Edinburgh and the Borders

Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders has long been a place that connects the nation, from the rolling hills in the west to the secluded coves and fishing villages of the dramatic Berwickshire coastline in the east.  It is exceptionally rich in cultural heritage, with ruined abbeys, ancient castles and hill forts dotting the landscape hinting at a turbulent past. 

Enabling you to experience all that the enchanting regions that make up the Borders has to offer, is the rail journey between Tweedbank and Edinburgh, which passes over and through 140 bridges and tunnels, including the architectural titans of the Lothianbridge Viaduct and Redbridge Viaduct.  Originally opened in 1849, the line has been closed until works on the new route began in 2013 and was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2015, this scenic route will take you through former mining towns, wide open farmland and the lush valleys that the Borders are known for.

Whilst the ruins in this area are breath-taking in their rugged desolation, the grandeur of Abbotsford, ancestral home of famed novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott is a stark and impressive contrast.  The rooms here have been left virtually untouched, so you can get a real insight to the personality and interests of the literary giant, who is alleged to have started planting trees in the estate, before he had even taken full possession of it!

Harnessing the natural beauty of its surrounds is Dawyck Botanic Garden, which is home to one of Scotland’s finest tree collections, including some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees.  The 65-acre garden offers woodland and burnside walks and is renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, Himalayan poppies, rhododendrons, azaleas and autumn colour.  Nestled in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck enjoys a continental climate which means that plants from mountainous regions of Europe, China, Nepal, Japan and North America thrive here. 

Tinto House Hotel, Symington ***

A homely country house style hotel, which is proudly owner managed.  The hotel is set in its own grounds overlooking glorious Borders countryside.  All bedrooms have TV, WiFi, hairdryer, tea/coffee and ironing facilities.  The hotel does not have a lift.

PRICE INCLUDES

Door to door pick up service

Elite coach travel

4 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast

A guided tour of Abbotsford House

Single journey on Borders Railway and time in Edinburgh

A visit to Dawyck Garden and time in Peebles

*** TO BOOK THIS HOLIDAY, CLICK ON THE "DEPARTURE TAB" & THEN ON THE SHOPPING TROLLEY ICON***

Tinto House Hotel, Symington***

A homely country house styled hotel, which is proudly owner managed.  The hotel is set in its own grounds overlooking glorious Borders countryside.  All bedrooms have TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, tea/coffee and ironing facilities.  The hotel does not have a lift.