Holiday Cottages in Scotland

The Borders Abbey Way

This historic walking route links four great ruined abbeys in the region in Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburg. The total walk is 109 km or 68 miles, and it can be completed in different sections, allowing easy to moderate walking in some of the most beautiful dales and hills of this part of Scotland. 

Abbotsford House - Melrose - Roxburghshire

Situated on the River Tweed, this was home to writer Sir Walter Scott, who was a celebrated novelist, poet, historian, and biographer. Dating from 1825, this fascinating historic country house estate is open to the public, you can visit the house, the gardens, the chapel, visitor centre and take in the estate. Walk on over 120 acres of paths, enjoying the extensive woodlands planted by Scott. There is a cafe to relax in before or after your explorations.  60 km or 35 miles from Edinburgh. See tickets to purchase below. 

St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Walk from St Abb's to St Abb's Head Nature Reserve on a circular hike which is 6.3 km or 4 miles. Best between February to October to enjoy the rugged cliffs, bird colonies, Mire Loch and historic places along the way. See kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemot. In the ocean spot grey seals, dolphins and porpoises. Start your walk at the National Trust for Scotland NTS carpark just inland from St Abb's. 80 km or 50 miles from Edinburgh.

Foxglove Cottage - Hawick - Roxburghshire - The Borders - Scotland

Offering a 2 or 3 bedroom cottage with 1 bathroom with space for 4 or 6 guests in either Foxglove or Willowherb Cottage. Delightful cosy chocolate box cottages with fireplaces, full kitchens and romantic gardens. Relax or talk to the faeries at the bottom of the garden. Just 4.3 km or 2.5 miles to Hawick. 

Pathhead Farmhouse - Hoscote Estate - Roberton - Hawick - The Borders - Scotland

In an elevated position overlooking rolling green fields sits a traditional Borders Farmhouse with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms welcoming 6 guests in rural tranquility on Hoscote Estate. Cook in your full kitchen, enjoy the wood burning stove and the outdoor seating with BBQ. Pet friendly, with loads of walks just outside your doorstep. The estate has the most photogenic black and white sheep and cows as well as active conservation projects. Drive 14 km or 8.7 miles to Hawick.

Scots & Queens - Peebles - Tweeddale - The Borders -Scotland

Completely and utterly romantic. Neidpath Castle Cottage welcomes 2 guests in 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Immerse yourself in history at this medieval stronghold built around 1266, visited by Mary Queen of Scots in 1563 and preserved by generations of families. Learn about Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Maid of Neidpath'. The Borders were a contested battleground between the Scots and the English for centuries. Learn about the proud past of the clans here. All modern conveniences will give you comfort during your stay. A luxury breakfast hamper is provided – this includes fresh local bread, yoghurt, smoked salmon, berries, jams and more. The cobwebs of controversy have been swept aside to create a modern wedding venue and sumptuous experience on the Barns Estate.

Barns Tower - Peebles - Tweeddale - The Borders - Scotland

A whimsical, enchanting, romantic retreat with 1 bedroom and 2 bathrooms accommodating 4 guests. This historically fascinating tower has been restored to a cosy, warm, quirky, extraordinary stay. Step back in history, admire the vaulted ceilings, wood panelled walls and relax next to a roaring fire. Dating from the 15th Century, located next to the Tweed River, choose Barns Library or Barns Bothy as additional accommodation as needed. Drive 6.3 km or 3 miles to Peebles. Just a 40 minute drive from Edinburgh. 

The Old Mill House - Thirlestane - The Borders - Scotland

An ideal couples retreat with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in a beautifully restored historic building. See the old mill stone still set into the building, yet relax in modern comfort and charm. Enjoy the wood burning stove, outdoor seating areas, fully-equipped kitchen and the trickle of water running in the  Boondreigh River. Choose accommodation in the Bothy, the Fishing Hut or the Stilt House on this charming rural property. 6.4 km or 4 miles to Lauder village. 50 km or 30 miles from Edinburgh. 

