Museums & galleries

The area’s museums tell a story of a rich, colourful past. Tired and dusty places they most certainly are not.

For a first taste of local history, head to the Tweeddale Museum & Gallery, housed in the Chambers Institution, Peebles. The Chambers Room is home to the extraordinary plasterwork friezes commissioned by William Chambers, including a 16m reproduction of a section of the Parthenon Frieze. Objects on display reflect the history of the area, from a medieval pilgrimage destination to the importance of the local woollen mills in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Also in the same building is the excellent John Buchan Story, which explores the remarkable life and work of one of the area’s most famous figures.

Elsewhere, don’t forget to stop at the beautifully-located St Ronan’s Wells Visitor Centre in Innerleithen.* Housed in an historic spa – people used to come here from miles around to ‘take the waters’ – the exhibitions reveal the area’s connections with great Scottish writers such as Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg. Outside, the gardens provide a lovely area to relax in with sculptures, picnic areas and tremendous views.  

Also in Innerleithen is Robert Smail’s Printing Works – the oldest working letterpress printers in the UK and a living museum of Victorian history. Take the tour and even try your hand at some letterpress printing!

Further down the valley you will find one of southern Scotland’s most valued museums: the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Through 160 hand stitched panels displayed chronologically, visitors can explore Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations and culture, from the formation of the land that became Scotland to the modern day.

Made by the people of Scotland telling the history of Scotland, the Tapestry introduces visitors to the people and the landscapes of this magnificent country. Stitched by over 1000 men, woman and children it is one of the most ambitious community projects ever undertaken in Scotland: an artwork by the nation for the nation. Through Battles & Wars, Power & Politics, Kings & Queens, Innovation, Tragedy, Humour and more, find Scotland’s history, all in one place!

For more modern-day colour, there are local artists and craftspeople working in paint, photography, bronze, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, wood and more.

In Peebles, be sure to check out the rich display of contemporary work at Zenwalls Gallery, plus the wonderfully eclectic craft makers’ area that sits alongside an ever-changing gallery at Tweed Art. Elsewhere, the Eastgate Theatre studio features a regular programme of exhibitions, while the delightful Moy Mackay Gallery displays a consistently high standard of work from a range of contemporary fine and applied artists. The gallery also showcases owner Moy Mackay’s renowned creations – vibrantly colourful works created using merino felt fibres.

In Innerleithen, be sure to visit The Framing Gallery and The Hub on the High Street – and if that’s still not enough, wander through the craft workshops at Traquair House, or view the magnificent Buccleuch collection at Bowhill.

* Please note that St Ronan’s Wells Visitor Centre in Innerleithen is currently closed. Keep an eye on their website for further details.