Local History
Welcome to the Borders, an area steeped in history and one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Featuring quaint country villages, rolling hills and seascapes, the Borders has something to offer everyone.
The picturesque village of Chirnside lies 8 miles inland from the beaches at Coldingham and Eyemouth, and is close to the historic walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the most northerly town in England.
Just one hour away to the north is Scotland’s famous capital city, Edinburgh, while an hour’s drive south lies the vibrant northern English city of Newcastle.
Throughout the area there are castles, pele towers, abbeys, churches and priories of historical interest. There are graveyards and battlefields, including Flodden Field, evidence of the turbulent history of the area which has provided a scenic backdrop to skirmishes and all-out war between the Scots and the English for centuries.
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Ayton Castle
Berwick upon Tweed
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There are also many ancient sites, including iron age forts, brochs and burial grounds.
Country houses of historical interest in the area include Manderston - used for the BBC series ‘The Edwardian Country House’, Mellerstain, Paxton House and Ayton Castle. These are all open to the public. The grounds of the Hirsel near Coldstream and Duns Castle Estate are also open to the public, and there is a nature reserve at St Abbs Head, run by the National Trust.
Further afield are Abbotsford, the house built by famed Scots novelist Sir Walter Scott and the magnficent Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast.Also well worth visits are Kelso Abbey and Holy Island at Lindisfarne.
Other castles of interest include Floors Castle and gardens - the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and the home of the Duke of Roxburghe. Thirlestane Castle is one of the seven Great Houses of Scotland while Chillingham Castle is said to be one of the most haunted castles in the UK.
Ayton Castle (5 miles): Ayton was built in 1846 and is an important example of Victorian architecture. It is still a family home but open limited hours. Admission charged. www.aytoncastle.co.uk |
Links:
www.aytoncastle.co.uk
www.manderston.co.uk
www.paxtonhouse.com
www.bamburghcastle.com
www.floorscastle.com
www.mellerstain.com
www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk
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