With three charming one-bedroom self-catering cottages near Kelso, Burnbrae provides the perfect basecamp to enjoy the many activities and places to see on both sides of the Scotland / England Border. There’s also a wealth of events throughout the year, both in Kelso and at the numerous historic sites and places of interest throughout the region. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, Burnbrae offers a secure store for cycles, walking gear etc. and for your convenience, each cottage also has a heated drying cupboard. A washing machine and a tumble drier are available on-site.
For those who haven’t visited the beautiful Borders area before, we have put in your cottage an information folder with some suggestions of places to visit and things to do while staying at Burnbrae including ideas for a Wet Day. and Places to visit in winter, Places to visit on the East coast of the Borders.
Here is a link to a Visit Scotland film of family activities to do in SOUTHERN SCOTLAND. Some are within 40 mins drive from Burnbrae Holidays. The coastal walk & bird watching shown was filmed at St Abbs Head, the surfing was filmed at Coldingham beach, Go Ape and trail cycling was filmed at Glentress.
Walking
Walking opportunities surround Burnbrae; our cottages are set within approximately thirty acres of fallow farmland, so whether you simply enjoy an early morning stroll or are looking for something more challenging Burnbrae provides an ideal base. Ask us, or there are some suggestions for walks of varying lengths in your cottage or just a short drive away. The Cheviot Hills, the East Coast or along the local river banks.
Cycling
Cyclists are especially welcome at Burnbrae Holidays. We have a lockable cycle store. E-bikes can be hired by the day or week, they can be delivered to Burnbrae Holidays and collected from. There are some tools and a work bike stand for those minor repairs. There is also an outside tap for washing your bike down after your adventure on the trails. Each cottage has a heated drying cupboard. There is a washing machine and tumble-drier available on-site. Come and cycle on the quiet, scenic roads or the many mountain bike trails near Burnbrae Holidays.
Borders Art Trail
Borders Art Galleries Trail Art Galleries and Studios to visit in the Scottish Borders & Northumberland. The Borderlands is known for its many talented artists who are making fantastic art in the local area. Why not come and visit them in their studios? Or admire their inspiring work in the many local galleries.
Fishing
The rivers Tweed, Teviot, Whiteadder and Blackadder are also close by. If you are already into river fishing, then you will know the river Tweed (only 5 km away) is one of the premier rivers in the world, with excellent fishing for trout, salmon and grayling.
Horse Riding
With horses available for hire and horse riding lessons for beginners and experienced riders at Nenthorn Equestrian Centre, sited immediately adjacent our cottages, Burnbrae makes a great base for horse riding & pony trekking in the area around Kelso.
Kelso Race Course
Kelso Race Course stages horse racing over steeplechase fences and hurdles from September until May each year. Known for being the friendliest Racecourse. 3 miles from Burnbrae Holidays on Golf Course road. TD5 7SX
Family History
If your family had associations with the Scottish Borders in the past, Burnbrae is 30 mins easy drive of the wealth of records available in the region, at the Scottish Borders Archive and Local History Centre held at the Heritage Hub in Hawick.
Golf
There are 20 unique and challenging golf courses in the Scottish Borders, all within easy reach of Burnbrae. Our cottages are an ideal base for a week or more of playing various courses.
Historic Sites
The Borders near Kelso is steeped in fascinating – and often turbulent – history, evidence of which remains throughout the area: magnificent fortifications; land struggles; castles and fine buildings; museums and abbeys. It’s all here in the Borders.
Visit the dramatic Borders coastline.
Burnbrae is only a quiet 40-minute drive from the Borders coastline. Our favourite beach is Coldingham Beach, as it has rock pools and sand, coastal cliff-top walks, and is child-friendly. There is a free car park, beach cafe, and, in the summer, lifeguards on the beach.
Bamburgh beach is another of our favourites. 2 miles of golden sand stretch from Bamburgh Castle to Seahouses. It’s rarely busy yet one of Scotland’s best surfing beaches. Northumberland’s coastline is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Our favourite coastal walk starts from St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve there are dramatic cliffs, spectacular views, amazing wildlife, seabird colonies and more.
We recommend the wildlife boat trips to the Farne Islands which depart from Sea Houses, in Northumberland. See many different birds up close including shags, guillemots, kittiwakes and terns. Puffins can be seen from mid-April until late July.
Visit a Distillery
Many small gin and whisky distilleries are a short drive from Burnbrae Holidays. THE BORDERS DISTILLERY IN HAWICK opened in March 2018 producing both gin and whisky. The shop is open all year Mon-Fri. Tours are available from 1st April. Mon- Fri 11am, 1pm, 3pm & Saturday 10am, 12pm. To book see their website or phone 01450 374330.
Textiles in Hawick
Visit the Borders TEXTILE TOWERHOUSE in Hawick, a small, free museum about the local textile industry over the last 200 years. JOHNSTONS MILL of Elgin can also be found in Hawick. Book the Discovery Experience with or without afternoon tea to learn about the cashmere yarn and merino wool being woven into the beautiful fabric, there is also a shop. Open Mon-Fri all year
Hawico celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024 . Knitwear has been manufactured in Hawick since 1874. The tourist information center and factory shop are both open 930-5 pm Mon-Fri.