Keith’s guidebook

Sightseeing

Places of interest in and around Hawick

Hermitage Castle

A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, Hermitage is associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots. Hermitage Castle is found in a beautiful rural location in Liddesdale and its turbulent history has led to it being described as ‘the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain’. Partly restored in the 19th century, the castle was originally built by Lord de Soules in the 1240s. For most of its existence, the castle was the key to controlling the Scottish Middle March. The castle also has a romantic past, with the Mary of Queen of Scots visiting her secret lover, the 4th Earl of Bothwell here when he was injured and on his sickbed. Sir Walter Scott was also fond of this castle and had himself painted with it in the background. Nearby is the 14th century Hermitage Chapel. Hermitage Castle is not easily accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. The site has an uneven grass surface which can get boggy and the castle has many interior steps. There is a good view of the castle from the road.

16 yerel halk öneriyor

Hermitage Castle

16 yerel halk öneriyor

A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, Hermitage is associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots. Hermitage Castle is found in a beautiful rural location in Liddesdale and its turbulent history has led to it being described as ‘the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain’. Partly restored in the 19th century, the castle was originally built by Lord de Soules in the 1240s. For most of its existence, the castle was the key to controlling the Scottish Middle March. The castle also has a romantic past, with the Mary of Queen of Scots visiting her secret lover, the 4th Earl of Bothwell here when he was injured and on his sickbed. Sir Walter Scott was also fond of this castle and had himself painted with it in the background. Nearby is the 14th century Hermitage Chapel. Hermitage Castle is not easily accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. The site has an uneven grass surface which can get boggy and the castle has many interior steps. There is a good view of the castle from the road.

Heart of Hawick

Formerly a disused spinning mill featuring a 14-foot high Victorian waterwheel, Heart of Hawick has been completely transformed into Hawick’s premier entertainment venue including café overlooking the Slitrig River. An 108 seat auditorium cinema screens quality crowd-pleasers and family films, foreign language and art-house showings as well as broadcasts of the latest productions from the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Opera House. We also host some wonderful performances with live music every Monday and a theatre programme throughout the year.

13 yerel halk öneriyor

Heart of Hawick

2 Kirkstile

13 yerel halk öneriyor

Formerly a disused spinning mill featuring a 14-foot high Victorian waterwheel, Heart of Hawick has been completely transformed into Hawick’s premier entertainment venue including café overlooking the Slitrig River. An 108 seat auditorium cinema screens quality crowd-pleasers and family films, foreign language and art-house showings as well as broadcasts of the latest productions from the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Opera House. We also host some wonderful performances with live music every Monday and a theatre programme throughout the year.

Borders Textile Towerhouse

Drumlanrig's Tower is a beautifully restored building which uses period rooms, figures and audio-visuals to explain the turbulent past of the town and the tower. Drumlanrig's Tower houses the local Tourist Information centre, as well as exhibits on on the town, its History, and the Knitwear Industry, with a new exhibit showcasing the best of the work of the Towns Mills. After being renovated during the £10 million Heart of Hawick regeneration project, It has been renamed the "Border Textile Towerhouse" and tells the story behind some of the worlds most famous fashions as well as hosting events and supporting many projects incorporating fashion and textiles. The tower is open all year round and admission is free.

Borders Textile Towerhouse

1 Tower Knowe

Drumlanrig's Tower is a beautifully restored building which uses period rooms, figures and audio-visuals to explain the turbulent past of the town and the tower. Drumlanrig's Tower houses the local Tourist Information centre, as well as exhibits on on the town, its History, and the Knitwear Industry, with a new exhibit showcasing the best of the work of the Towns Mills. After being renovated during the £10 million Heart of Hawick regeneration project, It has been renamed the "Border Textile Towerhouse" and tells the story behind some of the worlds most famous fashions as well as hosting events and supporting many projects incorporating fashion and textiles. The tower is open all year round and admission is free.

The Borders Distillery

The first Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The Borders Distillery is the first Scotch Whisky Distillery to operate legally since 1837. Located in the middle of Hawick, it is housed in fully restored Victorian industrial buildings. Great care was taken to preserve the built heritage of the site and many original features were retained. We are open from Monday to Saturday and tours run every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 16:00, cost £12, and feature a guided tour of the buildings, the distillery and a dram to finish.

