With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, the Tweed Valley is packed full of creative spaces and artistic experiences, from galleries and studios, theatre shows and more.
Join us on a trail through the valley to discover 12 creative hubs perfect for exploring on foot, by bike or by bus.
1. Dawyck Botanic Garden, nr Stobo
Nature and art come together seamlessly at this world-class arboretum just a short bike ride or bus journey out of Peebles. In addition to housing one of Scotland’s finest tree collections, the gardens are home to permanent sculptures and creative treasures including a chainsaw carving of a First Nations figure by champion woodcarver, Peter Bowsher - a nod to Dawyck’s strong connections with North America. Dawyck Studio also hosts a seasonal programme of exhibitions – with refreshments on hand in the visitor centre’s destination café.
2. Tweed Art, Peebles
Tucked away over the Eddleston Water bridge, this renowned framing studio and artist and craft-makers gallery is a cornerstone of the arts scene in the Tweed Valley. Featuring ever-changing exhibitions of work by predominantly local artists, alongside an eclectic range of ceramics, glassware, metalworks and more, this creative hub is owned and run by one of Scotland’s highest quality bespoke picture framers.
3. Zenwalls Gallery, Peebles
Owned by an artist and crafter, whose paintings and textiles are displayed in the gallery, Zenwalls is a contemporary art space that offers regularly changing exhibitions by established Scottish artists and exciting new talent. A beautifully curated collection of art and Scottish crafts, including ceramics, textiles and glass, fill the gallery walls and shelves. Exquisite window displays add year-round colour to Peebles High Street.
4. Tweeddale Museum & Gallery, Peebles
Housed in the Chambers Institution, a striking building that dates back to the 16th century, this wonderful museum and gallery features permanent displays and a programme of exhibitions that showcase the best of the Borders and beyond – from visual arts through to textiles. A particular highlight is the Chambers Room which houses extraordinary plasterwork friezes, including a 16-metre reproduction of a section of the Parthenon Frieze.
5. Moy Mackay Gallery, Peebles
An award-winning artist and Glasgow School of Art graduate, Moy Mackay has lived and worked in the Tweed Valley since 1990. Her ‘felted paintings’, created using merino fleece fibres in place of paint and brushes, often depict the colours and light of the local landscape and are prevalent in venues across her hometown. Moy’s intimate gallery on Peebles’ Northgate is an exhibition space for her own work, and a place to showcase artists from across the world working in a variety of forms and media.
6. Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
The busiest arts venue in the Scottish Borders, this former 19th century church is a fully equipped theatre offering a year-round programme of around two hundred arts events, on stage and on screen, including drama, music, comedy, dance, talks, films and more. An established platform for national and international companies, the Eastgate is also a key venue for emerging talent and local arts groups. The studio is packed full of people of all ages doing weekly arts classes and the theatre is also home to a selection of festivals. During the day the Eastgate café buzzes with locals and visitors, in the evening it becomes a theatre bar.
7. The Park Hotel, Peebles
When the March Street Mill closed its doors in 2015, 130 years of industrial history in the town came to an end. But a project to refurbish the nearby Park Hotel the following year saw a little piece of that history brought back to life. A gallery of images reflecting stories and characters from the mill, among other memorabilia, was repurposed into a small but fascinating exhibition. Keep an eye out for old door signage, disused machine parts and other paraphernalia as you enjoy your morning coffee or evening pint.
8. Solo Gallery, Innerleithen
The first of our creative stops in Innerleithen – and a more recent addition to the town’s bustling High Street – this contemporary gallery space is home to original and affordable fine arts, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Featuring work by acclaimed artists from across Scotland and the UK, a programme of carefully curated exhibitions and artist-led workshops and life-drawing sessions, this compact gallery is a haven for creative types – and an exciting retail experience.
To celebrate our spotlight on arts & culture this spring, Solo Gallery is curating a special exhibition of watercolour landscapes by Julie Morris at the Go Tweed Valley Visitor Centre on Peebles High Street. Julie has a strong connection with the Scottish Borders and her artwork has been selected and exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. Pop into the visitor centre to enjoy some of Julie’s recent paintings – or book a place at our Meet the Artist event with Julie on Sat 13 May.
9. The Hub on the High Street, Innerleithen
Well-deserved recipient of the Community Award at Scotland’s Business Awards (2021), this colourful, welcoming store is packed with unique gifts and artwork – mostly from local creators. From lampshades and accessories to textiles and prints, this Innerleithen institution is renowned for the quality and authenticity of its products. The Hub also serves as an excellent visitor centre and stocks a wide selection of small batch gin and craft beer sourced from independent distilleries and breweries.
10. Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen
Opened in 1866 and originally powered by two water wheels, this extraordinary living museum is home to one of the UK’s oldest working letterpress printers. Print workers continue to honour traditional Victorian technologies to this day, creating bespoke printed materials for the commercial trade, plus posters, stationery and other artwork for the gift shop. Visitors to this National Trust for Scotland destination are invited to get their hands inky at one of the printworks’ seasonal workshops or public tours.
11. The Framing Gallery, Innerleithen
Offering custom framing for all types of artwork, a large selection of original screenprints, lino prints and limited edition digital prints, plus a lovely selection of handmade arts and crafts from across the Borders and beyond, this tiny gallery space bursts with life! The range of gift wrap and greeting cards are worth a particular mention – mini works of art in themselves for those on a smaller budget.
12. Traquair Craft Workshops, Traquair
Scotland’s oldest inhabited house has welcomed an active community of craft workers in its grounds since 1974 when Flora Maxwell Stuart transformed some of Traquair’s outbuildings into workshops for self-employed craft workers. This creative spirit is as strong today as ever, with old bothies and stables acting as working studios for local makers. The house itself isn’t short of artwork either. The High Gallery on the third floor showcases rotating exhibitions from the archives as well as exhibiting work by contemporary artists.
Further info
For more places to visit and things to see & do on your travels, explore our website or come and see us at the Go Tweed Valley Visitor Information Centre on Peebles High Street.
To book a spot at our Meet the Artist event with Julie Morris on 13 May (3.30-5pm), please visit our Eventbrite page.
Further along the valley, The Great Tapestry of Scotland and Abbotsford – the home of Sir Walter Scott – are two of the area’s most treasured, cultural attractions.
Images: Tragic Carpet Theatre; Sue Green, Textile Study Group; Ian Linton; National Trust for Scotland; Go Tweed Valley plus other listed businesses.