Southern Scotland

Family holidays, walking holidays, sporting holidays, this region has it all...

Kirk Yetholm near Kelso

Dramatic lighting around Edinburgh Castle

Glasgow Cathedral And Necropolis

Sunny day on the Isle of Arran

The ruins of Morton Castle near Thornhill

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The southern Scotland region extends southwards from the great city conurbations of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the English border. This lowland landscape offers lots of holiday opportunities to suit all tastes, whether it be family holidays, walking holidays, sporting holidays or simply ‘chilling-out’ holidays, this region has it all.

Both of Scotland’s principal cities can be found here and both have their own very special unique characteristics and attractions. And because Edinburgh and Glasgow have easy access to lovely countryside right on the doorstep it’s possible to have the best of both worlds by combining a relaxing rural cottage holiday with a top-class city break experience. The Lothians around Edinburgh offers some excellent sandy beaches and championship golf courses while Glasgow’s position is perfect for accessing beautiful countryside walks and magnificent lochs.

In the west the beautiful Clyde Coast region of Ayrshire and Arran provides all the ingredients of a good holiday, wonderful sandy beaches, great sporting and recreational facilities and a good dose of Scottish culture. Here you’ll find world class golf courses and internationally renowned watersports and sailing facilities. In the south west corner of Scotland Dumfries and Galloway really is a place to escape the stresses of modern life; here there is a contrasting landscape of deserted beaches, magnificent forests, beautiful lochs and rugged moors. But if you want more action you’ll also find it here with some great walking and cycling country to take advantage of.

To the east the Scottish Borders covers some eighteen hundred square miles of rolling hills and moorland, gentle valleys, rich agricultural plains and rugged coastline. The hills of the Cheviots, Lammermuirs, Moorfoots and Pentlands, along with the River Tweed create a border countryside of many different facets. There are a host of ancient towns, castles and abbeys to explore which form the backdrop to this areas turbulent and historic past. It’s the perfect place for cycling the quiet country lanes, horse trekking and of course offers some of the best fishing to be found in Scotland.

Destinations in Southern Scotland

Scottish Borders

The main gateway to Scotland from the south and a lovely holiday destination in its own right.

Cottages in Scottish Borders

Dumfries & Galloway

The unspoilt beauty of this south west corner of Scotland is the perfect antidote to the hurly burly of modern life.

Cottages in Dumfries & Galloway

Ayrshire & Arran

Situated on the beautiful Clyde Coast, Ayrshire and Arran caters for many different types of holidaymaker; it has unrivalled golf and sporting facilities and a unique cultural heritage.

Cottages in Ayrshire & Arran

Edinburgh & Lothians

The magnificent architecture and unique atmosphere of Edinburgh is known the world over; an elegant sophisticated city that draws visitors from around the globe.

Cottages in Edinburgh & Lothians

Glasgow & Clyde Valley

This area really does have the best of both worlds, an exciting vibrant city and some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery right on the door step.

Cottages in Glasgow & Clyde Valley

Things to do in Southern Scotland

Hadrian’s Wall Walk

There are 84 miles of trails available allowing you to walk all the way along Hadrian’s Wall, leading to a further 80 short walks branching off the trail.

Read more about Hadrian’s Wall Walk

The Roman Army Museum

Extensive museum about the life of a Roman soldier. A great introduction to Hadrian's Wall. Spectacular eagles eye film can also be viewed. Tel: 01697 747485

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

The centrepiece of this site is the dramatic waterfall cascading into the Moffat Water Valley. The area is a paradise for walkers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts who come to admire the rare upland plants and wildlife.

Read more about Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve (External)

Priorwood Garden and Dried Flower Shop

Priorwood Garden flourishes in herbaceous borders, an orchard and famous dried flower garden. Visitors can watch the experts as they prepare the flowers for drying and can learn more about the craft.

Read more about Priorwood Garden and Dried Flower Shop (External)

Harmony Garden

Harmony, in keeping with its beautiful name, has an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Surrounded by high walls and screened treees, Harmony is a perfect spot to wander in.

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Campfield Marsh

This RSPB nature reserve located at Bowness On Solway boasts a mosaic of saltmarsh, peatbogs, farmland and wet grassland. Spot lapwings, redshanks and snip from the wheelchair friendly hides.

Read more about Campfield Marsh (External)

Edinburgh Zoo

If your looking to experience one of Edinburgh’s leading attractions as well as see an incredible number of exotic animals then Edinburgh Zoo is certainly worth a visit.

Read more about Edinburgh Zoo

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle stands as one of the most brilliant landmarks from Scotland’s medieval period. Though never completed, the castle is renowned for the large tower.

Read more about Bothwell Castle

Chatelherault Country Park

Built in 1732, Chatelherault was originally the hunting lodge of the Duke of Hamilton. Today, these grand buildings have been fully restored.

Read more about Chatelherault Country Park

M and D’s Scotland’s Theme Park

For a great day out that all the family will enjoy, Scotland’s only theme park provides enough highs, loops and exhilarating rides to keep even the most thrill seeking on the edge of their seats, quite literally!