THINGS TO DO

The House in the Hill is the perfect base to unwind, explore, taste, and discover the best 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 someone to cater to you at ‘The Hill’, if you would like to dine out, or if you require a coffee stop whilst out and about.

Owned and run by Georgie Harding-Newman, Fig Food delivers tasty creations to a wide range of events and with her focus on world-class, locally produced ingredients. Get in touch to with Georgie to experience some of the culinary delights that the Scottish Borders has to offer, from the comfort of The House in the Hill.

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.

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.

A north-bound view of the Roman road, Dere Street

A south-bound view of the Roman road, Dere Street

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.

A copy of 'This is Northumberland' and the official map for the Northumberland 250

A dolphin photographed, in Northumberland, by Joe Shelly

Image by @joeshellyy

Image by @nland250

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'...

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.

Steeped in history, our local town of Jedburgh has several sites of historical significance for you to explore. There are museums to visit at Jedburgh Abbey (one of four great abbeys established by King David I in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s), Jedburgh Castle Jail, and Mary Queen of Scots House, where the Queen stayed for a short stay in Jedburgh in 1566. Walking around the town there are number of areas of historical interest and many independent shops, cafes and restaurants ready to welcome visitors to the town.

Home to the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world, Melrose Sevens, Melrose offers far more than sporting spectacle. This charming town has a busy high street and some excellent coffee stops, but it is also home to Melrose Abbey where Robert the Bruce’s heart was believed to be laid to rest and Trimontium Museum - where you can learn about the largest Roman fort built north of Hadrian's Wall, at Newstead.

THINGS TO DO

FOR THE FOODIES

Nicola is a private cook and recipe developer who caters to dinner parties, supper clubs and events in the Scottish Borders. Insta-worthy tablescapes and food that tastes as good as it looks are her speciality, so you can leave your apron at home and let her do her magic!

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.

Based in the village of St Boswells, The Mainstreet Trading Company is a cafe, book shop, deli and home store. Offering excellent reads, delicious food and beautiful home accessories, you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and browsing the shelves.

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.

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.

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.

FOR THE ADVENTURERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

FOR THE MIND & BODY

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.

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.

It doesn’t get much more relaxing than a private massage or pamper party with your favourite people at ‘The Hill’! Local beauty therapist Katie Craig comes well-recommended and offers mobile treatments so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the house!

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.

FOR THE HISTORY & CULTURE ENTHUSIASTS

Kelso is an idyllic market town found on the River Tweed, and just a short drive from The House in the Hill. You’ll find more Abbey ruins to visit in the heart of the town, as well as a bustling high street filled with some of our favourite shops and eateries.

Stewart Wilson is a local blogger and well-recommended tour guide based in the Scottish Borders. His tours are a bespoke experience and built around any area of interest to you and your party - whether it be history, wildlife, textiles!

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