Best Landmarks in Roxburghshire
Planning a trip to Roxburghshire? Discover the best landmarks in Roxburghshire with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Roxburghshire
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
17 landmarks
-
Monument4.7★4,771 reviews
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is a striking Gothic spire standing 61 meters tall in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. It is the largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world, commemorating the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. Visitors can climb its 287 narrow steps to multiple viewing platforms offering panoramic city views, explore a museum room with stained-glass windows and literary exhibits, and admire the white Carrara marble statue of Scott and his dog at its base.
Daily 10:00–12:30, 13:45–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Hotel4.7★420 reviews
Schloss Roxburghe - Destination by Hyatt
SCHLOSS Roxburghe, part of Destination by Hyatt, is a striking Jacobean country estate hotel set on 300 acres of scenic parkland near Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Featuring a historic manor house and a modern extension, it offers 78 elegant rooms and suites, 51 self-catering cottages, a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options focused on fresh, local produce. This family-friendly luxury retreat blends traditional charm with contemporary comforts, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Price level $$$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.8★239 reviews
Duddo Five Stones
The Duddo Five Stones is a prehistoric stone circle located near Duddo in Northumberland, England, dating back around 4,000 years to the Early Bronze Age. Originally comprising seven stones, five remain standing today, set on a grassy knoll with panoramic views of the Cheviot and Lammermuir Hills. This evocative site, steeped in legend and archaeological mystery, invites contemplation of ancient rituals and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Historical place4.6★169 reviews
Kelso
Kelso, located in the Scottish Borders, is a charming historic town known for its medieval origins, picturesque cobbled square, and the ruins of Kelso Abbey. Once a thriving medieval burgh, Kelso offers visitors a rich archaeological and cultural experience, with connections to ancient settlements, royal history, and the scenic Tweed Valley. The town blends historic architecture with vibrant local life, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic Scottish heritage.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.4★136 reviews
Waterloo Monument
The Waterloo Monument near Jedburgh is a 150-foot Doric column erected between 1817 and 1824 to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Set atop Peniel Heugh hill, it offers commanding views of the Scottish Borders landscape. Though public access to the tower’s interior is limited, the monument remains a striking historical landmark visible for miles around.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.5★126 reviews
Coxon's Tower
Coxon's Tower is one of the last remaining medieval towers on Berwick-upon-Tweed's famous Elizabethan town walls. Originally a tall medieval fortification, it was transformed in the 16th and 18th centuries into a gun platform guarding the river estuary. The tower offers a fascinating glimpse into Berwick’s turbulent history, with surviving vaulted ceilings and casemates reflecting layers of military architecture from medieval to early modern times.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.5★79 reviews
Greenknowe Tower
Greenknowe Tower is a striking 16th-century L-plan tower house built in 1581 by James Seton near Gordon in the Scottish Borders. Though roofless, its well-preserved stonework showcases late Renaissance defensive architecture with thick walls, gun-holes, and a single fortified entrance. Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, this hilltop ruin offers a compelling glimpse into Renaissance-era Scottish domestic and military design, set within the pastoral landscape of the Borders.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.8–2 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.1★57 reviews
Rhymers Stone
Perched on the Eildon Hills near Melrose, Rhymer's Stone is a historic monument erected in 1929 by the Melrose Literary Society. It marks the legendary spot where Thomas the Rhymer, a 13th-century Scottish laird and prophet, allegedly met the Faerie Queen beneath the ancient Eildon Tree. The accompanying viewpoint offers sweeping vistas across the Scottish Borders landscape, including the striking Leaderfoot Viaduct spanning the River Tweed—a structure that seemingly fulfilled one of Thomas's own prophecies. Free to visit and accessible year-round, this atmospheric site blends medieval folklore with stunning natural scenery.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Historical landmark3.9★59 reviews
Brow Well
