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Roxburghshire
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Explore Roxburghshire in Scotland for medieval abbeys, Border castles, textile towns, river valleys and walking across the Cheviot foothills.

Roxburghshire is the historic south-eastern county of Scotland, a gently varied landscape of river valleys, wooded hills, market towns and border country. Today it forms part of the Scottish Borders council area, but its older identity remains useful for understanding the character of the region. The River Tweed and its tributaries shape much of the northern landscape, while the Teviot, Jed and Kale valleys lead south and east towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border. This is a spacious rural destination where journeys between towns reveal farmland, forestry, stone bridges and long views across the Southern Uplands.
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The principal towns each have a different character. Jedburgh is defined by its Augustinian abbey, medieval street plan and associations with Scotland's turbulent border history. Kelso occupies the meeting point of the Tweed and Teviot and is known for its handsome town square, ruined abbey and proximity to Floors Castle. Hawick, further west, has a strong textile identity, particularly in cashmere and fine wool, as well as a busy cultural life. Melrose, at the foot of the Eildon Hills, combines abbey ruins, gardens and literary associations, while smaller communities such as Denholm, Newcastleton and St Boswells provide gateways to walking, cycling and heritage sites.
Roxburghshire's historic importance comes partly from its position between Scotland and England. Castles, abbeys and fortified houses were built, attacked and rebuilt across the region during centuries of war and political uncertainty. Jedburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey show the sophistication of medieval religious architecture, while Floors Castle represents the later influence of aristocratic estate culture. The remains of Roxburgh Castle, near Kelso, recall the importance of a settlement that was once one of Scotland's leading royal burghs before declining after repeated conflict.
The countryside is central to the experience. Footpaths cross the Cheviot foothills and the Eildon Hills, and the Southern Uplands provide opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife watching. The Borders Abbeys Way links several historic towns on a long-distance circuit, although it is best approached in sections rather than as a single casual stroll. Seasonal colour is especially evident in the wooded valleys and estate landscapes, while winter brings shorter daylight hours and more exposed conditions on the hills.
Food and drink reflect both Scottish and Border traditions: local lamb and beef, farmhouse baking, smoked and cured produce, game when in season, and the region's well-established brewing and distilling culture. Hawick's textile heritage remains visible in specialist makers and museums, while farmers' markets and independent shops provide opportunities to buy woollens, preserves, cheeses and crafts. Roxburghshire is best explored at a measured pace, combining abbeys and castles with river walks, hill paths and the quieter roads between the towns.

When is the best time to visit Roxburghshire?

Best: June–August · 19–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January655
February650
March1045
April1240
May1535
June (best)1930
July (best)2130
August (best)2135
September1840
October1445
November950
December655

Getting to and around Roxburghshire

How to get there

Roxburghshire has no commercial airport or mainline railway within its historic boundaries. International visitors generally use Edinburgh Airport, outside the region to the north, and continue by road or public transport; Newcastle Airport in north-east England is another possible gateway, also outside the region. The Borders Railway reaches Tweedbank near Melrose from Edinburgh, providing the region's most direct rail access, while trains from the north of England can connect through Berwick-upon-Tweed or Carlisle before continuing by bus or car. The A68, A7 and A1 provide important road approaches, although the A1 itself lies outside most of Roxburghshire.

Transportation

A car is useful for linking Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick, Melrose, smaller villages and rural walking starts, particularly where bus services are less frequent. Local buses connect the principal towns and some surrounding communities, while the Borders Railway serves Tweedbank rather than the whole historic county. Taxis are available in the larger towns but should not be assumed to be readily available in remote areas. Cycling is well suited to the quieter valley roads, and sections of the Borders Abbeys Way and other paths can be explored on foot; cyclists and walkers should plan for hills, variable weather and limited roadside facilities.

Best attractions in Roxburghshire

Roxburghshire's attractions combine medieval religious ruins, border history and expansive outdoor landscapes. Jedburgh Abbey is the region's best-known monastic site, with substantial Romanesque and Gothic masonry set within the town, while Melrose Abbey offers intricate stone carving and a long association with the medieval Borders. Kelso provides access to the remains of Roxburgh Castle and to Floors Castle, whose house, gardens and parkland illustrate the later estate tradition. Hawick's museums and textile-related heritage explain why Teviotdale became associated with fine woollen manufacture. Beyond the towns, the Eildon Hills, the Cheviot foothills and the wooded valleys of the Tweed, Teviot and Jed offer walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife watching. The Borders Abbeys Way links Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso and St Boswells in a long-distance route, while shorter paths provide manageable outings around rivers, village edges and estate landscapes. Rural churches, tower houses, historic bridges and views across the Southern Uplands add interest between major sites, and the region's smaller communities make useful stops for cafés, galleries, local produce and practical supplies.

