Local Borders Attractions & Things to Do

 

The small rural mill town of Innerleithen, renowned for its exquisite cashmere, is set in the heart of the Scottish Borders' rolling landscape in the Tweed Valley. It is surrounded by all the calm and charm of the countryside but still within easy reach of Edinburgh, which is less than an hour's drive away. The ceaseless industry of the old mills have given way to far more carefree pastimes, and the river Tweed is now one of the cleanest in Scotland.  There is so much for you to see and do in the Scottish Borders.

Whats On Locally

The Mighty Deer Stalker - Another massive success in March 2009. 2010 dates to follow.

The Deerstalker is an "adventure run" with distance options at 5 km (ish) and 10 km (and a bit). It's described affectionately as a "big, muddy romp" through the countryside, forests and hills around the famous Borders village of Innerleithen. Nearly 1000 runners completed their routes in 2008 so why not don the Tweed, and unleash your legs on an even bigger Deerstalker in 2009.

Melrose 7's - 10th & 11th April

To find out who is playing this year and to order tickets, click the link above.

Tweed Valley Osprey Watch - April - August

Visit either Glentress Forest or Kailzie Gardens to see live footage of ospreys and other wildlife. No booking required.

Selkirk Common Riding - 8th-13th June

one of the largest gatherings of horses in Europe, up to 400 riders set out on a 12 mil ride on Friday morning amidst parades led by the town bands. The spectacular gallop back into town is followed by the famous Casting of the Colours ceremony in the town Market Place. Selkirk is approximately 20 minutes from Innerleithen by car.

Peebles Beltane Festival - 14th-20th June

This festival began with Queen Victoria‘s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The burgh revived the old ceremony of riding the marches, linking it with the Beltane Fair, which traced its
origins to a charter granted by James VI in 1621. Peebles is approximately 7 minutes from Innerleithen by car.

St Ronan's Games, Innerleithen - 11th-18th July

Instituted one-hundred and seventy-five years ago, there has been a summer gathering in Innerleithen every year for St Ronan's Games Week. Find out whats on in the link above.

Conservation Volunteers - 29th July

Assist the Forestry Commissions conservation team at one of our Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Work includes removal of non native trees.

Booking essential: 01750 721 120

Innerleithen Music Festival - 14-16 August

Details to be announced shortly.

Traquair House Events - From the 21st March to the 29th November 2009 Traquair House will be host to a multitude of events:

12th April - Easter Egg hunt

April - May - Needlework display (items not usually on display)

23rd & 24th May - Traquair Medieval Fayre

3rd-6th & 10th-13th June - Shakespeare at Traquair (Othello, in the gardens)

24th-26th July - Old Indian Motorbike Rally

1st-2nd August - Traquair Art in Action weekend

23rd-24th & 30th-31st October - Ghost of Traquairs Past & Halloween Fun Day

28th &29th November - Free Christmas opening

Throughout - The American Connection - historical documents and letters from archives display the American connection with the family at Traquair - dates back to the 1700’s.

Please follow the links for more information

 

history and art

Many of our guests come to Caddon View as a break from city life. The Borders is a great place for a quick battery recharge.

There are varied attractions for guests to visit practically on the doorstep. Among them are Traquair House, home of the Stuart Kings and Scotland's oldest inhabited house; Robert Smail's Printing Works, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the art & craft of letterpress from 100 years ago; and St Ronan's Well, a once famous spa with health giving properties and a very colourful history!

Further afield, but still within easy driving distance, lie numerous stately homes & gardens, castles and miles of spectacular scenery making this a perfect base for touring or a relaxing break. There are plenty of antiques shops for those who like taking bits of history home with them.

 

You can find links to these and other local services, sites and things to do on our Borders links page.