoisseurs of spirits, Scotland’s capital has plenty of choice. And within easy reach of Midlothian’s stations there are some ‘hidden gems’ - cafes and restaurants where the emphasis is on good Scottish local produce. This theme continues the length of the railway line: Scottish Borders folk are certainly good food enthusiasts, supporting a wide range of quality delis and all kinds of local and artisan food businesses.
Family Fun
Train travel comes with ‘family-friendly’ built in. The city choices start with traditional attractions like Edinburgh Zoo, while Midlothian offers great country parks and family fun centres. The Scottish Borders cycle choice is world-class while plenty of stately homes and castles provide lots of diversions for children.
Film & TV trail
The rail route between Waverley Station and Tweedbank passes near a variety of film and TV locations - starting with Waverley Station itself. Movie buffs can pick up on a number of themes, from light romantic comedy to Highland fantasy - as well as the private life of Queen Victoria!
History, Heritage & Culture
Heritage, culture and Scotland’s capital all go together: iconic venues such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland set the tone. Not far from the city, Rosslyn Chapel is unique and thought provoking, while Newbattle Abbey had a special role in the story of Scotland. The National Mining Museum Scotland is a reminder of the industrial heritage of Scotland. This theme is picked up again at Hawick’s Textile Tower House, which neatly links wool and weaving back to the monks of the Border Abbeys, who began it all. Finally, no visit to the Scottish Borders is complete without becoming acquainted with Scotland’s champion: Sir Walter Scott and his extraordinary house at Abbotsford.
Extend your stay
From campsites to 5-star hotels, the Borders Railway catchment offers exceptional accommodation options for all budgets and tastes. Find your perfect stay via VisitScotland.
Travel further
For public transport around the Borders Railway route you can get information and advice from Traveline Scotland, which also operates a telephone line 0871 200 22 33 open 24hrs per day (calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).
For the more active, there are plenty of options for cycling or walking to continue your journey or experience the best of the local scenery.
If you’ve enjoyed visiting the Borders Railway region you might want to help spread the word by becoming one of our champions.
Signposts
Great Visitor Attractions
Our attractions, accommodation providers, local producers, pubs and restaurants are all developing new ideas and products to further enhance their quality. We’re proud to support their enterprise and hard work.
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Johnstons of Elgin
Purveyors of the finest cashmere and woollen woven products since 1797, Johnstons of Elgin are renowned globally for their outstanding quality. With mills based in Elgin and Hawick, free guided tours are available every weekday for visitors to discover for themselves how their garments and accessories are knitted from start to finish.
Johnstons of Elgin pride themselves on employing local craftsmen and women to continue the brand’s legacy, and generations of Borders’ ‘folk’ have worked in the mill on the River Teviot for many years.
Once you’ve experienced the mill tour, take time to browse the retail store. Treat yourself to your own piece of cashmere from their extensive ladies and menswear collections.
There is also a fantastic home interiors range to peruse if you’re looking for a luxurious addition to your home.
Don’t miss the chance to sample the finest local produce and exquisite home baking in the café. Open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and Afternoon Tea, with a children’s’ menu available too. Serving freshly ground coffee and speciality teas, as well as a host of fresh sandwiches, homemade soups, baked potatoes, salads and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit Johnstons of Elgin online to book your free mill tour. There is no limit to the number of people you can bring in your party and the site is fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any further requirements, simply state this when booking and they will do their best to help.