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Best landmarks in Roxburghshire

Jedburgh Abbey is Roxburghshire's most recognisable architectural landmark, its tall stone nave and choir embodying the scale and ambition of medieval Augustinian building. Melrose Abbey is distinguished by elaborate Gothic carving and its position beneath the Eildon Hills, while Kelso Abbey preserves an unusual and powerful Romanesque west front. Near Kelso, the remains of Roxburgh Castle stand on a strategic site between the Tweed and Teviot, recalling the importance of the medieval royal burgh that once occupied the area. Floors Castle provides a contrasting landmark: a large nineteenth-century country house developed from an earlier estate and set within designed grounds. In Hawick, the town's industrial identity is represented by former textile mills and the surviving urban fabric of Teviotdale. The Eildon Hills form a prominent natural landmark visible across the central Borders, while the River Tweed, old stone bridges and wooded valley slopes provide the broader landscape framework in which Roxburghshire's historic places are understood.

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Best restaurants in Roxburghshire

Dining in Roxburghshire is shaped by farming, river valleys and the wider Scottish Borders larder. Menus in pubs, cafés, hotels and restaurants commonly draw on local lamb, beef, game when in season, vegetables, berries and farmhouse baking, while smoked fish and other preserved produce reflect Scotland's broader food traditions. Hawick, Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose have the largest concentration of places to eat, ranging from casual cafés and traditional pubs to contemporary restaurants and hotel dining rooms. Rural inns often provide hearty meals suited to walkers and cyclists, although opening patterns can be seasonal or limited outside the main towns. Farmers' markets, delicatessens and independent food shops are useful for picnic supplies, local cheeses, chutneys, cakes and preserves. Regional drinks include Scottish ales, gin and whisky, while tea rooms remain a familiar part of the town-centre food culture. Booking ahead is sensible for popular evening dining, especially during summer, weekends and major local events.

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Best bars in Roxburghshire

Evenings in Roxburghshire are centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live-music events rather than a large nightclub scene. Hawick generally has the broadest choice of evening venues, reflecting its larger population and strong local social life, while Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose offer pubs and bars suited to a quieter night after sightseeing. Historic inns and village pubs can be good places to sample local ales, whisky or non-alcoholic drinks, but rural venues may close earlier or have limited food service outside busy periods. Some breweries and distilleries in the wider Borders contribute to tasting and drinks culture, subject to their own arrangements. Visitors should not expect a continuous late-night district between towns: taxis and accommodation are spread out, and public transport becomes more limited in the evening. Live music, community events and seasonal celebrations can add variety, but their dates change from year to year.

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Best nightclubs in Roxburghshire

Evenings in Roxburghshire are centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live-music events rather than a large nightclub scene. Hawick generally has the broadest choice of evening venues, reflecting its larger population and strong local social life, while Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose offer pubs and bars suited to a quieter night after sightseeing. Historic inns and village pubs can be good places to sample local ales, whisky or non-alcoholic drinks, but rural venues may close earlier or have limited food service outside busy periods. Some breweries and distilleries in the wider Borders contribute to tasting and drinks culture, subject to their own arrangements. Visitors should not expect a continuous late-night district between towns: taxis and accommodation are spread out, and public transport becomes more limited in the evening. Live music, community events and seasonal celebrations can add variety, but their dates change from year to year.

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Best shops in Roxburghshire

Shopping in Roxburghshire is concentrated in the high streets and market-town centres of Hawick, Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose. Hawick is the strongest destination for Scottish knitwear, cashmere and woollen goods, reflecting the town's long manufacturing tradition; visitors should distinguish between locally made products and goods simply carrying a Scottish label. Kelso and Melrose combine independent clothing, book, gift and homeware shops with cafés and galleries, while Jedburgh is useful for local produce, crafts and heritage-related gifts. Farmers' markets and seasonal stalls offer preserves, baking, cheeses, meat and other products from the Border countryside, although dates and locations vary. Craft items may include textiles, pottery, prints, woodwork and jewellery, with small galleries often showcasing work by artists from the wider region. Rural shops are limited, so buy picnic supplies and specialist provisions in the larger towns before heading into the valleys or hills.