6 yerel halk öneriyor

The Borders Distillery

Commercial Road

6 yerel halk öneriyor

The first Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. The Borders Distillery is the first Scotch Whisky Distillery to operate legally since 1837. Located in the middle of Hawick, it is housed in fully restored Victorian industrial buildings. Great care was taken to preserve the built heritage of the site and many original features were retained. We are open from Monday to Saturday and tours run every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 16:00, cost £12, and feature a guided tour of the buildings, the distillery and a dram to finish.

Wilton Lodge Park

Wilton Lodge Park, is a beautiful park where you can enjoy gorgeous Scottish Borders scenery. Award-winning Wilton Lodge Park is one of the most picturesque town parks in Scotland, with its tree lined walks, river, waterfall, formal gardens, museum and walled gardens. In spring there are extensive areas of daffodils, narcissi and flowering trees, and in autumn the gold and russets of the trees are a must. Take a walk through the Violet Woods, joining the park at the western side which continues onto the riverside walks (distance approximately 2000 m). Within the park is a statue commemorating the life of Steve Hislop (Hizzy), the local motorcycling champion who rose to world fame but had his life tragically cut short in 2003. Steve Hislop claimed the British Superbike title in 1995 and 2002, also won 11 races at the Isle of Man TT. Another of Hawick's motorcycling heroes Jimmy Guthrie's statue is also on display. The Legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren's memorial is also on display.

13 yerel halk öneriyor

Wilton Lodge Park

12 Wilton Park Rd

13 yerel halk öneriyor

Wilton Lodge Park, is a beautiful park where you can enjoy gorgeous Scottish Borders scenery. Award-winning Wilton Lodge Park is one of the most picturesque town parks in Scotland, with its tree lined walks, river, waterfall, formal gardens, museum and walled gardens. In spring there are extensive areas of daffodils, narcissi and flowering trees, and in autumn the gold and russets of the trees are a must. Take a walk through the Violet Woods, joining the park at the western side which continues onto the riverside walks (distance approximately 2000 m). Within the park is a statue commemorating the life of Steve Hislop (Hizzy), the local motorcycling champion who rose to world fame but had his life tragically cut short in 2003. Steve Hislop claimed the British Superbike title in 1995 and 2002, also won 11 races at the Isle of Man TT. Another of Hawick's motorcycling heroes Jimmy Guthrie's statue is also on display. The Legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren's memorial is also on display.

Hawick Museum

Discover a town’s treasures in an historic house in beautiful parkland. Hawick Museum is home to objects and artworks that are not just about Hawick, but a window on the world. There is always something new to see with a lively programme of changing art and museum exhibitions throughout the year. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives of Hawick’s two tragic motorcycle champions. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room reveals the stories of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars with military memorabilia, wartime souvenirs and audio-visuals. Discover a town's treasure in an historic house set in beautiful parkland. This 18th century mansion became home to the town's museum in 1910 - the oldest museum in the Scottish Borders. The objects and fine works of art collected are not just about Hawick, but are a window on the world. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives and achievements of Hawick's two tragic motorcycle champions, making the museum a magnet for motorcyclists. The museum, sited next to Hawick’s impressive war memorial, houses the town's hand-painted Rolls of Honour for those who lost their lives in the two world wars. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room tells the story of Hawick's people in Britain's wars, with a fascinating collection of military memorabilia and wartime souvenirs on display. Families will enjoy the Old Schoolroom and Park Gallery with their hands-on activities. There's always something new to see with a lively programme of changing museum, art and craft exhibitions throughout the year, with accompanying activities.

Hawick Museum

Discover a town’s treasures in an historic house in beautiful parkland. Hawick Museum is home to objects and artworks that are not just about Hawick, but a window on the world. There is always something new to see with a lively programme of changing art and museum exhibitions throughout the year. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives of Hawick’s two tragic motorcycle champions. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room reveals the stories of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars with military memorabilia, wartime souvenirs and audio-visuals. Discover a town's treasure in an historic house set in beautiful parkland. This 18th century mansion became home to the town's museum in 1910 - the oldest museum in the Scottish Borders. The objects and fine works of art collected are not just about Hawick, but are a window on the world. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions showcase the lives and achievements of Hawick's two tragic motorcycle champions, making the museum a magnet for motorcyclists. The museum, sited next to Hawick’s impressive war memorial, houses the town's hand-painted Rolls of Honour for those who lost their lives in the two world wars. The newly-refurbished War Memorial Room tells the story of Hawick's people in Britain's wars, with a fascinating collection of military memorabilia and wartime souvenirs on display. Families will enjoy the Old Schoolroom and Park Gallery with their hands-on activities. There's always something new to see with a lively programme of changing museum, art and craft exhibitions throughout the year, with accompanying activities.

