2 Days in Galashiels and Melrose with the Borders Railway

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is Europe’s largest Tapestry located in Galashiels, the historic textile heartland of the Scottish Borders. The visitor centre has been purpose built to house The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which was created and hand stitched by 1,000 people from across Scotland and comprises 160 panels. The Tapestry tells a compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to present day.

Set in beautifully maintained grounds near the centre of Galashiels, Old Gala House is an impressive building dating back to 1583. Once home to the Lairds of Galashiels with over 400 years of history, the house is now a vibrant museum and gallery which tells the story of the town and its people.
Galashiels is known for its textile mill industry and Reivers heritage, and the museum brings to life vibrant tales of the town, such as the story behind its ‘soor plooms’ motto. The museum takes you from the house’s historical roots as home to the Pringle family, with its painted ceiling dating from 1635, right through to its present day role in Galashiels, with information on the ‘Braw Lads Gathering’.

In 1974 the former Selkirkshire County Council purchased these policies. This woodland once formed part of a larger estate owned by Hugh Scott, Laird of Galashiels. Policies are defined as “the enclosed grounds of a large house, the park of an estate”. Although the original parkland was more extensive the legacy still remains intact. The policies are home to both native and foreign tree species, for example, giant redwoods (Wellingtonia) that grace one of the entrances to the park. There are short paths within the policies that pass the pond area, a modern piece of landscaping from the early 1990s.

Follow the path along the edge of Gala Hill enjoying the mixed woodland cover and the views out over Galashiels. When you reach the end of this path turn left through the gate into the field. Walk down the edge of the field to the bottom keeping the fence on your left. You are now on the Southern Upland Way.

Scott’s Abbotsford remains one of the most famous homes in the world. Sitting on the banks of the River Tweed between Melrose and Galashiels, Abbotsford is at the heart of a landscape of folklore and legend. It began the craze for Scots Baronial architecture and inspired Scott as he became the biggest selling author of his day. It is the place from where Scott’s writing transformed how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself.

Discover a place so beloved by Robert the Bruce, he chose it as the final resting place for his heart. Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale, and it was a highly desirable place to be buried.

Trimontium Museum explores one hundred years of Roman occupation through the stories told by some of the extraordinary finds from this key fort near Melrose. Trimontium is of international importance as the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall and the site of one of the largest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the British Isles. The mystery of this great cache found in 117 pits and wells remains unexplained.

The 5-star awarded museum in Melrose tells its story providing a modern window on the pivotal and turbulent history of this frontier post, which for much of its existence was the main forward base for the continued Roman invasion and occupation of Scotland.

The small village of Gattonside lies on the north side of the River Tweed, just 1 kilometre north of Melrose. Gattonside enjoys a well-documented history, being the site of the orchards for Melrose Abbey. Follow trails along the River Tweed and across the Chain Bridge, then make your way up to Gattonside Heights for sweeping views across to the Eildon Hills and Melrose.

Looking to stay longer? The small village is home to two award-winning restaurants.

The Eildon Hills are an iconic part of the Scottish Borders landscape. Recent archaeological surveys revealed nearly 500 hut circles atop Eildon Hill North, each being the base of a timber roundhouse containing an extended family. Its population 2,000 years ago was greater than that of Melrose today. It was likely a regional capital of the Selgovae tribe, a name bestowed by the Romans meaning ‘the hunters’. It may not have been permanently occupied, instead used as a seasonal and ceremonial gathering place.

If you have time, why not make your way to the top: Climbing the Eildons rewards you with spectacular panoramic views. There are many ways into the hills, with the popular walking route of St Cuthbert’s Way ascending from Melrose to the saddle between Eildon Hill North and Eildon Mid Hill. Under the ever-shifting light and with many details only revealed on repeat visits, no two walks into the Eildons are ever quite the same.

Located in the heart of Tweedbank, Tempest Brewing Co. has been crafting fresh, creative beer since 2010. Founded by globe-trotting duo Gavin and Annika, the brewery is known for its bold, flavour-packed beers. The taproom and bottle shop are a must-visit, offering award-winning beers, merchandise, and lively tasting sessions. And sitting just a short walk from Tweedbank train station, Tempest Brewing is the perfect finish to a public transport trip around the Scottish Borders.