Things to do
Abbotsford: The Home of Sir Walter Scott
The rooms visitors can discover at Abbotsford were left just as Scott kept them after his death and are packed full of the fascinating items he collected. Amongst them is one of the best examples in the world of an 19th Century writer’s personal library. Listen to our free audio guide as you walk through the rooms to experience all the historic house has to offer.
Alex Dalgetty & Sons Bakers
A family company stretching back several generations, Alex Dalgetty & Sons is now run by Craig Murray, the original Dalgetty's great-grandson. The bakery in Galashiels whips up the breads and cakes sold in the two shops, one in the same town and one in Melrose. They're particularly strong on traditional treats like Ecclefechan tart, Selkirk bannocks, black bun, clootie dumpling and Border tart. They can claim to be one of the original bakers of the Selkirk bannock, as Alex Dalgetty worked with Robbie Douglas, the baker credited with inventing the bun in 1859, and learned the original...
The Buccleuch Arms
Quality food, both comfort and sometimes quirky, but definitely with our very own stamp and assured quality is available whilst the breakfasts are truly exceptional. The hotel is simply brilliantly positioned, not only as a stopover from north to south and vice versa, but as the perfect base to spend a few days in the area to explore this amazing and beautiful part of Scotland. This hotel offers huge resources and knowledge in motorcycle tourism, walking routes, cycling, eagle trails and star gazing. The hotel is simply passionate about making your stay enjoyable.
The Cloudhouse Café and Gallery
The Cloudhouse Café offers a range of make-your-own sandwiches, toasties, baked potatoes, paninis, baguettes, and pitta pockets. The café also has a kid's menu. Along with the sandwich choices, one can choose from a variety of cakes that are freshly made on the premises. Their weekend breakfast menu includes freshly made pancakes, a healthy made breakfast, and a few other choices. Ice cream and sorbets sold are sourced locally from Langshaw Farmhouse.
Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club
Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club has been in existence since the 1930s when a single court was constructed, owned by Gala Squash Courts Ltd, on land adjacent to Galashiels Lawn Tennis Club. The Club thrived for many years and towards the end of the 1970s the court was handed over to the members to form Galashiels Squash Club. At a similar time, building alterations were carried out to increase the club from 1 to 2 courts. At this time the membership stood at around 250 people. Galashiels Tennis Club sold its land in 1996 but the squash club and facilities remain. An updated constitution...
Galashiels Swimming Pool
Galashiels Swimming Pool is a bustling hub of activity at the centre of the local community. From the viewing area, you can see all there is to offer, including a 25m pool that provides access for lane swimming; club swimming; inflatable fun sessions; and Learn 2 Swim, our swimming lessons programme for children and adults of all levels. In addition to this, there are a range of fitness classes which take place next to the pool area.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is where Scotland's story begins. Situated in Galashiels, in the heartland of the Scottish Borders, the five star visitor centre was purpose built to house one of the world's largest community arts projects - The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 stitchers from across Scotland, The Tapestry charts 420 million years of Scotland's history, heritage, innovations and culture through 160 compelling panels. It was the brainchild of globally-renowned author Alexander McCall Smith and designed by artist Andrew Crummy based on a narrative...
Mac Arts
MacArts is the Borders leading live music and performing arts venue. Situated in a unique listed building in the centre of Galashiels it provides an incredible setting for performances from leading music and theatre acts. Run as a charitable trust MacArts offers great value cultural events to suit all tastes. The venue is also open to hire for meetings, events, community activities and clubs
Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. The abbey was the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, now marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds. Visitors can also visit a museum housing a display of artefacts found within the abbey. Free audio tour and children’s trail available.
Melrose Rugby Football Club
Melrose Rugby was founded in 1877 and was elected to full membership of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1880. In the early years, the club’s achievements were modest. Their first Border League success came in 1910-11 and the second in 1938-39. Since the Second World War Melrose has remained among Scotland’s leading clubs. The unofficial championship was won in 1951-52, 1962-63 and 1966-67 and the Border League won five times between the war and 1971.