HOLIDAY PROPERTIES SCOTTISH BORDERS
Holiday lets across the Scottish Borders
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Day Trips from the Scottish Borders
Planning a day out during your stay? Explore great day trips from the Scottish Borders, with ideas from Melrose, Gattonside, Kelso and Peebles including heritage towns, coastal trips, countryside escapes and bigger city days out within easy reach of our holiday cottages.
Plan your stay
Browse our holiday cottages in the Scottish Borders, check availability, explore local attractions or contact us to book direct.
From Melrose & Gattonside
Jedburgh
Highlights: Abbey, castle, town strolls Parking: Town centre parking / nearby car parks
A classic Borders day out with strong heritage and an easy town centre for cafés and shops.
St Abbs & Eyemouth
Highlights: Coastal views, walks, harbours, seafood Parking: Harbour / visitor parking (busy in summer)
Brilliant for a coastal change of scenery. Great walks and a proper seaside feel.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Highlights: Walled town, beaches nearby, shopping and cafés Parking: Town car parks
A popular day trip for history, shops and coastal air. Great if guests want “a bigger town day”.
Scottish National Gallery & Edinburgh Old Town
Highlights: Castles, museums, shopping, restaurants Parking: Park & Ride recommended
Perfect for a full day out. Recommend Park & Ride to avoid city-centre parking stress.
Abbotsford House & River Tweed
Highlights: Historic house, grounds, visitor centre Parking: On-site parking
Excellent half‑day. Easy add-on to Melrose Abbey or a café stop.
Kielder Forest & reservoir (Northumberland)
Highlights: Forest walks, viewpoints, big skies Parking: Various car parks (check route)
Ideal for nature lovers. Great on clear days; take layers and plan food stops.
From Kelso
Bamburgh & Seahouses
Highlights: Castle, beaches, boat trips (seasonal) Parking: Pay & display in villages / beach car parks
A fantastic coastal day. Great for families and anyone wanting “big beaches and views”.
Alnwick
Highlights: Castle, gardens, shops and cafés Parking: Town car parks
Great full-day option. Castle and gardens are popular — recommend booking in peak season.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Highlights: Walled town, coastal walks, shopping Parking: Town car parks
Easy and popular day trip from Kelso for shopping and a seaside feel.
Edinburgh (day out)
Highlights: Old Town, museums, shopping, food Parking: Park & Ride recommended
Busy but brilliant. Park & Ride will save guests a lot of time and stress.
Roxburgh / Jedburgh combo
Highlights: Historic towns, abbey visits, cafés Parking: Town centre parking
An easy “Borders heritage day” with plenty of stops for food and short walks.
From Peebles
Edinburgh (easy city day)
Highlights: Museums, shopping, restaurants, attractions Parking: Park & Ride recommended
Peebles makes Edinburgh very doable. Recommend Park & Ride for the simplest day.
Rosslyn Chapel & Penicuik Estate
Highlights: Iconic chapel, woodland walks Parking: On-site parking
Excellent half‑day heritage trip. Works well with lunch back in Peebles.
Dawyck Botanic Garden
Highlights: Gardens, woodland, seasonal colour Parking: On-site parking
A perfect relaxed day out. Particularly good in spring and autumn.
Glentress Forest (outdoor day)
Highlights: Forest walks, trails, café Parking: Forestry car parks (can be busy)
Brilliant for walking and outdoor activity. Great for families and active guests.
East Lothian coast (North Berwick / Gullane)
Highlights: Beaches, sea views, coastal cafés Parking: Town parking / beach car parks
A great “sea air” day trip from Peebles with plenty of stops along the way.