Skip page header and navigation

Why we love the Borders and Lowlands

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack the punch for adrenaline fuelled adventure, top-notch local seafood and escapism into its mesmerising scenery. Packed with peaks and valleys to head to on a two-wheeled adventure, to taking a walk with its furriest residents, the area is a haven for adventure-seekers, food lovers and explorers. Within easy reach of northern England, and direct routes to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland’s Borders and Lowlands are waiting to be discovered by you.

Things to do in the Borders and Lowlands

For wildlife-filled hikes and invigorating road trips, look to this natural reserve in south-west Scotland.

Go wild at Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

VisitScotland/David N Anderson

Galloway and Sothern Ayshire UNESCO Biosphere
Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Built in the shape of a triangle, this unique 13th-century fortress sits on the southern coast of Scotland.

Plan your visit to Caerlaverock Castle

VisitScotland/Damian Shields

Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle

Head south from Edinburgh to Glentress Forest for epic mountain biking trails, treetop adventures and rare wildlife.

Hit the trail at Glentress

VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Biking the cycle paths of Glentress Forest
Glentress

This is no ordinary castle: Culzean has its very own beach, country park, Adventure Cove – and much more.

Find the fun at Culzean Castle and Country Park

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Culzean Castle and Country Park
Culzean Castle and Country Park

This is where the story of Scotland’s best-loved poet began, with a museum featuring 5,000 artefacts and handwritten manuscripts.

Book tickets for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

VisitScotland

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Maybe you’ll try a full-moon wild swimming session, learn to sail solo, or catch a fish for your supper?

Visit Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Birmingham

Whiteadder Watersports Centre
Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 12km (7.4-mile) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

Whether winter skiing or summertime strolls, this wildlife reserve has an adventure for every season.

Plan your trip to Cairngorms National Park

Lowlands

visitscotland_39088847925
Cairngorms National Park

Dating back to the 12th century, this spiritual spot once served as an Augustinian abbey.

Explore Jedburgh Abbey

Lowlands

Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh Abbey

Visitors of all faiths are welcome, to revel in the historic grandeur of this 12th-century church.

Discover Duddingston Kirk

Shutterstock / Christophe Cappelli

Lowlands

Duddingston Kirk
Duddingston Kirk

With its vibrant programme of art, design and photography, this historic house celebrates Scottish culture.

What’s on at Old Gala House

Phil Wilkinson

Lowlands

Castle Jail Museum and Old Gala House
Old Gala House

Toast your adventure with a dram from the world’s oldest privately owned Scotch Whisky distillery.

Explore Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery

Lowlands

Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
Bladnoch Distillery

This Clydebank distillery has won several awards for its whiskies – and they’re anything but ordinary…

More about Auchentoshan Distillery

Gary Baker/ Auchentoshan Distillery

Lowlands

Auchentoshan Distillery, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire
Auchentoshan Distillery

Praised by the Michelin Guide, this family-run restaurant in Melrose is a true culinary gem.

Book Provender Restaurant & Bar

Visit Scotland

Lowlands

Provender Melrose Restaurant and Bar
Provender Restaurant & Bar

Thanks to both Marvel and Harry Styles, this quaint Borders fishing village is now world-famous.

Plan your trip to St Abbs

Lowlands

visitscotland_50543085741
St Abbs – Avengers Endgame

The TV series has immortalised many of the area’s most spellbinding historic landscapes and monuments.

Discover Outlander filming locations

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Blackness Castle
Outlander – Borders and Lowlands

Discover the many stories and myths behind the Arthurian legend, on this immersive sightseeing route.

More about The Merlin Trail

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Lowlands

An overhead view of the Moffat Hills in Scotland's Southern Uplands
The Merlin Trail

This mighty stronghold dates back to the 14th century, and has a fascinating royal history.

Discover Craigmillar Castle

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle

Step inside a 19th-century prison, to discover what life was like in the cells – and perhaps even spot a ghost…

Explore Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Phil Wilkinson

Lowlands

Jedburgh Castle Jail Museum
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Held in the pretty village of Denholm, this annual November festival celebrates all-things folk music.

More about Denholm Folk Festival

Ian Oliver / Denholm Folk Festival

Lowlands

Denholm Folk Festival
Denholm Folk Festival

For wildlife-filled hikes, great food and invigorating road trips, look to this vast nature reserve.

Go wild at Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Burrow Head Coastal Circuit, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

From outdoor theatre shows to Halloween frights, this historic house knows how to put on a show.

Plan your trip to Floors Castle

VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

Lowlands

Floors Castle, Roxburghe estate, Kelso in Roxburghshire
Floors Castle

Discover priceless artworks, exquisite antiques and beautiful grounds at this impressive stately home in Selkirk.

Get to know Bowhill House

Euan Myles/Bowhill House

Lowlands

Bowhill House, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland
Bowhill House

This garden is always in bloom – from its blue poppies in summer, to winter’s white snowdrops.

Visit Dawyck Botanic Garden

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

Set within a historic castle, this destination spa boasts a sumptuous health club and accommodation.

