Top tours in the South of Scotland

Make the most of your holiday in the South of Scotland by tapping into the expertise of our fantastic local tour guides. With unique insight into the people and region, each of our guides has their own speciality and expertise. Perhaps you’d like to explore the food of the region? Or find out about the ghostly tales that echo through our historic places? Maybe you want a classic tour guide who really knows the stories and the histories of the towns and villages. Or perhaps you want your tour on two wheels? Here are some of our favourites to help you make amazing memories of your time exploring the South of Scotland. Check out all our Tours and Experiences for even more inspiration.

Borderlands Food Tours

Theme: Food tour of the Scottish Borderlands

Having run the Allanton Inn for over 14 years, Katrina and William know their food and where to find the best of it in the Scottish Borders. Whether you are on their walking tour, a private picnic, or on their full day tour of the region, expect excellent food and a fantastic time.

Handy hints

Transport via bus with some walking on sites visited
Based in Allanton, Scottish Borders
Maximum tour size 14 people
Pick ups and drop offs at railway stations as stated on tours

TVB Tours

Theme: Local history told with panache!

The Tweed Valley Blogger, aka Stewart Wilson, offers historical insight into the landscapes, ruins and castles of the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders and further afield. Sign up for one of his tours and expect to be regaled with tales of high dugeon, daring escapes, raiders and reivers and those who inhabited this landscape years ago. In addition he sometimes does narrated walks around the Tweed Valley – a definite must!

Handy hints:

Door-to-door pickup within the Borders
Will undertake family research for you
Experienced, local driver/guide to show the very best of the Scottish Borders
Based in Innerleithen
Duration : Half-day and full-day tours available

Mostly Ghostly Tours

Theme: Ghost/spirit sighting stories coupled with local history

This award-winning group based in Dumfries offers tours of an altogether different nature. Meticulously researched, Mostly Ghostly tap into the spiritual and ghostly tales associated with roads, churches, graveyards and locales around the region. Their tours vary depending on the time of year and they pop up at a variety of festivals with tours researched specifically for the event – the Moffat Walking Festival, Wild Goose Festival, Halloween at Broughton House to name a few.

Handy hints:

These are usually walking tours and vary in length and terrain – go prepared for the weather. The group also offer tours in association with various venues which may be coupled with food and drink, check their Facebook page for event info.
Based in Dumfries
Duration 1-3 hours

Armstrong Tours

Theme: Local history off the beaten path

If you prefer to get off the beaten path, check out Armstrong Tours which enjoy revealing the hidden historical gems of the South of Scotland. Visit stone circles, ancient kirks, caves inhabited by saints and towers visited by astronauts! If you have accessibility issues, Armstrong Tours cater for people with limited mobility and/or who are visually impaired – guide dogs welcome! Their vehicle is suitable to transport a collapsible wheelchair and can access disabled parking spots for people who have difficulties.

Handy hints:

Guide dogs welcome
Vehicle suitable for collapsible wheelchair if you have mobility issues
Bespoke winter tours offer a discount on spring/summer rates
Based in Langholm
Duration: Tours from 1 day

Lowlander Tours

Theme: Various historical themes, including one focusing on horses
Here you will see the Borderlands with its besieged abbeys, historic castles and grand stately homes. Lowlander Tours offer bespoke tours that vary from the rugged coastlines of Berwickshire through the Tweed Valley and its stunning scenery. Perhaps you would prefer the Border Abbeys tour or to explore the bustling market towns. Horse lovers are sure to revel in The Thoroughbred Tour with its behind the scenes tour of Kelso Racecourse. Choose the tour that best suits you or ask for a tailor-made tour.

Handy hints:

Door-to-door pick up
Based in Galashiels
Experience the best of fine dining as part of your tour
The Thoroughbred Tour is exclusive to Lowlander Tours

Galloway Cycling Holidays

Theme: Cycling tours

If your idea of heaven is a quiet road, stunning scenery and a route to suit your capabilities with no worries about where you’ll sleep or moving your luggage, the award-winning Galloway Cycling Holidays is for you. Intricate knowledge of the Galloway Hills and its multitude of routes – from gravel to peaceful tarmac – make Galloway Cycling Holidays the perfect tour guides for your two-wheeled adventures.

Handy hints:

Duration: Full day to a week
Based in Bridge of Dee, near Castle Douglas
You can rent bikes for an extra fee – including e-bikes
Accommodation and breakfast is included in your tour price
Pick up/drop off from Dumfries or Lockerbie train stations

Dumfries Tours

Theme: Ancestry and local history

Research your family ancestry in the South of Scotland with the help of Dumfries Tours. The team will do the research, plan a route and show you how your Scottish ancestors lived! This is one tour you will not forget quickly or find elsewhere! Mark’s knowledge of Scottish and local history is profound and he has an abundance of possible tours to choose from, or tailor make your own. If you are interested in Burns, John Paul Jones or J.M. Barrie, the Dumfries-based team are experts.

Handy hints:

Based in Dumfries
Family ancestry research conducted
Variety of tours including ones exploring the history of the influential Maxwell family, Robert the Bruce, or Robert Burns
Duration: 1-2 days

Go Wild Scotland

Theme: Nature and wildlife
If seeing a red squirrel foraging through the trees or a bird of prey soaring through the sky is your holiday bucket list goal then Go Wild Scotland is for you. This community interest company specialises in nature based experiences, many of which are accessible for those with limited mobility too! Head out on a red squirrel walk or turn your head upwards to spot birds of prey – you can even be a woodland ranger for a day!

Handy hints:

Based in Selkirk
Some experiences are at Mauldsheugh Wood in Selkirk, with wheelchair accessible paths, bird viewing and nature pond areas.
Duration: Half-day and full-day experiences

Trailbrakes Biking Holidays

Theme: Cycling tours

Here the focus is on quality, bespoke cycling and mountain biking tours throughout the South of Scotland. Based in the heart of the world renowned 7stanes mountain biking centres, Trailbrakes offers plenty of options from adrenaline-pumping, challenging runs, to wonderful take-it-easy road routes.

Handy hints:

Based in Kirkcudbright
Can organise accommodation, luggage transfer
Expect detailed maps/GPS info for your routes
For groups from 2-40 people
Duration: From 2 days to 2 weeks

Bite-sized tours

Just got a few hours to spare but still want to feel you’ve connected with the people and locale? Never fear, there are plenty of options from exploring the region’s textile heritage to whisky and gin tastings plus farm tours and delving into past of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.