The Scottish borders are the main gateway to Scotland, covering about eighteen hundred square miles, stretching from the rolling hills and moorland in the west, through gentler valleys to the rich agricultural plains of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline with its secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages. From our base in Peebles we travel east to Floors Castle, built in 1721 for the first Duke of Roxburgh, it is the largest inhabited house in Scotland and has
been the home to the same family for eleven generations, enjoy time to explore the beautiful interior rooms, fine art collections, tapestries and beautiful summer gardens before we continue on to the market town of Kelso, home to the largest market square in Scotland, with a cobbled floor, imposing town hall building and Italianate coaching house. We
also visit the historic house and gardens of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford, which remains one of the most famous houses in the world, it reflects the mind, enthusiasms and preoccupations of the man who built it. Combined with a visit to the picturesque town of Melrose, located next to the Eildon Hills and is the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. The triple peaks of the
Eildon Hills are the most distinctive single landmark in the Scottish Borders. At their feet in the valley of the Tweed lies the ruined Melrose Abbey. We board a train at Galashiels for a return train ride along the famous Tweedline to Edinburgh, this scenic route takes us through former mining towns, wide open farmland and the lush valleys that the Borders are
famous for, allowing ample time in the capital city of Edinburgh to explore the Scottish grandeur with the famous Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery or just stroll along the Royal Mile. Culminating with a visit to the New Lanark Visitor Centre, which tells the fascinating story of the cotton mill village of New Lanark which was founded in the 18th century, it quickly became known under the enlightened management of social pioneer, Robert Owen. He provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care, a new education system for villagers and the first workplace nursery school in the world! Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community. We travel
back in time on the Annie Mcleod Experience dark ride which features mill girl Annie who magically appears and reveals the amazing story of her life and times in New Lanark in 1820.
Peebles Hydro Hotel & Spa, Peebles
Staying at the Peebles Hydro Hotel & Spa, which is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders. All of the guestrooms are en suite and offer all of the usual refinements. This hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, Spa and gymnasium, complete with tennis courts. Our stay is on a half board basis.