Relax at Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle

Lowlands

Stobo Castle Rest Room
Stobo Castle

This hotel spa features a Roman-style sauna, Turkish-inspired steam bath and a menu of decadent treatments.

Discover Dalhousie Castle

Sean Elliot Photgraphy/Dalhouseie Castle

Lowlands

Dalhousie Castle Spa
Dalhousie Castle

With its acclaimed restaurant and beautiful suites, this stately hotel celebrates the finer things in life.

Book the Kingsknowes Hotel

Kingsnowes Hotel

Lowlands

Kingsknowes Hotel, Galashiels, Scotland
Kingsknowes Hotel

This grand mansion was the home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers.

What’s on at Abbotsford House

VisitScotland / PRImaging

Lowlands

Abbotsford House
Abbotsford House

Founded in 1136, this magnificent Gothic abbey is where Robert the Bruce’s heart was buried.

Visit Melrose Abbey

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey

Love history? Follow in the footsteps of the Scottish Queen at this magnificent 16th-century towerhouse.

Explore the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Mary Queen of Scots' House and visitor centre
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre

With its bounty of superb local produce, this community market is a must-visit for foodies.

Explore Kelso Farmers’ Market

Visit Kelso

Lowlands

Kelso Farmers’ Market
Kelso Farmers’ Market

This small organic farm has taken the foodie world by storm, winning awards for its sustainably-grown produce.

Shop at East Coast Organics

East Coast Organics

Lowlands

East Coast Organics stall at Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
East Coast Organics

For wildlife-filled hikes and invigorating road trips, look to this natural reserve in south-west Scotland.

Go wild at Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

VisitScotland/David N Anderson

Galloway and Sothern Ayshire UNESCO Biosphere
Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Built in the shape of a triangle, this unique 13th-century fortress sits on the southern coast of Scotland.

Plan your visit to Caerlaverock Castle

VisitScotland/Damian Shields

Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle

Head south from Edinburgh to Glentress Forest for epic mountain biking trails, treetop adventures and rare wildlife.

Hit the trail at Glentress

VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Biking the cycle paths of Glentress Forest
Glentress

This is no ordinary castle: Culzean has its very own beach, country park, Adventure Cove – and much more.

Find the fun at Culzean Castle and Country Park

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Culzean Castle and Country Park
Culzean Castle and Country Park

This is where the story of Scotland’s best-loved poet began, with a museum featuring 5,000 artefacts and handwritten manuscripts.

Book tickets for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

VisitScotland

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Maybe you’ll try a full-moon wild swimming session, learn to sail solo, or catch a fish for your supper?

Visit Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Birmingham

Whiteadder Watersports Centre
Whiteadder Watersports Centre

Tracing the route of an old railway line, this 12km (7.4-mile) trail makes for spectacular hiking and cycling.

Follow the Tweed Valley Railway Path

Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

Lowlands

Tweed Valley Railway Path
Tweed Valley Railway Path

Whether winter skiing or summertime strolls, this wildlife reserve has an adventure for every season.

Plan your trip to Cairngorms National Park

Lowlands

visitscotland_39088847925
Cairngorms National Park

Dating back to the 12th century, this spiritual spot once served as an Augustinian abbey.

Explore Jedburgh Abbey

Lowlands

Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh Abbey

Visitors of all faiths are welcome, to revel in the historic grandeur of this 12th-century church.

Discover Duddingston Kirk

Shutterstock / Christophe Cappelli

Lowlands

Duddingston Kirk
Duddingston Kirk

With its vibrant programme of art, design and photography, this historic house celebrates Scottish culture.

What’s on at Old Gala House

Phil Wilkinson

Lowlands

Castle Jail Museum and Old Gala House
Old Gala House

Toast your adventure with a dram from the world’s oldest privately owned Scotch Whisky distillery.

Explore Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery

Lowlands

Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Wigtownshire
Bladnoch Distillery

This Clydebank distillery has won several awards for its whiskies – and they’re anything but ordinary…

More about Auchentoshan Distillery

Gary Baker/ Auchentoshan Distillery

Lowlands

Auchentoshan Distillery, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire
Auchentoshan Distillery

Praised by the Michelin Guide, this family-run restaurant in Melrose is a true culinary gem.

Book Provender Restaurant & Bar

Visit Scotland

Lowlands

Provender Melrose Restaurant and Bar
Provender Restaurant & Bar

Thanks to both Marvel and Harry Styles, this quaint Borders fishing village is now world-famous.

Plan your trip to St Abbs

Lowlands

visitscotland_50543085741
St Abbs – Avengers Endgame

The TV series has immortalised many of the area’s most spellbinding historic landscapes and monuments.

Discover Outlander filming locations

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Blackness Castle
Outlander – Borders and Lowlands

Discover the many stories and myths behind the Arthurian legend, on this immersive sightseeing route.

More about The Merlin Trail

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Lowlands

An overhead view of the Moffat Hills in Scotland's Southern Uplands
The Merlin Trail

This mighty stronghold dates back to the 14th century, and has a fascinating royal history.

