The Top 7 family trips to do this summer
There's so much in the area to try
If you are already thinking about the school summer holidays, and wondering how to entertain your family, then you are in luck. We live in an outstanding part of the country and The Borders has a mountain of options for family days out. With everything from the local town's common ridings to the annual Border Union Show, there's something to entertain your family.
Here are just a few of our favourite destinations for a day out:
Spittal Beach
Just south of historic Berwick-upon-Tweed this incredible beach has been a popular seaside destination since the 18th century. Victorian families would come here to bathe in the sea and play on the sand just as many families do today. The Victorian promenade is where visitors have taken in the view for centuries, including the lighthouse and Elizabethan Walls. More recently, a splash park has been added and there are good facilities.
Walkers can enjoy the beach walk which joins the Northumberland coastal path, and eagle-eyed walkers might spot the odd seal or even a dolphin.
Common Ridings
Of course, no list about the Borders' Summer activities would be complete without the traditional celebratory Common Ridings. These proud and passionate ride outs take place between June and August every year, when each Borders town celebrates its history dating back incredibly, to the 13th and 14th centuries.
If you haven't been to one before, it's a unique display; visually fascinating but full of passion and pride, making it so much more than just a re-enactment.
This year's Common Ridings will take place as follows:
6th - 8th June
Hawick Common Riding
10th - 14th June
Selkirk Common Riding
16th - 22nd June
Peebles Beltane
16th - 22nd June
Melrose Festival
21st - 30th June
Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering
Sat 29th June – Sat 13th July
Jethart Callants Festival
7th - 13th July
Duns Summer Festival
14th - 20th July
Kelso Civic Week
28th July - 3rd August
Lauder Common Riding
5th - 9th August
Coldstream Civic Week
Bowhill House and Country Estate
Bowhill is one of those incredible places that you have to visit to understand its attraction. Whatever you may be looking for, this amazing place won't disappoint. Rich historical significance, a stunning building encapsulated by beautiful grounds, a loch and vast forestry beyond, the list is endless. It is in fact, a place so special that Sir Walter Scott wrote about it as 'sweet Bowhill' in his poem 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel'.
For more than 200 years, this estate has surveyed its surroundings and its rich history includes being bestowed upon the Scott clan by Robert the Bruce and serving as an army hospital in World War one.
Today there is a great deal to enjoy here. Indoors, there is a fascinating collection of artefacts including hand-painted Chinese wallpaper from the 18th century, amongst books and paintings. Outside, the gardens and the views are breathtaking. While you walk, you will enjoy a rock garden, flower borders and a lovely rose garden and a sunken garden which is home to beautiful trees. If you have children with you, there is a soft play area for them to enjoy plus an adventure playground which will keep them busy for a while!
Walkers flock to Bowhill as there are so many options for walks. Hilly, flat, open or woodland, whatever you are in the mood for there are five trails to enjoy. Whilst you walk you might spot some red squirrels, mountain hares, heron, grey wagtails, kingfishers and crossbill.
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre
Harestanes Park is a fabulous destination for a day out. It is a real hit with walkers as there are so many different walks which all take in the incredible views. Whether you prefer a gentle amble or want to take a more brisk pace, the walk will be just breathtaking. If you opt for the 172-metre Peniel Heugh, you will be rewarded by the sight of the Waterloo Monument, a commemoration for the Duke of Wellington.
If you have younger visitors with you there is an extensive and varied adventure playground, newly built, with something for all adventurers, including a skate park and sand pit.
Stop off at the shop before you go home and buy something seasonal as a memento of your day, knowing that all profits go back into the local community.
Teviotdale Leisure Centre
Teviotdale Leisure Centre is a great place to spend the day, especially if it is a rainy one. There is so much to squeeze into a day that there simply will not be enough time to get bored. The swimming pool is very popular and there is a toddler pool for younger paddlers. If you are looking to get fit you are spoilt for choice between squash courts, weights, cardio options and even classes.
There is a soft play for children to enjoy, and indoor bowling green. Re-fuel at the café with home-made treats to top off a perfect family day.
Border Union Show
Another highlight of the summer is the huge and varied Border Union Show. Taking place on 26th and 27th July, just outside Kelso, this show squeezes an incredible amount of entertainment into two days.
All sorts of industry-specific attractions will be show-cased, but it is so much more and will prove to be a great day out. Along with the hundreds of competitions for horses and arts, the 200 or so stalls offering supplies and food, there will also be a food fair bursting with delicacies to try and a marquee designated to all things crafty and arty, perfect for picking up a special trinket or two.
Children will have a whale of a time, between the fun fair and the yummy food, and not to mention the small attraction of the Monster Trucks!
Don’t let the boredom take over this summer, there is so much to see and do right on our doorstep that the perfect cure is right here.
Read more:
7 of the best historical places to visit in the Scottish Borders
Top 10 delicacies in the Borders
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