Fatlips Castle

Fatlips Castle is a Scottish Borders icon perched atop Minto Crags looking out over Teviotdale, past Denholm and Bedrule, onto the famed Ruberslaw mountain, and beyond, towards the English border. This Borders Tower has been known through the centuries as Mantoncrake Castle, Catslick Castle, Minto Castle, and most affectionately as Fatlips Castle. The reason for the name Fatlips remains a mystery with a number of amusing proposed origins. There is evidence of an older fort nearby, possibly from the Bronze Age. Little is known of that fort or how the site was likely used during the Roman occupation. The site was used by the Turnbull Border Reivers from the mid 1300s through the 1600s. In 1375, Walter Turnbull received a charter for the barony of Minto from King David II, son of Robert the Bruce. Walter’s son, “Out with the sword”, John Turnbull, built the first of the second millennium towers atop Minto Crags towards the end of the 1300s. That tower, which provided a distant view towards England, used bonfires to signal the occupants of Bedrule Castle, across the River Teviot to the south, of impending danger. Fatlips Castle was was destroyed in 1545 by Lord Hertford (Edward Seymour) sent by England's King Henry VIII who was pursuing Mary Queen of Scots' betrothal to his son Edward VI. The tower was restored in 1857 by Sir Gilbert Elliot and the interior was renovated by the architect Sir Robert Lorimer in 1898 as a shooting lodge and private Elliot museum. The building fell into grave disrepair during the latter part of the 1900s. In 2013 the exterior was restored. You can now gain a key at Olivers garage in the village of Denholm view the interior of this magnificent monument and climb the steps for a fantastic view over the surrounding countryside

6 yerel halk öneriyor

Fatlips Castle

6 yerel halk öneriyor

Fatlips Castle is a Scottish Borders icon perched atop Minto Crags looking out over Teviotdale, past Denholm and Bedrule, onto the famed Ruberslaw mountain, and beyond, towards the English border. This Borders Tower has been known through the centuries as Mantoncrake Castle, Catslick Castle, Minto Castle, and most affectionately as Fatlips Castle. The reason for the name Fatlips remains a mystery with a number of amusing proposed origins. There is evidence of an older fort nearby, possibly from the Bronze Age. Little is known of that fort or how the site was likely used during the Roman occupation. The site was used by the Turnbull Border Reivers from the mid 1300s through the 1600s. In 1375, Walter Turnbull received a charter for the barony of Minto from King David II, son of Robert the Bruce. Walter’s son, “Out with the sword”, John Turnbull, built the first of the second millennium towers atop Minto Crags towards the end of the 1300s. That tower, which provided a distant view towards England, used bonfires to signal the occupants of Bedrule Castle, across the River Teviot to the south, of impending danger. Fatlips Castle was was destroyed in 1545 by Lord Hertford (Edward Seymour) sent by England's King Henry VIII who was pursuing Mary Queen of Scots' betrothal to his son Edward VI. The tower was restored in 1857 by Sir Gilbert Elliot and the interior was renovated by the architect Sir Robert Lorimer in 1898 as a shooting lodge and private Elliot museum. The building fell into grave disrepair during the latter part of the 1900s. In 2013 the exterior was restored. You can now gain a key at Olivers garage in the village of Denholm view the interior of this magnificent monument and climb the steps for a fantastic view over the surrounding countryside

Melrose Manastırı

Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. The exterior of this magnificent ruin is decorated by unusual sculptures, including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and a bagpipe playing pig. The abbey is also thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.

53 yerel halk öneriyor

Melrose Manastırı

Abbey Street

53 yerel halk öneriyor

Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. The exterior of this magnificent ruin is decorated by unusual sculptures, including hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and a bagpipe playing pig. The abbey is also thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.