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Roxburghshire essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, as throughout the United Kingdom. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, larger shops, restaurants and supermarkets in the main towns. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, honesty boxes, traditional market stalls and places with unreliable mobile reception. Scottish banknotes are valid in Roxburghshire, although some businesses elsewhere in the United Kingdom may be less familiar with them; change them locally if travelling onwards and encountering uncertainty.
Safety
Roxburghshire is generally a calm rural destination, but ordinary precautions still apply in car parks, busy town centres and accommodation. Outdoor visitors should check weather forecasts, carry charged phones and suitable clothing, and allow extra time on exposed hills or remote paths. Take care on narrow country roads, pass horses and livestock slowly, and expect poor visibility in rain, mist or darkness. Rivers can rise quickly after heavy rainfall, while ruins and old masonry may have uneven surfaces, unstable edges or limited barriers.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or ambulance emergencies anywhere in Roxburghshire, call 999 or 112 and give the clearest available location, including a road name, landmark, what3words reference if known, or grid reference for a hill or remote path. Mountain rescue and other specialist assistance can be requested through the emergency services. For non-emergency police matters, use 101. In rural areas, mobile coverage may be intermittent, so share your route and expected return time before setting out.
Do's and Don'ts
Do keep dogs under close control around livestock, shut gates, follow waymarked paths and take litter home. Do treat abbey ruins, churchyards and historic houses as active heritage sites rather than informal climbing areas. On single-track roads, use passing places only for passing and show courtesy to local traffic. Tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, but rounding up or adding a modest amount for good service is customary. Ask before photographing private homes, workshops or people, and remember that many quiet villages are working communities rather than open-air museums.
Local Tips
The region rewards a valley-by-valley itinerary: combine Jedburgh with the upper Jed valley, Kelso with the Tweed and Teviot meeting point, and Hawick with Teviotdale's textile heritage. Melrose is particularly convenient for the Eildon Hills and the railway terminus at Tweedbank. Visit abbeys with time to notice their carved stonework and setting rather than treating them as brief stops, and check seasonal access arrangements for estates, gardens and smaller museums before making a dedicated journey.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHullo[hʌloʊ]
GoodbyeCheerio[tʃɪə.ri.oʊ]
YesAye[aɪ]
NoNaw[nɔː]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No bother[pliːz/nəʊ ˈbɒð.ər]
Thank youCheers[tʃɪrz]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ɪkˈskjuːz mi/ˈsɒr.i]
How are you?How's it gaun?[haʊz ɪt ɡɔn]
Fine. And you?Aye, braw. An yersel?[aɪ, brɔː. ən jərˈsɛl]
Do you speak English?Dae ye speak English?[deɪ ji spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandAh dinnae ken[ɑː dɪn.eɪ kɛn]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh'd like tae see the menu, please[ɑːd laɪk teɪ siː ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliːz]
I don't eat meatAh dinnae eat meat[ɑː dɪn.eɪ iːt miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![tʃɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseAh'd like tae pay, please[ɑːd laɪk teɪ peɪ pliːz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Gae awa![ɡeɪ əˈwɑː]
Call the Police!Call the polis![kɔːl ðə ˈpoʊlɪs]
Call a doctor!Call a doc![kɔːl ə dɒk]
I'm lostAh'm lost[ɑːm lɒst]
I'm illAh'm unwell[ɑːm ʌnˈwɛl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ah'd like tae buy...[ɑːd laɪk teɪ baɪ...]
I'm just lookingAh'm just lookin'[ɑːm dʒʌst ˈlʊk.ɪn]
How much is it?How much is it?[haʊ mʌtʃ ɪz ɪt]
That's too expensiveThat's ower dear[ðæts ˈoʊər dɪr]
Can you lower the price?Can ye lower the price?[kæn ji ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Whit time is it?[wɪt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt's yin o'clock[ɪts jɪn əˈklɒk]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hɑːf pɑːst tɛn]
MorningMornin'[ˈmɔːrnɪn]
AfternoonAftirnoon[æf.tərˈnuːn]
EveningEvenin'[ˈiːv.nɪŋ]
YesterdayYestreen[jɛsˈtriːn]
TodayT'day[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowMorn[mɔːrn]
1Yin[jɪn]
2Twa[twɑː]
3Three[θriː]
4Fower[ˈfaʊər]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛv.ən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Whar's a/the...?[wɛrz ə/ðə]
What's the address?Whit’s the address?[wɪt̬z ðə əˈdrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ye show me (on the map)?[kæn ji ʃoʊ mi (ɒn ðə mæp)]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[wɛn ðə nɛkst (bʌs)]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (ta ....)[ə ˈtɪkɪt (tə ....)]

