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.

Edinburgh Zoo Pandas

Caddon View is situated only 50 minutes away, by car, from Edinburgh Zoo where you can now visit the new arrivals Tian Tian and Yang Guang in their new home. 

Whats On Locally

The Mighty Deer Stalker -  17th March 2012 - minimum stay 2 nights.

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. After a sell out in 2011 why not don the Tweed, and unleash your legs on an even bigger Deerstalker in 2012.

Melrose 7's - 14th April 2012

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 - 16th-18th 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 - 19th-26th 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 - 12th-21st 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.

Innerleithen Music Festival - 17th-19th August

Dougie Maclean, Battlefield Band and more.

 

Traquair House Events - From March to the end of November 2012 Traquair House will be host to a multitude of events:

8th April - Easter Egg hunt

5th & 6th May - Border Clansmen - Covenanters on the Green

26th & 27th May - Traquair Shakespeare Festival

23rd-27th May & 31st May-7th June - Shakespeare at Traquair - Twelfth Night

18th & 19th August - Books, Borders & Bikes (literary festival)

28th October - Halloween Castle of Magic

24th & 25th November - Free Christmas opening

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.