Selkirk is a fascinating town located on the border of South East Scotland. Famous for its historical roots, Selkirk is one of the oldest Royal Burghs in Scotland. Steeped in traditional Scottish culture, there are a multitude of things to do whilst visiting. With activities ranging from sports, to shopping, to museum tours; there’s something for everyone!

We have put together a list of things to do in Selkirk so you can truly embrace the town and what it has to offer.

1. Bowhill House and Country Estate

Bowhill House and Country Estate is located in the depths of the Scottish Borders. Its historical roots make it one of Selkirk’s most treasured places. The house was built in 1708 by John, Lord Bowhill and is a protected A listed building. 300 years later, it’s still hugely popular amongst visitors due to the rural bliss which encompasses the estate.

There’s so much to do here that Bowhill House deserves its own blog post!

Bowhill House and Country Estate. Source: Walter Baxter

House Tours

Experience the inside of Bowhill House by attending a guided tour, where you will be able to explore the family history of the Scott's of Buccleuch and admire the fine art and interiors within the home.

The Exhibition

Within The Exhibition space at Bowhill House, visitors can view the exhibit 'Love Respect in the Victorian Age' showcasing rare Victorian artefacts from the famous Buccleuch collection. The exhibit features around 70 artefacts mostly belonging to 5th Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, giving visitors a better insight into their story and the history of the house.

Colourful Gardens

Set amongst heathery hills, Bowhill is home to impressive gardens and has a vast display of vibrantly coloured flowers. The trees surrounding the estate create an idyllic sanctuary for those looking to embrace the beauty of the land. You can explore the gardens via any of the five way-marked trails. There is a choice of steep hills for those who want to get their heart pumping, or leisurely strolls for people who want to take a closer look at the scenic views.

The grounds of Bowhill House. Source: Jim Barton

Adventure Playground

One of the most popular attractions of Bowhill House is the adventure playground. Children can glide across zip-wires, sink to the bottom of slides or monkey around on a rope bridge.

Fishing

If that isn’t enough, River Ettrick runs through the Estate and is 12 miles long, providing rewarding fishing.

Horse Riding

Furthermore, Bowhill stables offer the Buccleuch Country Ride. Horse riders can hack for 57 miles through the breathtaking views.

It is safe to say that Bowhill House isn’t shy of activities and it can provide you and your family with a jam-packed, fun-filled day out!

2. Lochcarron Mill Tour

Of course, we couldn’t miss our very own Lochcarron Mill Tour off the list!

Lochcarron Mill Tour

At our visitor Centre in Selkirk you can browse our latest collections and take a tour of our mill. We have over 500 authentic tartans that are woven here at our Selkirk mill. Our mill is unique in that we offer our customers the chance to experience first-hand each stage of how we create our products from yarn to woven fabric to finished product. Lochcarron’s very own expert guides will show you how our tartan is made whilst you learn about the process of one of the last working textile mills in Scotland.

Full tours are scheduled from Monday – Thursday, and Friday is by appointment only.

3. Halliwell’s House Museum

Halliwell’s House Museum is a free attraction in Selkirk. This museum tells the story of the Halliwell House part of the oldest remaining row of dwelling in the town, located in Halliwell Close. In the 18th Century, this was a place that weavers, shoemakers and small businesses called home. The house is best known for being an ironmongery store in the 1800s and even incorporates a reconstruction of a similar shop from this time period.

Halliwell's House Museum

Upstairs, the museum showcases Selkirk's heritage. Exhibiting the story behind the Burgh of Selkirk and the many battles which commenced including the Battle of Flodden and how it is commemorated each year during the 'Casting of Colours' ceremony at the  Selkirk Common Riding Festival. The ceremony remembers the story of a single Selkirk survivor, returning to the town after the defeat at the Battle of Flodden, supposedly with a captured English flag, lowering the flag in such a way to signal the loss of his fellow soldiers.

The statue depicting the sole survivor of the Battle of Flodden returning to Selkirk.

It also incorporates Selkirk's textile heritage (and the opportunity to have a go at weaving yourself!) and features the Robson Gallery which showcases many different exhibitions ranging from contemporary art and craft to local history displays.

There is something at Halliwell's House Museum to entertain everyone and fun activities for children, if you are planning a family day out!

4. Bisley at Braidwood

Bisley at Braidwood is Scotland’s largest shooting ground and caters for everyone from beginner to seasoned professional. As well as the shooting grounds, there is a simulated shooting game for those looking to get some practice in before taking to the grounds. The working gunroom may also be of interest as it stocks everything ammunition related from rifles to semi-automatics.

Whether a single shooter, or part of a big group, you can learn about one of the fastest growing sports in the country at Braidwood.

5. Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom

Many know Sir Walter Scott for his literary achievements. He has even been recognised as the founder of the genre of the historical novel. Famous for writing novels such as ‘Waverley’ along with other poems and plays, Scott was a major international literary author in the early nineteenth-century.

However, Sir Walter Scott was also known for his position as magistrate within Selkirk. His courtroom has become a prominent part of Selkirk’s history which is located in the Market Place of the Royal Burgh of Selkirk next to a statue dedicated to him.

Sir Walter Scott Statue just outside of his courtroom

Inside exhibits a number of artefacts, portraits and photographs that once belonged to Sir Walter which shed light on his professional life his connection with Selkirk and the town's interesting heritage. Furthermore, the courtroom features a re-enactment of a case being listened to by Sir Walter Scott.

Best of all, admission is free.

6. Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre

Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre allows you to learn all about the daily habits and life cycle of salmon. The Cauld is a short walk from the Centre, and here you can experience the fascinating process of salmon leaping up out of the water on the final stage of their journey.

Where there is prey, there is a predator. Along the salmon leap walk, there are many different types of birds that can be seen such as buzzards, kestrels, sparrow hawk, peregrine and osprey.

Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre. Source: Walter Baxter

This path follows the Ettrick River, where you can choose to further your walk to a hilltop called the Three Brethren. Stunning scenery can be found here, if you are interested in a local hike.

Keep the kids occupied with the Brass Rubbings Trail. The aim of the game is to find ten brass rubbings plaques of wildlife from the area using a map.

7. The General Store

The General Store in Selkirk is a repair shop project! Alongside repairing items, they sell second-hand and hand-made products to support their store and minimise repair costs. They are a community interest company (CIC) which means all profits go back into supporting the organisation and their mission: to repair items, reducing the amount of products ending up in the landfill.

The General Store Selkirk

If you have an item in need of repair, interested in giving second-hand goods a new life or just want to support, give them a visit while you are in Selkirk!

8. Selkirk Distillers

The Selkirk Distillers successfully produced their first spirit, the Selkirk Gin, in 2017 after establishing the Scottish Borders could produce high quality spirits. The main botanic ingredient in Selkirk Gin, the gorse flower, being sourced from local hills within Selkirk.

Their distillery where they produce their spirits is based at the Old Joinery on the Philiphaugh Estate. They use locally sourced ingredients and handpicked fruits and herbs for some of their seasonal gins from the gardens on the Philiphaugh Estate.

Now, they have a store on the high street in Selkirk, if you want some of the finest locally produced spirits they are definitely worth a visit!

The Selkirk Distillers shop in Selkirk

As you can see from the list, there is something for all the family in Selkirk. Please stop by our visitor centre and say hello, we’ll be happy to give you more recommendations for things to do in Selkirk.