There are an abundance of things to do and see in the  Scottish Borders and Northumberland. You can choose as many things to do as you want or just sit in front of the log fire in Kirkbank House and do nothing...


Golf -we have some spectacular golf courses nearby including Hersel Golf Club in Coldstream, Duns Golf Club and Eyemouth Golf Club. Some are along the coast giving you great views while you are playing, and one features one of the most extraordinary holes in Britain, perched on a cliff top on the rugged east coast.

Castles-the area is rich in history and being in the fluid border of Scotland and England it is stuffed with important castles, some of them picture perfect like Bamburgh Castle which is a real draw for photographers...Other include Alnwick Castle, Manderston House and Lindisfarne Castle.

Scuba Diving- is quite a popular activity in St Abbs which is 20 minutes drive from our place. Check out www.stabbsdiving.com or www.stabbs.org for more information.

Fishing- for the fishing enthusiasts we are well placed having both the Tweed and the Whiteadder rivers on our doorstep.  The Tweed is internationally known for it’s salmon fishing and the longest season to do it. You can find lots of useful information on FishPal  or Tweed Guide. Contact us if you require us to make a booking for you.

Paxton House- Palladian Country house with beautiful grounds walking distance away. In addition to art exhibitions  every summer Paxton House holds classical music festival with .....


Art and Culture-We are keen to promote some of the artists and cultural events which Berwick and the Borders have to offer.

  1. •The Number Four Gallery www.numberfourgallery.co.uk  at St Abbs Head offers the possibility of combining a beautiful coastal walk with access to a wide range of artworks, ceramics and jewellery.

  2. • Pauline Burbridge  www.paulineburbidge-quilts.com and Nigel Ross www.nigelross-sculpture.com  based a few miles away from Kirkbank House at Allanton create amazing quilts and sculptures.

  3. •The annual Berwick Film Festival

www.berwickfilm-artsfest.com  provides an opportunity to see international and local film making using many of Berwick's historic venues.

Horse Riding-the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have always had a strong association with horses, and being a farming area our four legged fiends are part of the scenery. We have a few equestrian centres close by to choose from, like Flodden Edge Farm, Mill Farm Stables or Kimmerston Riding Centre, or if you just keen to watch there is always the famous Kelso Races!

Holy Island of Lindisfarne- 15 minutes  drive from our hotel- for centuries it has been a place of pilgrimage and can only be reached over a tidal causeway. A great day out for sandy beaches, looking at castles and learning about history.

Cycling-the scottish Borders is in many ways an ideal area for cycling. Its varied landscape allows all types of cyclists to enjoy their favourite terrain, be it  adrenalin pumping fast downhill off road stretches, strenuous road climbs or quiet relatively flat country lanes. We have on national cycling routes 1 and 68. We have maps that we can lend you once you are here, as well as bike storage facilities, pumps, repair kits and tools.

Berwick upon Tweed- an historic walled market town. It is considered one of the most picturesque towns of the Northumberland coast.  Located at the mouth of the river Tweed it has a lot to offer, with walks around it’s Elizabethan walls, the Lowry Trail and the Maltings Theater for those interested in art and the Northumberland Coast walks which have been declared an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Walking-there are many varied types of walks in the area, from a local 3 and a 6 mile long forest trail and riverside ramble to some famous long distance walks like the  Southern Upland Way , St Cuthbert’s way and the Northumberland and Berwick coastal paths. Having the East Coast so close to us means you can have great access to the miles and miles of sandy beaches and the craggy cliff top walks of St Abbs. We have local maps and walk books which you are welcome to borrow.

Activities we can organise for you-

Why not book out Kirkbank House with some friends and combine your stay with activities which we can arrange for you. Options could include:


  1. • A day’s bread-making workshop at the Great Northumberland Bread Company www.greatnorthumberlandbread.co.uk (minimum of six people)

  2. •One or more days of complementary therapy sessions at Kirkbank House (minimum of six people)

  3. •Adopting an organic pig (POAT) at Peelham Farm  www.peelham.co.uk

  4. •Planned trips to local artists, food producers etc


If you are interested, please give us a ring and we can give you more details.