History of Roxburghshire

Prehistoric settlement and the Roman frontier

People have farmed and occupied the valleys of Roxburghshire since prehistoric times, leaving earthworks, standing stones and other traces across the Borders landscape. The Roman army later moved through the region during campaigns north of Hadrian's Wall. Dere Street, the major Roman road running north from York towards the Forth, crossed the eastern Borders and helped connect forts and settlements. Nearby archaeological remains, including the important Roman settlement at Newstead near Melrose, show that the area was not a remote blank on the imperial frontier but a zone of movement, military activity and contact between communities.

Early medieval kingdoms and Christianity

The region lay within the wider frontier between the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and the developing kingdom of Scotland. Religious foundations helped give the Borders a more settled cultural framework. Melrose's monastic history began with a foundation at Old Melrose, probably in the seventh century, before the Cistercians established a new abbey at the present site in the twelfth century. Place names, church sites and surviving fragments reflect the interaction of Gaelic, Brittonic, Northumbrian and later Scots influences that shaped the south-eastern Scottish borderlands.

Royal burghs and the medieval abbeys

During the twelfth century, Scottish kings encouraged urban growth, monastic reform and stronger royal administration in the Borders. Jedburgh Abbey was founded for Augustinian canons, while Melrose Abbey was refounded for Cistercian monks and Kelso Abbey became one of the region's major religious institutions. Royal burghs such as Roxburgh and Jedburgh supported trade, markets and government. Their buildings and institutions brought architectural sophistication to the valleys, even though the region's proximity to England would repeatedly expose these communities to warfare.

The Wars of the Scottish Borders

From the late thirteenth century through the sixteenth century, Roxburghshire was repeatedly affected by the Wars of Scottish Independence, Anglo-Scottish conflict and raids between border communities. Roxburgh Castle was strategically important because it controlled a crossing and approach between the Tweed and Teviot valleys; it changed hands more than once before falling into decline. Jedburgh, Kelso and other settlements suffered attacks, while fortified towers and houses were built to protect landowners and their tenants. The surviving ruins and defensive buildings are direct reminders of this unstable frontier.

The Union of the Crowns and the end of raiding

The accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne in 1603 transformed the political circumstances of the Borders. The formal frontier remained, but the Crown moved to suppress the raiding culture associated with the old border laws and rivalries. Families who had long operated as armed local powers were brought under firmer authority, and the region gradually shifted from a militarised march to a more regulated agricultural society. The change was disruptive as well as stabilising, since older forms of local autonomy and livelihood were curtailed.

Agricultural improvement and the estate landscape

From the eighteenth century, landowners in Roxburghshire pursued agricultural improvement, better roads, drainage, planned planting and more formal estate management. Farms became more commercially organised, and grand houses, designed landscapes and walled gardens expressed the wealth of the landed class. Floors Castle near Kelso developed into one of the region's most prominent estates, while bridges, turnpike roads and redesigned town spaces improved connections between market centres. Much of the orderly farmland and wooded scenery seen today reflects these later transformations rather than an unchanged medieval landscape.

Textiles, railways and modern Border towns

Industrialisation gave Hawick and other Teviotdale communities a distinctive economic identity. Woollen manufacture developed from older domestic and small-scale textile traditions into mechanised production, with mills making tweed, knitwear and luxury woollens for national and international markets. Railways reached the Borders during the nineteenth century, linking towns to wider markets and encouraging movement of people and goods, although many services later disappeared. Manufacturing remains part of Hawick's cultural identity, while tourism, agriculture, public services and small enterprises now support the wider region.

Roxburghshire in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Roxburghshire

Discover Roxburghshire with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Unlock the hidden gems of Roxburghshire with Evendo. Explore landmarks, book experiences, and enjoy local tips with our comprehensive, free travel guide app.

  • In-depth history of Roxburghshire
  • Essential travel tips for visitors
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and services
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Roxburghshire, a picturesque retreat in the United Kingdom brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Evendo is your indispensable companion in exploring this captivating region. Whether you're marveling at the grandeur of Floors Castle, strolling through the serene gardens of Monteviot House, or delving into history at the Hawick Museum, our app ensures you don't miss a thing.

Evendo offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Imagine savoring a meal at The Caddy Mann Restaurant, renowned for its exquisite local cuisine, or enjoying a night out at The Exchange Bar in Hawick. Each listing comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making planning and navigation a breeze.

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Dive into Roxburghshire's history, discover essential travel tips, and navigate the area effortlessly with our user-friendly interface. Our 'Near Me' feature ensures you can find attractions and services nearby, no matter where you are. Curated local tips help you experience Roxburghshire like a true local.

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