Brow Well, near Ruthwell in Dumfries and Galloway, is a historic iron-rich spring famed for its healing waters, notably visited by Robert Burns in 1796 seeking relief from rheumatic fever. Nestled beside the Solway Firth and surrounded by rural landscapes, this modest but culturally significant site offers a glimpse into 18th-century health practices and Burns’ personal history.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.3★24 reviews
Marjoribanks Monument
The Marjoribanks Monument, erected in 1829, stands proudly at the eastern entrance of Coldstream, Scotland. It commemorates Charles Albany Marjoribanks, a notable local MP and public figure known for his talents and political principles. The monument offers panoramic views over the River Tweed and the surrounding countryside, symbolizing resilience after being rebuilt following lightning damage in 1873.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Dryhope Tower
Dryhope Tower is a ruined 16th-century peel tower overlooking St Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders, steeped in Border history and legend. Built around the 1530s–1550s as a defensive stronghold for the Scott family, this four-storey tower features vaulted basements, gunloops, and the remains of a protective barmkin courtyard. Famous as the home of Mary Scott, the 'Flower of Yarrow'—an ancestor of Sir Walter Scott—the tower was slighted in 1592 by King James VI but rebuilt by 1613. Today, this scheduled monument stands as a haunting reminder of the turbulent Border Reiver era.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Hirendean Castle
Hirendean Castle is a ruined 16th-century peel tower located near the village of Heriot in Scotland. Set atop a raised mound beside the River South Esk valley, the castle offers evocative ruins surrounded by tranquil countryside and walking trails. Once a stronghold of the Kerr family, the site is rich with history, local legends, and scenic views, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Littledean Tower
Littledean Tower, located near Melrose in the Scottish Borders, is a striking 16th-century tower built on the site of an earlier fort. Once the principal residence of the Kers of Littledean, this historic stronghold guarded a vital ford on the River Tweed. The tower’s robust D-shaped defensive addition and its ruins evoke centuries of border conflicts, local legends, and ghost stories, making it a captivating site for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the supernatural.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Mungo Park Monument
The Mungo Park Monument in Selkirk commemorates the life and explorations of Mungo Park, the pioneering Scottish explorer of West Africa. Erected in 1859, this sculpted column with bronze figures and bas-reliefs honors Park’s daring journeys along the Niger River and his legacy in African exploration. Located at 9 Back Row, Selkirk, the monument stands near Park’s apprentice surgeon’s house, offering a historical and tranquil spot for visitors interested in Scottish heritage and exploration history.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Frenchland Tower
Frenchland Tower is a ruined 16th-century L-shaped tower house near Moffat, Scotland, once owned by the influential French family. Perched above the Frenchland Burn, it offers sweeping views of the Annandale valley and the town of Moffat. Though roofless and partially collapsed, the tower’s remains reveal its evolution from a defensive peel-house to a more comfortable residence with later additions. It stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, embodying centuries of Scottish feudal history and local heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Scott/Douglas Mausoleum
The Scott/Douglas Mausoleum is a striking neo-classical temple mausoleum located in Kelso, Scotland. Built in the early 19th century, it serves as a monumental resting place for the Scott and Douglas families, notable figures in the region's history. Its polished ashlar stonework and Roman Doric columns embody classical architectural elegance, set within the historic Springwood estate.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Over Ancrum
Over Ancrum is a serene historical landmark near Jedburgh, Scotland, rich in medieval heritage and surrounded by scenic rolling hills. Known for its connection to the 1545 Battle of Ancrum Moor, the site offers visitors a peaceful setting to explore remnants of ancient structures and enjoy nature trails. Its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Explore Roxburghshire on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Roxburghshire, mapped for you.
More about Roxburghshire
Roxburghshire travel guide
Explore Roxburghshire in Scotland for medieval abbeys, Border castles, textile towns, river valleys and walking across the Cheviot foothills.
Tell me more about RoxburghshireMore to explore in Roxburghshire
Best attractions in Roxburghshire
Best shops in Roxburghshire
Best bars in Roxburghshire
Best restaurants in Roxburghshire
Best nightclubs in Roxburghshire
Best experiences in Roxburghshire
Best hotels in RoxburghshireExplore more
Explore more of United Kingdom
Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.
Explore United Kingdom
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Roxburghshire guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