Discover Craigmillar Castle

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle

Step inside a 19th-century prison, to discover what life was like in the cells – and perhaps even spot a ghost…

Explore Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Phil Wilkinson

Lowlands

Jedburgh Castle Jail Museum
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Held in the pretty village of Denholm, this annual November festival celebrates all-things folk music.

More about Denholm Folk Festival

Ian Oliver / Denholm Folk Festival

Lowlands

Denholm Folk Festival
Denholm Folk Festival

For wildlife-filled hikes, great food and invigorating road trips, look to this vast nature reserve.

Go wild at Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Burrow Head Coastal Circuit, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

From outdoor theatre shows to Halloween frights, this historic house knows how to put on a show.

Plan your trip to Floors Castle

VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

Lowlands

Floors Castle, Roxburghe estate, Kelso in Roxburghshire
Floors Castle

Discover priceless artworks, exquisite antiques and beautiful grounds at this impressive stately home in Selkirk.

Get to know Bowhill House

Euan Myles/Bowhill House

Lowlands

Bowhill House, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland
Bowhill House

This garden is always in bloom – from its blue poppies in summer, to winter’s white snowdrops.

Visit Dawyck Botanic Garden

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

The Swiss Bridge at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden

Set within a historic castle, this destination spa boasts a sumptuous health club and accommodation.

Relax at Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle

Lowlands

Stobo Castle Rest Room
Stobo Castle

This hotel spa features a Roman-style sauna, Turkish-inspired steam bath and a menu of decadent treatments.

Discover Dalhousie Castle

Sean Elliot Photgraphy/Dalhouseie Castle

Lowlands

Dalhousie Castle Spa
Dalhousie Castle

With its acclaimed restaurant and beautiful suites, this stately hotel celebrates the finer things in life.

Book the Kingsknowes Hotel

Kingsnowes Hotel

Lowlands

Kingsknowes Hotel, Galashiels, Scotland
Kingsknowes Hotel

This grand mansion was the home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers.

What’s on at Abbotsford House

VisitScotland / PRImaging

Lowlands

Abbotsford House
Abbotsford House

Founded in 1136, this magnificent Gothic abbey is where Robert the Bruce’s heart was buried.

Visit Melrose Abbey

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey

Love history? Follow in the footsteps of the Scottish Queen at this magnificent 16th-century towerhouse.

Explore the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Lowlands

Mary Queen of Scots' House and visitor centre
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre

With its bounty of superb local produce, this community market is a must-visit for foodies.

Explore Kelso Farmers’ Market

Visit Kelso

Lowlands

Kelso Farmers’ Market
Kelso Farmers’ Market

This small organic farm has taken the foodie world by storm, winning awards for its sustainably-grown produce.

Shop at East Coast Organics

East Coast Organics

Lowlands

East Coast Organics stall at Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
East Coast Organics

Places to stay in the Borders and Lowlands

Edinburgh

An aesthetic and cultural gem, this city offers everything from a formant volcano, a castle and medieval old town, and its plush Georgian New Town. It rocks 11 international festivals and has great shopping, music and theatre too.

Stirling

With its manageable size, and within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh, it’s a more sedate option of the biggest cities here. A great place to base your stay for some activities around Lock Lomond & The Trossachs National Park too.

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city is bursting with culture and provides an excellent base to stay in as well as explore the city itself, from its old Merchant City or its hip West End.

Explore nearby

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

Historical hot property – evident in its castles, citadels and 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall.

VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

Getting to the Borders and Lowlands

Spanning the width of the nation, the Borders and Lowlands is easy to travel to and get around with rail routes, roads and even by bike. With Edinburgh just around the corner and Northumberland to the south, you’ll find taking that first step across the Scottish border is easier than ever. Through well connected road networks and trains with East Coast main line between London and Edinburgh now’s the time to take a trip to Scotland.

Getting around

Whether you’re choosing to travel by train, bus, car or bike – you can explore all what the Scottish Borders and Lowlands have to offer, from its vast rolling countryside to expansive coastline. 

By bus

Enjoy the scenic views on public transport with the Lowlands and Borders bus services. Find bus routes along the Borders with Border Bus, and in the popular Dumfries and Galloway area, use Stagecoach Bus for timetables and route updates.

By bike

Looking beyond its immense open space will lead you to a biking adventure, follow a trail of expansive bike routes for trips to bike-friendly towns and beautiful landscapes.

By car

Getting around the Borders and Lowlands by car is simple, well connected to England and main networks leading to both Edinburgh and Glasgow means there’s no better time to jump in a car and explore the area.

By train

Travel along the Borders Railway connecting places all along the southern reaches of Scotland, for train journeys through the Lowlands use ScotRail to help plan your journey. For an all-in-one ticket option, use the Borders Explorer pass, connecting you to and from Edinburgh alongside bus routes through villages and towns.

Want to know more?

Get the inside knowledge and top travel tips from VisitScotland.