The Philipburn Country House Hotel is located in the Scottish Borders.

The Borders covers about eighteen hundred square miles. The Scottish Borders stretches from the rolling hills and moorland in the west, through gentler valleys to the high agricultural plains of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline with its secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages.

Includes the towns of Selkirk, Galashiels, Jedburgh, Duns, St Boswells, Peebles, Hawick, Kelso and Melrose.

In the bright spring months, fresh new growth fills the valleys and forests of the Scottish Borders. Enjoy time to spare with the lure of lighter, longer summer days or relax in more mellow shades of autumn when mauves and purples tint the moors. Crunch through the crisp frosts of winter, when early morning mist floats over the lowlands and the snow capped hills sparkle in the distance. Land and sea, hills and moorland all sit happily side by side. Rivers and paths wind their way through untouched natural beauty whilst the more gentle pace of life subtly relaxes and revives you. Seasonal changes await to delight, every day at every turn.

The Scottish Borders is truly a destination for all seasons!

SELKIRK

The ancient and Royal Burgh of Selkirk stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. Sir Walter Scott served as sheriff here for 33 years and his former courtroom features a fascinating audio-visual presentation telling the story of Scott's associations with the area and its people.

Halliwell's House, the town's oldest dwelling, is now the local museum, with the building's links with the ironmongery trade recreated, and the Robson Gallery providing a venue for exhibitions. Clapperton's Daylight Photographic Studio is a working museum and photographic archive.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking, and local publications include a Town Plan, Town Trail, mini-guide and countryside walks.

Selkirk Common Riding in June is recognised as one of the oldest of the Border Festivals, with a tradition going back to the Battle of Flodden in 1513, with as many as 400 riders taking part.

The town's industrial background is reflected in the number of specialist tweed outlets, whilst local glass works offer the chance to buy products and see skilled craftsmen at work.

Three miles west is Bowhill House, a Georgian mansion, with woodland walks and an adventure playground in the extensive grounds. Its Little Theatre hosts drama and music performances.

The area's rich heritage provided inspiration for such writers as Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg. In the old byres of 16th Century Aikwood Tower, an exhibition features the life and work of James Hogg, known as 'The Ettrick Shepherd'.Local places of interest include Aikwood Tower, Bowhill House & Country Park, Halliwell's House Museum and Robson Gallery, Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom, Lindean Mill Glass, Selkirk Golf Club (9 hole), The Woll Golf Course (9 hole), Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. 

TWEED VALLEY

The twin valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow contain some of the most glorious scenery in the Scottish Borders, with St Mary's Loch, Southern Scotland's largest stretch of water.

Glentress and Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley have a massive reputation for some of the best mountain biking in the UK and beyond. 

Glentress is probably the best biking centre in Britain, winning several awards.  It has brilliant trails of all grades, a top-notch café, a bike shop with bike hire, changing and showering facilities, and a great atmosphere. 

Innerleithen, situated just a few miles south east of Glentress, is home to some of the UK's finest downhill and freeride trails, as well as a cracking red-graded XC route.

KELSO RACES

With fourteen fixtures in the season, Kelso Races is the home of National Hunt racing in the Scottish Borders.  The racecourse is steeped in history, tradition, and utter respect for the sport.

The course itself (much the same as Cheltenham, only smaller) has large, solid steeple chase fences and a long, punishing, uphill run-in. Consequently, many trainers use the January and February meetings as a trail for the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree, bringing top-grade jumpers to the Borders' premier racecourse.

MELROSE 7s

Rugby 7s was founded in Melrose in 1883. The game of rugby 7s is now played on an international stage from Hong Kong to Scotland and is testimony to its founder in the Scottish Borders town, Ned Haig.

Melrose is most famous as the host of the first ever 7-a-side rugby tournament in 1883, having been the brainchild of Ned Haig, a local butcher. Melrose has consistently been in the upper echelons of the Scottish game and are presently Scottish Cup holders.

Previous years have included sevens guests Randwick and Manly from Australia, Bay of Plenty from New Zealand, University of Free State and Stellenbosch from South Africa. Europe has been represented by guests from England, France, Portugal and Ireland to name a few.

The town of Melrose takes on a carnival atmosphere with the day being considered a main social date in the sporting calendar.
Hotels in Borders | Hotel in Borders | Scottish Borders Hotels in Selkirk, Galashiels | close to Jedburgh, Duns, St Boswells, Peebles, Hawick, Kelso, Melrose.