Rolling countryside, crumbling Scottish ruins and intricate stately houses are dotted throughout Southern Scotland, where you can just as easily spend a day exploring the inspiring scenery of the Scottish Borders as you can walking through the historic streets of the country’s vibrant cities.
There is plenty of glorious countryside to explore throughout the area, whether you choose to visit the coastline at St Abbs Head, catch fish in the River Tweed or wander through the Tweed Valley Forest Park. There are also many wonderful towns and villages to explore in the Scottish Borders, including Kelso, Melrose and Peebles – packed with history, they all have their own stories to tell. Explore Neidpath Castle, the eerie Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum or the Borders Textile Towerhouse. Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway also boast beautiful scenery which you can explore on mountain bike, horseback or on foot.
Of course, Southern Scotland has many thriving towns and cities to explore too. The city of Glasgow and the surrounding Clyde Valley offer a brilliant combination of culture and countryside, while Edinburgh and the Lothians allow you to explore the fascinating capital of Scotland alongside some spectacular stretches of coast too. Or, make a beeline for Falkirk to see the wide range of iconic tourist attractions there.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday packed with culture or a quieter retreat to the coast or countryside, Southern Scotland offers the best of both worlds. Our holiday cottages in Southern Scotland offer the perfect base for a holiday filled with exciting days out with the ones you love most.
View our guide to Scotland