About Jedburgh
Described as the "Jewel" of the Borders, the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh provides a good base for exploring the borders region of Scotland. As one of the first towns into Scotland from the south, Jedburgh sits centrally within the Scottish Borders region. Jedburgh and the surrounding area offers a wide choice of things to do and places to visit.
As a border town with England, Jedburgh's history is one that is steeped in both turbulence as well as tradition following both wars and skirmishes with it's English neighbours. These days, Jedburgh is an altogether more tranquil place and now welcomes visitors from all parts.
Outlined below are just some of the many things that attract visitors to this particular part of the world.
HISTORIC & CULTURAL.
Jedburgh Abbey
As you enter Jedburgh from the South you are immediately greeted by the spectacular site of the impressive Abbey, dating from the 11th Century.
Open all year round to the public, a trip to the Abbey provides an excellent starting point for learning of the origins of the town and life in the borders in times past.
Mary Queen of Scots House.
The impressively preserved Mary Queen of Scots House, situated in the heart of the town, also provides a picture of Scotland's past. Containing a range of artefacts dating back to the Scottish Monarch's time spent in Jedburgh back in the 16th Century, and, as such, plays an important part in Scotland's history. A visit to the house and grounds should be high on any visitors list of places to see. The house is open all year round to visitors.
The Castle Gaol.
Overlooking the town is the Castle and Gaol which is now also the local museum for Jedburgh and the surrounding area. A trip here is a must for anyone interested in seeing how the penal system was applied to Scots back in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can tour the prison cells, take a walk around the prisoners exercise yard and tour the various rooms of the castle which now display a wide range of items from Jedburgh's past. The Castle is open all year round, but be prepared for the short but steep walk up the Castlegate to reach it.
Pinel Haugh.
Coming slightly more up to date, just a few miles north of Jedburgh sits this monument to the Napoleonic wars. From it's base you can look back over Jedburgh and the surrounding area and get an almost birds eye view of the local landscape. However, it's a fairly stout walk to the monuments summit so this one's not for everybody.
In the many nearby towns and the surrounding area there are many more special places of interest too - use the links at the bottom of this page to find out more.
SPORT & LEISURE.
Jedburgh provides for many sporting and leisure interests:
* 25 Metre indoor pool and gym in Jedburgh and open 7 days a week
* Horse and Pony trekking (check availability with local stables)
* Fishing in the nearby Rivers Tweed and Teviot - permits available in Jedburgh.
* Golfing at Jedburgh's nine hole golf course or one of the many others in the Borders area.
* Walking & Cycling including the St.Cuthbert Way and the Penine Way that run through the Borders.
* Rugby at either the home of Jedforest RFC or one of the other local teams in the Borders.
EATING & DRINKING.
Jedburgh has a number of traditional pubs as well as restaurants and cafes, providing a good level of choice for just about everyone, young and old.
Our recommendations for eating out in Jedburgh include The Carters Rest for a gourmet pub meal and also at the newly refurbished Jedburgh Arms and Clock Tower bistro. Our other favourite is The Pheasant bar and restaurant which has an up to date and contemporary feel to it. We also suggest the Sun Rise Indian Restaurant and also Simply Scottish for a more brasserie style choice. However, there are many more options to choose, especially if you travel a little further afield, so don't just take our word.
OUT & ABOUT.
There are many villages and towns in the Borders area, all with something to offer for visitors. Although public transport connects to most of the Border towns, a car is by far the easier way of getting around.
Below are just a few of our favourite places to visit:
- The town of Peebles with it's lovely riverside walks and the impressive Peebles Hydro.
- St.Mary's Loch just west of the town of Selkirk - splendidly isolated in gorgeous countryside - just what the Borders and Scotland is all about.
- The town of Kelso just nine miles east of Jedburgh with the elegant Floors Castle, the old cobbled square and streets as well as the Kelso racecourse (and car boot and market on a Sunday).
- Jedforest Deer Park - wild deer close up and with other farm animals to see - a must for those with younger children.
- Harestanes Visitors Centre, just a couple of miles north of Jedburgh, provides a range of designer and craft based galleries and workshops that you can tour round and buy direct from if anything takes your fancy. Harestanes is also a good place to try out some signposted walks that begin and end at the centre's car park - a mix of short and longer walks can be done.
- The biggest of the Border towns is Galashiels, about a half hour's drive north west of Jedburgh, complete with two 24 hour supermarkets and some of the larger name stores and shops. For a City visit though then Edinburgh is just an hour's drive away.
- Scots View just outside the town of St.Boswells is a fantastic viewing point and looking across to the three peaks of the Eildon Hills. And as you can drive straight to the viewing point, a bonus we say.
- And with an abundance of villages, Churches and sites of ancient interest that are just too numerous to mention, we'd be pleased to hear of any places that you think should be added to our list of must sees.
MORE INFORMATION . . . .