Jedburgh Manastırı

One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Explore the fascinating Jedburgh Abbey along with its visitor centre and surrounding herb garden with aromatic plants and a stone display at the west end. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies.

31 yerel halk öneriyor

Jedburgh Manastırı

Abbey Bridge End

31 yerel halk öneriyor

One of the four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. Explore the fascinating Jedburgh Abbey along with its visitor centre and surrounding herb garden with aromatic plants and a stone display at the west end. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies.

Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland's tragic queen. Mary's month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times, but the cult that has grown up around her. The period feel inside the house has been preserved and thoughtful design has allowed the story of Mary's life to be told in an engaging way. The Rogues Gallery introduces the individuals in the drama of Mary's life, while the Last Letter Room reveals her final thoughts before her execution. Also find out about her ill-fated ride to Hermitage Castle to meet her adviser and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, which resulted in her falling gravely ill. She would later lament 'Would that I had died in Jedburgh.' The house sits in attractive gardens, home to some of Jedburgh's famous pear trees, descendants of the original pear trees planted around Jedburgh Abbey in the early 1800s.

9 yerel halk öneriyor

Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre

Queen Street

9 yerel halk öneriyor

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland's tragic queen. Mary's month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times, but the cult that has grown up around her. The period feel inside the house has been preserved and thoughtful design has allowed the story of Mary's life to be told in an engaging way. The Rogues Gallery introduces the individuals in the drama of Mary's life, while the Last Letter Room reveals her final thoughts before her execution. Also find out about her ill-fated ride to Hermitage Castle to meet her adviser and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, which resulted in her falling gravely ill. She would later lament 'Would that I had died in Jedburgh.' The house sits in attractive gardens, home to some of Jedburgh's famous pear trees, descendants of the original pear trees planted around Jedburgh Abbey in the early 1800s.

Floors Castle & Gardens

Discover Floors Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited Castle and visit one of the leading visitor attractions in the Scottish Borders. Floors Castle has been welcoming visitors, groups and special interest tours for over 40 years and is one of the most iconic country houses in Scotland. Visit and explore the collection of fine art, porcelain, newly restored tapestries, grand rooms and superb views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills to the south. Built by leading architect William Adam beteween 1721-1726 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe, it has undergone periodic changes to create the dramatic building you see today, notably during the Victorian period through the work of Scottish architect William Playfair. This magnificent family seat is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, and has been home to ten generations of the Duke's of Roxburghe. Enjoy a wander through atmospheric woodland or a trail by the riverside, a stroll around the stunning Victorian walled garden or just let the children let off steam in our enclosed adventure playground, there is something for everyone. Browse round our Castle Gift range and Castle Kitchen Deli shop for our sought-after selection of preserves and pickles or stay longer and sample tray bakes and delicious lunches in either of our two café’s.

57 yerel halk öneriyor

Floors Castle & Gardens

Roxburgh Street

57 yerel halk öneriyor

Discover Floors Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited Castle and visit one of the leading visitor attractions in the Scottish Borders. Floors Castle has been welcoming visitors, groups and special interest tours for over 40 years and is one of the most iconic country houses in Scotland. Visit and explore the collection of fine art, porcelain, newly restored tapestries, grand rooms and superb views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills to the south. Built by leading architect William Adam beteween 1721-1726 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe, it has undergone periodic changes to create the dramatic building you see today, notably during the Victorian period through the work of Scottish architect William Playfair. This magnificent family seat is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, and has been home to ten generations of the Duke's of Roxburghe. Enjoy a wander through atmospheric woodland or a trail by the riverside, a stroll around the stunning Victorian walled garden or just let the children let off steam in our enclosed adventure playground, there is something for everyone. Browse round our Castle Gift range and Castle Kitchen Deli shop for our sought-after selection of preserves and pickles or stay longer and sample tray bakes and delicious lunches in either of our two café’s.

Keith’s guidebook

Food scene

Night Safe Bistro

Damascus Drum

13 Brew

Adam's Kitchen

Le 2016 French restaurant

The Laughing Buddha

Saffron

Sightseeing

Hermitage Castle

Heart of Hawick

Borders Textile Towerhouse

The Borders Distillery

Wilton Lodge Park

Hawick Museum

Fatlips Castle

Melrose Manastırı

Jedburgh Manastırı

Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre

Floors Castle & Gardens