Peebles in Scotland is nestled in the South Scottish Borders and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, art galleries, historic castles, wondrous hotels like Traquair House, and is alive with music.
Peebles is exemplified in their town motto, “Contra nando incrementum” (Increase by swimming against the current); This top independent retailing town is one of the larger towns in the Borders and is bolstered by the River Tweed.
Originally known as Peebleshire and charted as a historic royal burgh by King David, Peebles has since evolved into a fantastic place next to the English border, with independent shops, hotels, and inspiring activities to do on your next visit through the country town.
Peebles Beltane Festival
If you’re lucky enough to plan your trip to Peebles as summer arrives in Scotland, you may have the privilege of experiencing Peebles’ largest cultural festival.
Heralding summer, the locals of Peebles dress up and parade through the high street in this week-long festival, decorating their houses and streets with the hope of winning one of the many awards.
This festival allows the locals to celebrate their home town identity, and who knows, you may be announced as the Beltane Queen of the Royal Burgh.
Hay Lodge Park
Hay Lodge Park is the biggest park in Peebles, situated on the west end of the town, next to the River Tweed and Eddleston Water. A network of paths allows you and your family to enjoy a casual stroll through a park’s picturesque scenery.
Children are treated to a recreational area, great for any family that wants to enjoy a few hours of outdoor activities.
Glentress Peel Cafe
This elusive cafe can be found in the Tweed Valley Forest Park east of Peebles and is a secret delight to all those who are lucky enough to come across it.
Often described as the gateway to the park, Glentress Peel and its Cafe allow you a warm respite before or after your journey into one of the world’s best mountain biking, wildlife watching, and hiking trails.
Neidpath Castle
This secret retreat is a romantic venue for all your special occasions accessible by the Neidpath Road.
Home to the history of Scotland, Neidpath Castle is an amazing destination to take a loved one for a weekend together amongst the lineages of this Scottish royal burgh.
If you’re looking for wedding venues or hotels, look no further than this gorgeous castle in the Scottish Borders region.
River Tweed
The River Tweed is an important landmark to the people of Peebles and is the centrepiece of the location, where many locals do their fishing on Old Stone Tweed Bridge.
Rushing past the royal burgh town of Peebles and its high street, it intersects into many of the town’s landmarks like Hay Lodge Park, Bridge Inn, and Neidpath Castle, making it an easy way to go from landmark to landmark.
You’d be missing out if you don’t take a stroll along the serene River Tweed Bridge while you’re in Peebles, Scotland.
Bridge Inn
Bridge Inn is an absolutely beautiful lodging house and bar in Peebles, next to Old Parish Church overlooking the River Tweed, and home to wanderers from many borders.
The lodging house is close to the magnificent Old Stone Bridge, which spans over the River Tweed and Eddleston Water.
Enjoy the wondrous food and award-winning beer with plenty of entertainment, such as salmon fishing, biking, horse riding, and verdant surroundings.
Osso
Osso is one of the most contemporary dining experiences in Peebles and prides itself on giving quality service to everyone, whether you’re there for a full course meal, a single starter or other things.
Osso is one of the best places to eat many towns over, so it should definitely be on your list of things to do in the town of Peebles if you want to put the royal into royal burgh.
John Buchan Story Museum
If you’re a big fan of writers, you would’ve heard of local legend John Buchan whose texts and influence stretch across the world.
Located off Peebles high street, this Museum relives the legacy of this prolific author whose influence extended internationally but intersected with this royal burgh town centre.
Immersing yourself in the amazing history of John Buchan at the Story Museum is definitely one of the most culturally rich experiences you can have in Peebles.
Tweeddale Museum and Gallery
Part of the Chambers Institution (former Civic Centre), this building hosts a glorious set of marble carvings and art unseen anywhere else in the world, with its own renowned arts festival.
Housed in a beautiful 16th-century building, the Tweeddale Museum and Chambers Institution offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the deep and complex history of the artists.
Cocoa Black Chocolate & Pastry School
For those of you who have a sweet tooth, which should be all of you, the Cocoa Black Chocolate Shop and Pastry School is an opportunity that you should not miss out on.
Home to an abundance of chocolates, this place is perfect if you want to sample your way into a sugar crash.
And for those visitors that want a more hands-on experience, the high street shop offers classes on chocolate creation.
Moy Mackay Gallery
Moy Mackay is a gallery of immaculate felt paintings of extraordinary texture and colour, one of the most spectacular cultural experiences just off the high street centre in Peebles.
While you’re in the town of Peebles, the Moy Mackay Gallery and arts centre is an excellent choice for an afternoon of art attractions.
Daywick Botanical Gardens
Just outside the west side of the town of Peebles is the luscious and bountiful Daywick Botanical Gardens, which is home to Scotland’s finest tree collections and an abundance of international flora.
This picturesque 65-acre plot of land in the town of Peebles is lucky to get a balmy climate that suits the vast array of heritage trees and flowers attractions.
The botanical gardens are an incredible way to spend an afternoon with some drinks and snacks along the journey.
Kailzie Gardens
Heading east from the south side of Peebles, the Kailzie Gardens are a special place centred in the Tweed Valley and are for those who enjoy appreciating the flowers while basking on a warm day.
It shows off some of the best examples of Mackenzie & Moncur glasshouses filled with fuchsias, pelargoniums and other exotic plants.
The garden also features our prize-winning show vegetables and a quaint cafe where you can enjoy the sights while enjoying a snack.
Peebles Old Parish Church
The Old Parish Church is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in the bustling town of Peebles.
With an almost intimidating design, the Old Parish Church is visited every week for Sunday mass and is an excellent place to visit.
Whether you’re interested in attending the traditions at the ceremony or just admiring this old parish church structure, it definitely is worth your attention while in Peebles.
Eastgate Theatre
The Eastgate Theatre is filled with the most engaging and alluring local art shows and shops along the high street in the town of Peebles, with a wide array of events taking place every week.
From informative lectures on hundred of different topics to gripping plays and shows presented by local artists and cinematographers, the Peebles Eastgate Theatre has a little something for everyone that visits it.
The Peebles Jazz Festival also is an event that takes at the same site, drawing many local talents from Edinburgh city to perform.
Cross Kirk Church
Steeped in history as Peebles is, it’s not surprising that it would have its share of destroyed ruins that have existed throughout the ages.
Cross Kirk was a church from the Bronze Age and is an interesting example of how different ages have interacted and morphed the destroyed remains of this church in Scotland.
Definitely take some time to visit Cross Kirk Chruch ruins while here. It will not disappoint.
The fascinating town of Peebles awaits, so what are you waiting for?
Other Things To Do in Scottish Borders
- Things to do in Coldstream
- Things to do in Galashiels
- Things to do in Hawick
- Things to do in Kelso
- Things to do in Melrose
- Things to do in Selkirk
