Our Magnificent 7

 For a small area, the Tweed Valley punches well above its weight in terms of visitor attractions – with seven that really stand out as must-sees

Every area has its flagship attractions, and the Tweed Valley is no different. In their own way, each tell the story of the surrounding landscape and the people who have come and gone down the centuries. There is history to be savoured, but also modern-day colour. And many will continue to inspire long after you have left. So here they are, from sumptuous houses and glorious gardens to a forest for all seasons and a remarkable relief map of Scotland, feast your eyes on our magnificent 7 attractions!

Traquair House

Visited by Mary Queen of Scots, plus plenty of other royalty down the centuries, Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in the whole of Scotland. Dating back to 1109, it has been home to the Stuarts since 1491, with the family remaining Catholics and Jacobites without counting the cost during even the most turbulent of times. With its house, gorgeous grounds, a giant maze, craft workshops, a walled garden (yes, that is a peacock), café and even a brewery, Traquair is a full-day destination in its own right.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Tucked away in a sheltered spot near Stobo, the 65-acre Dawyck Botanic Garden – part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – is an arboretum of world renown. Acclaimed for its seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, blue poppies and striking autumn colours, Dawyck is chock-full of plants from the mountainous regions of the world. It is also home to some of Scotland’s finest heritage trees, with sky-scraping Douglas Fir, European Silver Fir and Giant Sierra redwoods. All can be enjoyed on a range of woodland and burnside walks, while there is a lovely café in the award-winning visitor centre.

Bowhill House & Estate

Home to the Buccleuch family, Bowhill House near Selkirk is a magnificent country seat set in the heart of the ancient royal hunting forest of Ettrick. Another place where it’s easy to spend an entire day, Bowhill offers house tours full of history (and a remarkable art collection), a brilliant adventure playground, ranger-guided tours of the estate, loads of activities for kids, plus fine walks amidst glorious scenery. There is also fishing, horse riding, a soft play for little ones, a tearoom and even a quirky theatre!

Kailzie Gardens

There are remarkable trees too at Kailzie Gardens, where generations of plantings adorn a beautiful riverside location just outside Peebles. One of many specimen trees, a larch planted in 1725 is considered by some to be the oldest in Scotland, while Kailzie also features a walled garden and burnside walks. And with an osprey watch on site – Kailzie has a long-running involvement in the Tweed Valley Osprey Project – fishing (including a bait pond for youngsters) and the cosy Kailzie Courtyard Café, there is plenty more to see and do.

Glentress Forest

As would be expected of one of the UK’s premier mountain bike trail centres, Glentress Forest offers a stunning network of marked trails to suit every ability of rider. There is bike hire on site through Alpine Bikes, plus a range of guiding and tuition available. But Glentress is not just about two wheels. This vast forest also offers fantastic walking trails, a Go Ape Treetop Adventure course, an interpretive wildlife room, plus a lively café that’s perfect for post-ride nourishment.

Great Polish Map of Scotland

Of all the secrets hidden in the lavish grounds of Barony Castle, the Great Polish Map of Scotland is the most remarkable of all. This giant, three-dimensional scale model of Scotland – believed to be the largest terrain relief model in the world – was the brainchild of Polish war veteran Jan Tomasik. Built over six summers between 1974 and 1979, it was mainly the work of a small group of Poles. The map gradually fell into disrepair but has recently been restored by MAPA Scotland, a local team of volunteers who wanted to see this extraordinary feature returned to former glories.

Abbotsford, The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Follow the Tweed east and it brings you to Abbotsford, the sumptuous (and almost ruinous as it turned out) home of Sir Walter Scott – one of the most celebrated Scottish writers of all. This fairy-tale house set in impressive grounds on the banks of the Tweed is a must-visit. Scott’s ‘palace of the imagination’, Abbotsford is a monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator. Be sure to check out the excellent exhibition housed in the on-site visitor centre.

Looking for other great places to visit in the Tweed Valley? See our ATTRACTIONS section for more.

Photography: Bowhill Estate; Traquair; Dawyck Botanic Garden; Kailzie Gardens; Ian Linton Photography; MAPA Scotland; Abbotsford