Secrets of the Scottish Borders

Castles, abbeys and battles few tourists ever see

A Winding Road Through A Scottish Village In The Borders - Shutterstock

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If you're drawn to Scotland’s epic landscapes and centuries-old tales—but prefer them without the crowds—the Scottish Borders offer a quieter kind of magic. This is a region where ruined abbeys rise from river valleys, castles crown lonely hills, and ancient battlegrounds lie just beyond the hedgerows. The Borders have shaped Scotland’s story for over a thousand years—through wars of independence, clan feuds, and royal alliances—yet remain one of the country’s most underrated treasures.

Wander through towns where every cobbled street has a story, stand in the footsteps of knights and monks, or follow the Border Reivers’ trails across windswept moors. Whether you’re tracing the lines of history or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of rolling hills and quiet lochs, the Borders are a land that whispers rather than shouts. It’s Scotland—just the way you hoped it would be.

In today’s email:-

• Secrets of the Scottish Borders - If you think you’ve seen Scotland, but haven’t explored the Borders, think again. This often-overlooked region is rich with ruined abbeys, ancient strongholds, sweeping hills, and the legacy of poets and warriors. It’s a land where history isn’t just told—it lingers in the stones, the silence, and the landscape itself. Here's a list of 10 places in the Scottish Borders, mixing popular spots and hidden gems:-

  • Melrose Abbey

  • Abbotsford House

  • Hermitage Castle

  • Scott’s View

  • Dryburgh Abbey

  • Smailholm Tower

  • Floors Castle

  • St Abbs Head Nature Reserve

  • Neidpath Castle

  • Traquair House

• Suggested 3-Day Route

Secrets of the Scottish Borders:-