Things to do in the Borders this autumn

Last updated: Wednesday, 9 August 2017

The Scottish Borders landscapeThe Scottish Borders has been capturing hearts and imaginations for centuries.

With historic houses and castles set against a backdrop of rolling hills and open moorland it’s easy to see why Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott and countless others since have fallen for The Borders. There’s a vibrant Arts community in today’s Borders, a world class network of walking and cycling routes and it’s becoming recognised as a foodie haven with award winning restaurants scattered across the region.

The opening of the Borders Railway in September 2015 has allowed rail travellers from all corners of the globe to experience their own Borders adventure. Here are some of the many events taking place in The Scottish Borders this autumn.

The largest yet celebration of heritage takes place on 1 – 30 September 2017 at various sites within the Scottish Borders.

Unique events will bring the Borders’ history alive through living history, storytelling, archaeology, walks, tours, film, theatre, music, exhibitions and re-enactments.

Experience Borders historic castles and towers lit up on the opening weekend, hear hunting ballads, watch sword fighting and horsemen, lighting lanterns, uncovering history, and exploring myths. There’s something for everyone.

Visit Borders Heritage Festival website

The ever-popular Tour of Britain will once again open with a Scottish stage. Riders will start in Edinburgh and finish Stage One in Kelso in the Scottish Borders on Sunday 3 September 2017.

Cyclists will face a loop in Kelso, giving spectators the added bonus of spotting stars racing through the town twice.

The route also takes cyclists through Melrose and Tweedbank, meaning there’ll be loads of opportunities to spectate throughout the Borders.

Visit Tour of Britain website

Peebles will also host the 23rd Borders Walking Festival – the oldest established walking festival in Scotland.

It will run from Sunday 3 – Saturday 9 September 2017 and will feature a varied programme of walks for all abilities, taking you through some of the finest scenery in the country.

Visit Borders Walking Festival website

Car lovers won’t want to miss the Selkirk Vintage Rally on Sunday 17 September 2017.

The event will take place at Sunderland Hall and will feature all modes of transport from veteran cars to post war buses, military, and commercial vehicles. A large agricultural selection tractors, stationary engines, agricultural implements, and a variety of collections, miniature and full size traction engines.

Catch the train to Galashiels, where a regular bus service runs from Galashiels Interchange station to Sunderland Hall, taking around 15 minutes.

Visit Selkirk Vintage Rally

Click here for more information about what to see and do in The Borders and Midlothian.

For a full list of events in the Scottish Borders, see Visit Scotland’s website .

How to get to Kelso and Peebles?

You can catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Galashiels, which is an interchange station. Regular buses run from Galashiels to the Borders towns of Kelso and Peebles.

Plan your trip to the Borders with ScotRail
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