Local Attractions

On Site

Auchencrow village is a great example of the best village life has to offer. Enjoy a meal (or a pint!) at The Craw Inn, a pub and eatery. It’s the cornerstone of the village itself and also serves as the village centre, so it would be the perfect place to get to know some of the people living in the area. 

Auchencrow also connects to the Chirnside Walk. From there, you can take walking paths around Chirnside and Paxton and explore the countryside’s natural wonders.

Nearby

Reston

Reston is another village in the area. With a train station, post office, and shop, they’ll have all of your essentials covered. For other dining options, head over to the village of Chirnside, where you can visit the Crosshill Fish & Chicken Bar for some delicious bites.

Allanton

Allanton is the place to go for anglers. Fishing permits are available for purchase from the Allanton Inn, and will allow you access to fishing on the Whiteadder. Try to arrive in time for salmon and trout season in the first half of the year! 

There’s also the Allanton Inn, another pub and eatery, where you can unwind after a busy day of reeling them in.

Coldingham Sands

Coldingham and Coldingham Sands are great beaches. Often getting some of the best swells in the Southeast of Scotland, a surfer will be in heaven here. The surf school and shop provide lessons as well as the hire of boards, wetsuits, and accessories. 

The beach itself also has a lifeguard, so you’ll be safe to venture into the waves here. There is also soft sand for relaxing or building sand-castles in (for those who’d rather stay out of the way of the waves) and an ice cream trailer to finish your day!

St. Abb’s

St. Abb’s is a small Berwickshire coastal village that Marvel fans may know better as “New Asgard.” Avengers: End Game used this beautiful fishing village as a filming location for the town of New Asgard. See if you can find all of the different filming spots while you’re there, as well the New Asgard sign. Venture up to Seaview Terrace for a wonderful view of the harbour, which may just remind you of a certain Norse God’s home. 

St. Abb’s also has plenty of non-Marvel fun to be had as well, such as rib rides from St. Abbs Charters, an iconic lighthouse, some diving, and a Nature Reserve with wonderful walks. 

Ayton

Ayton is a very charming small village nearby on the banks of the Eye River. Be sure to check out the imposing and grand Ayton Castle, while you’re here. The castle was built in the 1850’s in a Scottish Baronial style and stands incredibly proud upon the hillside. The grounds are open for walking and exploring, and during the season, a small railway is open. Ayton is also home to the Helmvaart Bier Café, which re-opened in 2015. With a distinctly continental style and providing craft beers from around the world, this isn’t one to miss. 

Eyemouth

Eyemouth is a beautiful little town with tons to do in it. As the name suggests, it’s where the mouth of the River Eye reaches the Sea. The harbour is a real anchoring point for the community, and you won’t want to miss the Gunsgreen House that sits over it. With grand architecture from the eighteenth century, there is a “Smuggler’s Experience” here and a very curious history to uncover. 

There are boat trips from Eyemouth Rib Trips, Aquamarine Charters, and Divestay—all offering fishing and speedboat experiences. The Eyemouth Golf Course is there to challenge golfers of all abilities. The Oblo Bar & Bistro provides some great drinks and bites. There’s also an amusement arcade, an indoor swimming pool, and various shops and takeaways. 

Duns

Duns is another great spot to meander in. This town also has an indoor swimming pool, shops, takeaways, and a great golf course. The Jim Clark Motorsports Museum is based here, with an interactive experience that takes you through the life and career of former Formula 1 World Champion Jim Clark. Manderston House is a historic landmark, offering tours and grand architecture. There’s also the absolutely spectacular Duns Castle Estate. The Norman tower dates all the way back to the 1300s, and most of the property is designated as an ancient monument. There are great walking routes around the 1200-acre estate, so get your shoes and picnics ready!

Edin’s Hall Broch

One of the very few lowland brochs (or roundhouses) from the Iron Age, Edin’s Hall is surrounded by the remains of a fort from 2500 years past. This ancient site is incredibly impressive and complex. There are ramparts, chambers, and stone stairways all remarkably preserved. Brochs are only found in Scotland and there are only around 500 of them (mainly in the highlands), making this a very rare and exciting thing to find so far south. 

Further Afield

Cove Harbour

A gorgeous spot, Cove Harbour is one of the few places in Scotland with such unspoilt beauty and cultural significance within the Scottish Borders. 

Cockburnspath

The eastern coast finish of the Southern Upland Way (a storied coast-to-coast trail). 

Paxton

Some of the main attractions here are Paxton House, The Cross Inn, and the River Tweed. Journey here for fishing and other water fun at Tweedhill. 

Union Chain Bridge

The oldest wrought iron bridge in Britain! Union Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Tweed, and it also has the Chain Bridge Honey Farm (a great spot for beeswax, honey, and skincare products). 

Kelso

The Border Union Showground is here hosting various events throughout the year. There is also various shops and eateries. Some main attractions to look out for: Floors Castle, Kelso Abbey, Roxburgh Golf Course, and the Kelso Races.

Dunbar

The birth place of famous naturalist writer John Muir, Dunbar is home to the John Muir Coutry Park. There are also stunning beaches at Belhaven Bay (great for beginner surfers), Dunbar Indoor Leisure Pool, East Links and Winterfield Golf Courses, Foxlake Adventures, and Belhaven Best Brewery tours. Also, there’s various eateries and shops to enjoy.

Cornhill-on-Tweed

Check out the Heatherslaw Light Railway, Corn Mill, Etal Castle, The Lavender Tearooms, Flodden Battlefield, and Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre. 

Coldstream

Home to the Hirsel Golf Course, the Coldstream Guard Museum, and various shops and restaurants. 

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Cross the border into England to this very historic town. Check out Berwick Boat Trips for journeys up the river Tweed or all the way out to sea. Look for the Berwick Speedway. If you’re on the search for entertainment, The Maltings is an Arts Centre with a cinema, loft, café/bar, and amazing views. There’s also the Castle and Ramparts, which were absolutely essential to regularly occurring conflicts over the Anglo-Scottish border. 

Even Further (but still within an hour!)

Bamburgh Castle

Over 3000 years of history and adventure. Go here by car.

Holy Island/Alnwick

Explore coastal routes and visit the stunningly beautiful Alnwick Castle used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. Travel here by car.

Melrose

Picturesque town and the birthplace of the Rugby Sevens, near the Eildon Hills. King Arthur is supposedly buried here. Another little drive away.

Edinburgh

A stunning city filled to the brim with history and gothic architecture. Go into the city by rail or by car.

Cycle and Walking Routes

The Borders is packed with history, but it’s still probably best known for its fantastic walking and cycling routes. There are so many to discover that it may just take a lifetime.