You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money.You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money.
You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money.

Free Activities in the Borders 2022: Here are 10 school holiday treats you can enjoy in the Borders that won't cost you a penny

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 14th Oct 2022, 10:54 BST
With the cost of living crisis continuing, Scotland’s beautiful Borders offers a number of family activities that won’t get you reaching for your wallet.

Families across the country might be tight ening their belts but that doesn’t mean day trips and short breaks have to stop.

With a little planning it’s possible to see some of the country’s most beautiful spots – and enjoy a range of activities – with no need for expensive admission fees or tickets.

The Borders has a host of options for those looking for a free day out – including some of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.

Here are 10 options for the October half terms holidays.

Read more:

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The Borders has a host of options for those looking for a free day out – including some of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.

You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money.

. Borders

You can have a great day out in the Scottish Borders without spending any money. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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For Marvel fans a trip to the tiny coastal settlement of St Abbs, with only around 100 permanent residents, is a must. The village was used to film the New Asgard scenes in Avengers Endgame, where we first encounter 'Fat Thor'. The imposing St. Abbs House, which overlooks the sea, stood in for Thor’s fictional pub The Cormorant and Tun, which in the film serves haggis and Cullen skink.

5. Visit New Asgard

For Marvel fans a trip to the tiny coastal settlement of St Abbs, with only around 100 permanent residents, is a must. The village was used to film the New Asgard scenes in Avengers Endgame, where we first encounter 'Fat Thor'. The imposing St. Abbs House, which overlooks the sea, stood in for Thor’s fictional pub The Cormorant and Tun, which in the film serves haggis and Cullen skink. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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The Scottish Borders are home to a number of magnificent and atmospheric ruined abbeys which were all founded in the 12th Century. The best known four are Jedburgh (pictured), Melrose, Kelso and Dryburgh Abbey. A very happy day can be spent touring them, taking striking pictures of the ruins.

6. Tour the abbeys

The Scottish Borders are home to a number of magnificent and atmospheric ruined abbeys which were all founded in the 12th Century. The best known four are Jedburgh (pictured), Melrose, Kelso and Dryburgh Abbey. A very happy day can be spent touring them, taking striking pictures of the ruins. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Although donations are welcome, admission to Jeburgh Castle Jail is free. It may look like a grand castle, but it was converted into a jail in 1820s and today visitors can discover what life was like for prisoners and staff two centuries ago. Lots of children’s activities make it a fun day out for all the family.

7. Jeburgh Castle Jail

Although donations are welcome, admission to Jeburgh Castle Jail is free. It may look like a grand castle, but it was converted into a jail in 1820s and today visitors can discover what life was like for prisoners and staff two centuries ago. Lots of children’s activities make it a fun day out for all the family. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Contained in the historic Wilton Lodge and surrounded by parkland, the Hawick Museum is a fascinating insight into the town's history. There is always something new to see with a programme of changing art and museum exhibitions, with the permanent collection showcasing the lives of Hawick's two tragic motorcycle champions, Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop. Meanwhile, the newly-refurbished War Memorial Room reveals the stories of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars with military memorabilia, wartime souvenirs and audio-visuals.

8. Hawick Museum

Contained in the historic Wilton Lodge and surrounded by parkland, the Hawick Museum is a fascinating insight into the town's history. There is always something new to see with a programme of changing art and museum exhibitions, with the permanent collection showcasing the lives of Hawick's two tragic motorcycle champions, Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop. Meanwhile, the newly-refurbished War Memorial Room reveals the stories of Hawick’s people in Britain’s wars with military memorabilia, wartime souvenirs and audio-visuals. Photo: Hawick Museum

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