3 Days in the Tweed Valley with the Borders Railway and Borders Buses

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 the country and comprises 160 panels. The Tapestry tells a compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to present day.

The Innerleithen History Trail is a short circular walk that offers an accessible introduction to the rich heritage of Innerleithen. The trail combines urban exploration with scenic woodland paths, making it suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.

In the heart of Innerleithen lies this gem of printing history. Robert Smail’s Printing Works is an operational letterpress printers and an important part of Scotland’s industrial heritage.

Between 1866 and 1986, newspapers, business cards, stationery for local traders and letterheads all passed through the inky presses of this thriving business. The National Trust for Scotland purchased the printing works in 1986 and have kept it as a genuine working printers.

The printing presses, some of which date back to the Victorian era, can be seen in action; shelves of type line the walls, revealing the changing fashions for typefaces; and 52 giant guardbooks showcase almost every item printed by the family firm.

FINDRA in Innerleithen is a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors. Housed in a beautifully restored building that was once the town jail, it offers a unique blend of style and history. Here, you can explore their sustainable outdoor clothing collection, enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, and savor homemade cakes and light bites.

Beyond shopping and dining, the space serves as a community hub, hosting events and fostering connections among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re gearing up for an adventure or simply looking to relax, FINDRA provides a welcoming atmosphere to do both.

Traquair was originally built as a hunting lodge for Scottish royalty and has hosted 27 Scottish Kings and Queens. There are strong associations with Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobites. The house is open to the public and in addition there is an eighteenth century brewery, ancient woodlands, adventure playground and Scotland’s largest hedged Maze. Gift Shop, Brewery Shop and craft workshops in the grounds. Garden Cafe serving lunches and teas in the old walled garden. There are also 3 luxurious rooms in the main house where which we offer on a bed and breakfast basis.

Glentress, is a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. As part of the renowned 7stanes network, it offers a diverse range of trails suitable for all skill levels. The Skills Area is a great place for families, kids and beginners to practise and perfect technique and help you choose the right trail for you. There is also the Freeride Park which is perfect for riders looking to learn new tricks or push their still levels with many advanced features.

There’s so much to enjoy at Glentress including the fantastic visitor centre which offers a Wildlife Room, bike hire, showers, changing and toilet facilities and a cafe for great coffee, food and cake. There are many options for walking around Glentress, from easy walks lasting 15 minutes to more moderate routes of 1-1.5 hours and strenuous trails taking up to 4 hours.

Ruth Hinks, the UK World Chocolate Master brings a slice of chocolate heaven in the modern and delightful Cocoa Black Boutique in Peebles. Selling high quality gateaux, tarts and chocolate indulgence of all kinds including a great choice of hot chocolate flavours. The Chocolate & Pastry School was opened by HRH Prince Edward in 2016 and has been featured in a BBC TV series The River. Workshops and masterclasses with Ruth and visiting guest chefs for beginners to more experienced bakers wanting to learn new techniques using chocolate and pastry run throughout the year and are very popular.

The Eastgate Theatre is the Tweed Valley’s centre for arts in all its forms, including live shows, relays on screen, art house and commercial films, classes and festivals. With a year-round performance programme which ranges across music, drama, dance, comedy, and family shows, the theatre is an established platform for national and international companies as well as a key venue for emerging talent and local voluntary arts groups.

In any season, visitors can enjoy performances by artists as well known as Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, Craig Hill and John McCusker; and companies such as Mull Theatre, Stellar Quines, David Leddy and Barrowland Ballet. These are interspersed with live relays of opera and ballet from Covent Garden and National Theatre productions, blockbuster films, talks, variety shows and the best tribute bands.

The Eastgate has also created a range of lively annual festivals, including the Wild Writers festival (Jan), Inspiring Life Festival (May), Back to Nature Festival (August) and Peebles Jazz Weekend (September).

Embark on the Tweed Walk to Lyne; A good circular that mainly follows the banks of the River Tweed and passes Neidpath Castle and Barns Tower, part of Wemyss Estate. You will pass Neidpath Viaduct, Manor Brig and Old Manor Brig on your journey each offers a short cut back to Peebles town should you not want to continue to Lyne footbridge at the head of the route.

John Buchan is a national figure within both a Scottish and UK context. Through his prolific writing and by his many and varied contributions to public life, he was a highly influential figure, particularly during the inter-war period. His final role as Governor General of Canada, and the popularity of film adaptations of his novel “The Thirty Nine Steps”, have also helped to give him an international reputation which continues to this day. As a novelist, historian, journalist, politician, soldier and public servant, his influence can be seen in numerous areas of the first half of the twentieth century.

‘The JohnBuchan Story’ explores Buchan’s life and legacy, showing the variety and scale of his personal experience and literary output, beyond “The Thirty Nine Steps”. It also portrays his family’s broader associations with Peebles and illustrates some of their achievements. His parents had grown up in Tweeddale and family holidays were spent with relatives in the area, so Buchan developed a passion for the Borders countryside and its people.

Coltman’s Kitchen, Deli & Bar is a charming eatery nestled in the heart of Peebles, Scotland, offering a delightful blend of fresh, seasonal dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1711, the establishment boasts views over the River Tweed, providing a picturesque setting for diners

Taste is at the heart of all the team do at Coltman’s. Their one aim is to serve “local, fresh, seasonal produce, cooked simply, without fuss”.

The Great Polish Map of Scotland, located at Barony Castle near Peebles, is a massive 3D concrete relief map of Scotland, created in the 1970s by Polish war veteran Jan Tomasik. Measuring about 50 by 40 meters, it showcases Scotland’s mountains, valleys, and rivers in intricate detail. Built as a tribute to the hospitality shown to Polish soldiers during World War II, it’s now a Category B listed site and open to visitors year-round, with information boards explaining its history.