THINGS TO DO IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
The House in the Hill is the perfect base to unwind, explore, taste, and discover the best of what the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have to offer.
From hiking Roman roads to exploring the area's many bike trails, window-shopping picturesque market towns and villages, and devouring locally sourced produce in some wonderful restaurants and cafes, you won’t be stuck for an adventure in the Scottish Borders. The House in the Hill is also conveniently located for those looking for a northern base along Northumberland 250, a stunning route which passes through Jedburgh heading for the dark skies and breathtaking coastlines of Northumberland.
FOR THE FOODIES
Although The House in the Hill is well-equipped for those that prefer to cook for themselves, there are many excellent options if you would like to dine out, or if you require a coffee stop whilst out and about.
The Capon Tree Townhouse
6 miles from The House in the Hill
Named after the oldest remaining tree in the old Jedforest, the Capon Tree Town House offers excellent food and a delicious cocktail menu, served throughout the year in their relaxed bar area.
Hunters Stables
15 miles from The House in the Hill
This family-run restaurant fuses Italian and Scottish cuisine and is well known for its warm welcome and family-friendly atmosphere. They also offer fantastic authentic pizzas to takeaway.
The Hoebridge
20 miles from The House in the Hill
The Hoebridge is an independent restaurant in the Scottish Borders, opened in 2015 by Hamish Carruthers & Kyle Tidd. Included in the 2024 Michelin Guide, The Hoebridge focuses on creating small seasonal menus, from locally-produced ingredients, that change each month.
Abbey Bridge Coffee House
6 miles from The House in the Hill
This cafe/sourdough bakery in Jedburgh is the best brunch spot in town! Using their own freshly baked bread, Abbey Bridge create delicious food for you to enjoy by one of their three stoves throughout the cafe. Sourdough bread is available to order and sometimes purchase in the shop - but it goes quickly!
Out-there Artisan
10 miles from The House in the Hill
Located in beautifully renovated old farm buildings within Harestanes estate, Out-there Artisan is a great vegetarian cafe, situated beside a large playpark and country paths. Their hot chocolate is one of the best in the Borders and their sister business, The Scoopery, is now offering delicious gelato too.
Naked Sourdough
12 miles from The House in the Hill
Naked Sourdough is a bakery and small cafe in the market town of Kelso. From cruffins to focaccia, you’ll find more than just outstanding sourdough loaves to take back to The House in the Hill for later.
FOR THE ADVENTURERS
If your idea of a break is built around outdoor pursuits or trying something new, the Scottish Borders offers fantastic hiking, biking and activities suited to all ages and capabilities.
Dere Street
The House in the Hill is situated just 300m from Dere Street, one of four major strategic roads built by the Roman Army in Britain more than nineteen centuries ago. Well mapped and signposted, you can follow this route right into Jedburgh or further out into the countryside and the Cheviot Hills.
Beirhope Alpacas
2 miles from The House in the Hill
Our friends and neighbours at Beirhope offer their own unique farm experience in the Scottish Borders - alpaca walking! With activities designed to suit all ages, the animal-lovers in your party will love this hidden gem, just 5 minutes along the road from The House in the Hill.
Scottish Borders Sporting
32 miles from The House in the Hill
Scottish Borders Sporting offer a wide range of outdoor pursuits just under an hour from The House in the Hill. From clay-pigeon shooting to deer stalking, archery or axe-throwing, embark on an outdoor adventure with one of their many professional instructors and ghillies.
The Borders Distillery
17 miles from The House in the Hill
The Borders Distillery is the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837. All of their barley is grown by 10 local farmers all based within a 35 mile radius of the distillery. All of their tours are led by the distillers themselves and tours run 3 times a day Monday-Saturday.
E-bike Hire
There are a number of cycle trails around the Scottish Borders, and with e-bikes able to be delivered to the house by Go Electric, you can check out the routes and be ready to hit the trails on arrival.
Northumberland 250
From the International Dark Sky Park at Kielder to the enchanting coastal towns of Bamburgh and Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the Northumberland 250 is a 250-mile round trip of some of the North East's most beautiful and interesting sites.
Book a boat trip from Berwick-upon-Tweed and you may spot some orcas, dolphins or seals, or head to Alnwick for a trip to one of the iconic filming locations from the Harry Potter franchise: Alnwick Castle. The House in the Hill sits just a couple of miles from the official route and provides a peaceful, luxurious base to explore from.
Watersports
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be hired locally if you wish to unwind on the water, rather than in it! Lindean Loch and St Mary’s Loch are local favourites for these peaceful past-times.
FOR THE MIND & BODY
The House in the Hill is the perfect location if you want to switch off and unwind. Read your book on the rooftop terrace, stargaze from the wood-burning hot tub, or ‘coorie in’ by the fire... or pick relaxing activity nearby and enjoy some 'me time'...
Walking
As well as Dere Street, there are a great number of local walking routes, both long and short, ideal for embracing the fresh air and taking a well-needed break from the screens and stress of everyday life. You can find mapped routes in and around Jedburgh here.
Wild Swimming
There are a number of places that locals head for wild swimming in the Scottish Borders, but our favourites are Lindean Loch and Stitchill Linn (near Kelso). Both are beautiful spots to jump in and reep the benefits of time spent in nature.
Please note: Wild swimmers enter the water at their own risk and should respect both wildlife and other water users at all times.
Cedar Hus
15 miles from The House in the Hill
Cedar Hus is a new farm diversification project in the Scottish Borders, with Laura and Willie now offering a mobile Nordic sauna and authentic sauna experiences in the local area. To find out what sessions and location is currently available, check out their website here.
If you are interested in a more exclusive sauna experience, we are able to arrange for Cedar Hus's mobile sauna to be set up at The House in the Hill for the duration (or for a part of) your stay. Please contact us directly to find out more.
Border Padel Co.
15 miles from The House in the Hill
At Cliftonhill Farm, under 30 minutes drive from The House in the Hill, you'll discover the Scottish Borders' first padel tennis facility! Book your slot ahead via their website and play with your favourite people at this state-of-the-art indoor facility, tucked away in a converted farm shed.
Flourish Yoga
Steph Rae is a local yoga teacher offering yoga, cold water therapy and breathwork workshops in the Scottish Borders. She is able to come out to The House in the Hill for a private workshop on request, but she also runs a number of classes in and around Kelso if you would prefer to venture out.
FOR THE HISTORY & CULTURE ENTHUSIASTS
If immersing yourself in local culture is more your idea of a fulfilling break, the Scottish Borders offers history and culture a-plenty. From historic Abbeys and Houses to week-long festivals and events, you’ll never be short of somewhere to visit or something to learn when you’re staying at The House in the Hill.