Old Mill Cottage - Kelso - Roxburghshire - The Borders - Scotland

Sitting on Kale Water just outside the village of Kelso at Kalemouth, this charming historic home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with space for 5 guests. A well appointed yet rustic stone cottage with spacious living areas and French doors leading to a relaxing terrace and pretty garden. You will be surrounded by nature, spot otters, deer, badgers, herons and kingfishers, or walk out your door for paths and trails. Very central in The Borders, just 10 km or 6 miles to Kelso. 

Pentland Cottage - Horndean - Berwickshire - The Borders - Scotland

Walk out your door to the River Tweed which forms the border with England. Explore walking paths from your cosy cottage with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom which sleeps 2 guests. Enjoy the garden, full kitchen and fireplace. 5 km or 3 miles from Norham Village. 85 km or 56 miles from Edinburgh.

Lane Cottage - Leitholm - Coldstream - The Borders - Scotland

This large home offers space for 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in the country near Coldstream village. Relax in this beautifully furnished, charming cottage with sweeping views over farmland. This former butler's residence sits within an enclosed country garden flanked by mature trees, part of the woodland, parkland and acclaimed gardens of the Bughtrig Estate. Step out onto estate walking paths. Very central to The Borders, close to Marchmont House, Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle. 70 km or 44 miles from Edinburgh.

The Old School Cottage - Hume - The Borders - Scotland - UK

This charming historic building dating from 1828 welcomes 4 guests in 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with modern conveniences and style. Enjoy a full kitchen, fireplace and outdoor seating with BBQ. Relax in the private garden. Close to the village and 80 km or 50 miles from Edinburgh Airport.  

Rock Cottage - St Abbs - Berwickshire - The Borders - Scotland

Location, location, location! This is a most charming opportunity to live in a seaside cottage right by the harbour. This restored fisherman's cottage is simply enchanting. St Abb's is just as fairytale, with a rugged rocky coastline and jagged cliffs. Perfect for couples, this stone cottage has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, and of course, sea views. 76 km or 48 miles from Edinburgh. 

The Gate House - Kirknewton - Scotland

A cosy historic home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms ideal for your arrival or departure as it is located just outside Edinburgh, only 14 km or 8 miles from the airport. Free parking, a private entrance, fully setup kitchen and a relaxing garden. The washing machine will be handy if you have been travelling. An enchanting way to begin or end your Scottish journey.

Observatory House - Calton Hill - Edinburgh - Scotland

Enchanting, fairytale, magical and unique. This stunning Gothic Revival building is castle-like yet fully renovated and modern inside. A 3-bedroom home accommodating 7 guests right next to the City Observatory. Sweeping views across Edinburgh and close to everything. Be part of Scottish history dating from 1818. Absorb the stories through the stones. 150 metres to the Nelson Monument, 200 metres to the top of Calton Hill. Just 500 metres to the Royal Mile. Explore Edinburgh on foot from this unusual haven. 

Abbotsford: House, Chapel and Garden Ticket

Discover Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. Learn about his life and achievements. Explore the beautiful formal gardens. Discover Witch Corner, an interactive folklore trail.

5 / 5 (5 Reviews)

From Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, The Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

See the famous Rosslyn Chapel and seek out the secrets of the Da Vinci Code. Visit Melrose Abbey, said to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Drink a dram of whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery. Taste Scottish produce at lunch in Melrose and explore the town and its Abbey. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Borders.

4.7 / 5 (221 Reviews)

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Visit Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction. Learn about the history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. Begin on the Royal Mile, then to the castle, where your guide interprets the origins of the castle and its sieges. After exploration with a guide, you can spend a free time inside the castle until closing time.

4.6 / 5 (2,761 Reviews)

Fauna

Roe Deer - Capreolus capreolus

Otter - Lutra lutra

Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris

Birds - at St Abb's Head you will see plenty of sea birds on the cliffs from February to October

Kittiwake - Rissa tridactyla

Guillemot - Uria aalge

Razorbill - Alca torda

Flora - in March and May see spring flowers like the anemones, bluebells and hyacinths

Wood Anemone - Anemone nemorosa

Hazel Tree - Corylus avellana

Rock Rose - Rockrose helianthemum

To explore The Borders region in Scotland

• Arrive into Edinburgh Airport EDI
• Drive 43 km or 27 miles to Peebles
• Or take the train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Tweedbank, a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!