Around The Borders
North Northumberland
Places of interest on the English side of the border in North Northumberland include Holy Island, which is the site of a 6th century monastery famous for the production of the Lindisfarne Gospels in 700 AD led by St Cuthbert and also renowned for its wealth of wildlife.
College Valley itself, with its large ancient woodland area, ancient hill camps of varied natural history including rare raptors and red squirrels.
The Farne Islands rich in wildlife and particularly in spring as nesting site for sea birds. Budle Bay where at low tide many waders congregate particularly Arctic Terns, Puffins and Razor Bills.
If you enjoy castles and beautiful gardens you could visit Alnwick Castle the home of the Percy family since the 15th century. Appreciate the now famous Millennium gardens created recently by the Percy family in conjunction with other nationally acclaimed horticulturists.
Scottish Borders
Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott.
Floors Castle built on the death site of James 1 st of Scotland in 1460, the largest occupied castle in Scotland and updated by Adam.
Mellerstain House, one of the finest William and Charles Adam house in Scotland.
Bamburgh Castle, sited magnificently on the Northumberland coast.
Bowhill House and Country Park near Selkirk, home of the Duke of Buccleugh and its nationally renowned art collection.
Thanks to Henry viii‘s dispute with the church there are remarkable ruined Abbey sites at Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose and Kelso. The last two sited on the banks of the Tweed one of the most prolific salmon rivers in Scotland. More detailed information on these and other interesting places are available at Hethpool.
There are great fishing opportunities available in the Borders including fishing on the River Tweed and its tributaries, The Till, Glen and Bowmont. There is also lake fishing which can be arranged.
Boathouse Cottage can provide excellent self-catering accommodation by the River Tweed at Norham. It is also near the award-winning Wheatsheaf Restaurant in Swinton. Lazyday cottages offers Scottish Borders log cabin self-catering accommodation near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The Wheatsheaf at Swinton has Scottish Borders accommodation specially aimed at the Fish Tweed clientelle. The place to stay in the borders if you like fishing.
The borders is famous for its knitwear industry and it is the centre of the cashmere trade. There are good bargains to be found in the local factory shops.
Hethpool is within an hour and a half of Newcastle and Edinburgh. It is a perfect place to have a break before travelling on to visit the many delights of Scotland.