If you’re looking to get away for some relaxation, culture and adventure this autumn and winter, there’s one destination offering all of this and more.
With unspoilt beaches, rolling hills and sublime countryside, the south of Scotland has plenty to enjoy – whether you want to marvel at historic sights, embark on an outdoor adventure, or simply curl up by the fire and indulge in local food and drink.
And though it’s right on the doorstep, the region’s dramatic coastlines, stunning scenery and expansive forests make it seem like a world away – so you can truly escape and leave the everyday behind.
To help you plan an unforgettable autumn and winter break in the south of Scotland, we’ve put together a fantastic bucket list of places to visit, with even more inspiration available on the Scotland Starts Here website – take a look below for some highlights…
Immerse yourself in historic stories
Follow in the footsteps of two of Scotland’s greatest writers: Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
Embark on the Burns Town Trail in Dumfries and walk along the banks of the River Nith, passing by the house where our national bard lived before his death in 1796. Then, stop by the Ellisland Museum and Farm where Burns wrote some of his most famous works, including ‘Tam O’Shanter’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Meanwhile, Abbotsford – which sits on the banks of the River Tweed – is the Scots Baronial-style home of legendary author Sir Walter Scott.
Avid readers will enjoy visiting Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown, boasting 17 bookshops, including the country’s largest secondhand bookshop, and the world’s only bookshop Airbnb.
There’s also plenty for history buffs to discover. Around 420 million years of the country’s story are told in the 160 panels of Galashiels’s Great Tapestry of Scotland, created by more than 1,000 stitchers.
Not to mention, the four magnificent 12th-century abbeys along the Borders Abbeys Way, and 16th century Gilnockie Tower – home to the well-known Armstrong clan. Or, go back even further in time to the Trimontium Museum, dedicated to Roman Britain and the Iron Age.
Coming back to more recent history, The Devil’s Porridge Museum,in Eastriggs, tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, the World War I munitions factory where ‘the devil’s porridge’ (cordite) was mixed. Then, head east to Gretna Green itself – famous as the marriage capital of the UK – and stop by the Famous Blacksmiths Shop.
You can also trace the history of the area’s textile and knitwear industry at Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick.
The achievements of Scotland’s F1 legend are also celebrated at the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns where you can see a selection of famous racing cars.
But that’s not all as there’s a host of castles and stately homes dotted throughout the south of Scotland too. The unusual, moated and fairytale-like Caerlaverock Castle is a must-see, whilst the grand Drumlanrig Castle estate is ripe for exploration thanks to its outdoor trails. It has also doubled as a filming location for scenes from the hit TV show Outlander.
Dating back 900 years, Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland – and has hosted 27 Scottish kings and queens throughout the years, with links to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.
Explore the great outdoors
Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway is arguably one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Discover breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches and rocky outcrops on the 50-mile coastline, looking out for dolphins and porpoises along the way.
The Mull of Galloway is also the journey’s end for the Rhins of Galloway where – on a clear day – you can see the ‘Five Kingdoms’: the Isle of Man, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Heaven. The lighthouses along the peninsula are evidence of the historical importance of shipping on this coast, with a cycle trail linking them.
There are dramatic coastal walks atSt Abb’s Head in Berwickshire too, with the cliffs also being home to seabird colonies, making it a national nature reserve.
With 214 miles of stunning countryside, explorers will enjoy the Southern Upland Way; families can choose gentler sections but there are also challenging routes for experienced walkers.
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere covers nearly 10,000km squared of south west Scotland’s land and sea, and was included in National Geographic’s ‘Cool Destinations for 2024’. It also includes Galloway Forest Park, where you can spot wildlife, as well as enjoy horse riding routes, exciting mountain bike trails, and easy family cycling.
There are plenty of outdoor activities available at the nearby Galloway Activity Centre too – from sailing to kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and mountain biking.
To reconnect with nature and learn about Scotland’s wildlife, undertake a foraging expedition or go hillwalking with Way of the Wild and Go Wild Scotland.
The Tweed Valley is also blessed with abundant woodland, a river for fishing, and a network of trails which stretch far beyond the forest; its rolling hills and gentle countryside offer great options for walkers of all abilities.
Experience truly dark skies
The UK’s first dark sky park, Galloway Forest Park is a perfect place to witness the wonders of the night sky. More than 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye on a clear night, as well as the awe-inspiring Milky Way.
Located in Europe’s first dark sky town, book astronomy sessions at The Moffat Community Observatory – and don’t miss the interactive experiences at Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium either.
Here, you’ll enjoy virtual trips to the edge of the universe, explore inside the human body, and journey around the world at the immersive planetarium-domed cinema.
For more, visit Crawick Multiverse; the 55-acre former coal mine has been transformed into a striking landscape of distinctive landforms, each one representing astronomical and cosmological features and theories.
Taste some of Scotland’s best
Foodies will savour the south of Scotland for its seasonal and local produce. Oyster season has begun, and Loch Ryan has the last sustainable oyster bed in Scotland.
Kirkcudbright harbour is where scallops are landed, whilst Peebles offers a variety of foodie delights – or head to Rainton and make your own ice-cream at Cream o’Galloway.
You can also take a field-to-fork farm tour at Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, or feast on the 25-mile barbeque, which uses meat and seafood sourced within 25 miles of the farm.
Plus, there’s the chance to sample and make your own gin at Peebles Hydro 1881 Gin School and Tour, embark on tours at Crafty Distillery and Dark Art Distillery, or for whisky lovers, head to Annandale Distillery and Moffat Distillery.
You can also pop into Borders Distillery in Hawick – the first whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837, housed in an award-winning conversion of a former Edwardian electrical works.
Distillery tours are 18+ only. All of the above distilleries follow the ‘challenge 25 policy’ so you may be asked for ID when purchasing. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink if you are pregnant.
It doesn’t stop there though, with a host of local businesses offering a fantastic blend of delicious food in cosy environments – perfect for the autumn and winter seasons. Experience top-notch Scottish hospitality at hidden gems like The Allanton Inn, The Cross Keys Inn, and The Ship Inn – all of which also offer a great base to explore local trails and culture.
Relax and recharge
Finally, great shopping isn’t just for big cities – there’s retail therapy at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet with a range of designer and high street shops. Pick up some of the finest tweed, tartan and knitwear that made the Borders known throughout the fashion world, or sample premium Scottish food and drink from local producers at Famously Hawick.
You can also indulge in relaxing spa days at Cairndale Hotel and Peebles Hydro, or enjoy a luxury stay at 16th century Thirlestane Castle – one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland.
Set within beautiful grounds, the coastal Knockinaam Lodge and lavish Cringletie are fabulous spots for a staycation too, boasting high-end facilities, fine dining in their award-winning restaurants, stunning rural views, and a peaceful atmosphere – whilst still being within reach of surrounding villages, sights, and outdoor activities.