Castles of the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders, perfectly positioned as one of the easiest destinations in Scotland to reach, are bursting with rolling hills, open countryside, epic history and awe-inspiring stately homes and castles. Likely you have heard tell that a person's home is their castle, but in the South of Scotland, many of the great homes are quite literally castles, used to defend lands for centuries from their turrets and towers. Step aboard this all-new tour and stay in a smart castle hotel, explore two iconic Borders castles and visit a fascinating haunted castle jail at Jedburgh.

This tour visits several historic properties and a reasonble degree of mobility is therefore recommended in order to enjoy the visits to the full.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Tour Itinerary
Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive in Peebles this evening for your 4 night stay with welcome tea / coffee and shortbread on arrival. DBB

Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Peebles with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Thirlestane Castle & Pebbles
From great 'keep' to grand palace and country mansion, 16th century 5-story tower house Thirlestane Castle is the ancient seat of Earls and Duke Lauderdale, and now the family home to the influential Maitland family. A special welcome awaits as a piper greets you to the home once visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie. With unmissable rose-pink sandstone, fairy-tale turrets and a proud, dominant vantage point, this fine retreat of aristocracy holds a unique place in history filled with fascinating stories - from Maitland family roots with William the Conqueror and military service to confidant of King Charles II. Enjoy a private guided tour of the castle, stroll through the lovely grounds or maybe, relax with a cuppa in the excellent tearoom. Due to its historic nature, the castle is not completely accessible due to stairs / steps. Head back to Peebles after the visit for some free time in the town.

Nestled amongst the rolling Border hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the gorgeous Borders town of Peebles straddles the glorious River Tweed - world renowned for its salmon fishing. Made a Royal Burgh in 1152 by King David I of Scotland, it is just 5 miles from the hotel with a picturesque main street set on a ridge between the river and the Eddleston Water. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, artsy Peebles offers award-winning restaurants, fine shopping and a charming and unspoilt character.

Floors Castle & Gardens and Kelso
Iconic country house rather than fortress, Floors castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, home to 11 generations of Duke of Roxburghe, and the Innes-Ker family for over 300 years. A true fairytale - the grandeur and setting of the house prompted Sir Walter Scott to declare Floors, 'a kingdom fit for Oberon and Titania (literary fairy king & queen) to dwell in'. Discover collections of fine art, porcelain, tapestries in grand rooms set among 52,000 acres of Borders landscapes, and stunning Victorian walled gardens show-casing inspired collections. Set by the River Tweed, the castle offers plenty to do with fine gardens and riverside walks. NB The castle main entrance has 12 wide stone steps with bannisters. The tour takes you through 11 rooms all on one level before heading to to the lower floor (manned lift available on request). The garden is mostly flat with fine gravel paths


Later enjoy some leisure time in Kelso, the picturesque country town, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders. It lies in a fine setting at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot and is distinguished by the Georgian elegance of its main square (which claims to be the largest in Scotland). The graceful five-arched bridge over the Tweed, built by John Rennie in 1803, was the model for London's Waterloo Bridge.

Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum and Famously Hawick
From the outside Jedburgh Castle Jail looks like a grand castle but inside it is a different story. The museum gives visitors a taste of what life was like in an 1820s prison. Together with an experienced story-telling guide, walk through the original cell blocks, see some of inmates and their conditions and follow their tales. Find out why some people thought it was the most comfortable jail in Scotland but beware, there have long been reports of ghostly goings-on in Jedburgh Castle Jail. The Jailer's house is home to the town museum with exhibitions focusing on the town's rich history including stories of some of the town's famous people - Mary Somerville the mathematician, David Brewster the inventor of the kaleidoscope and James Veitch the astronomer.
NB Accessibility is reduced due to some narrow doorwars and staircases. There is no lift between the ground floor and first floor but access to the ground floor is good.

Then head off to Hawick, the famous Scottish town and home to five premium Scottish producers of luxury goods. From the 'Home of Tweed' and some of the finest knitwear and cashmere producers to the first whisky distillery to open in the Scottish Borders since 1837. This special collection of weavers, knitters and distillers are all located between the four bridges of Hawick. This truly unique experience incorporates hosted visits to Hawico, Lovat Mill and William Lockie followed by a tour and tutored tasting at Borders Distillery, alongside a tour, tea and slice of cake at Johnstons of Elgin - a regal favourite granted a Royal Warrant in 2012.

Day 5 Breakfast and depart heading south with ample comfort stops on the way to interchange.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Welcome tea/coffee/shortbread on arrival- Free use of leisure facilities- Excursions as stated- Private out of hours tour of Thirlestane Castle- Piper's welcome at Thirlestane Castle- Entrance to Floors Castle and Gardens- Entrance to Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum with Storyteller Tour- Excursion to Hawick with hosted visits to local producers- Tour & tasting at Borders Distillery- Tour, tea & cake Johnstons of Elgin (Hawick)- Time at leisure in Peebles & KelsoBarony Castle Hotel, Peebles
Set in 25 acres of mature grounds, the 3* Barony Castle Hotel is an impressive castle with a stylish award-winning restaurant and modern leisure centre.

On the edge of the Scottish Borders, the castle is surrounded by Peebleshire countryside.

The elegant rooms have satellite TV and tea/coffee facilities. The beautiful grounds at Barony Castle feature The Great Polish Map of Scotland, an outdoor concrete scale model of Scotland. Guests can relax in the sauna and whirlpool integrated in the 10 yards indoor swimming pool, work out in the fitness centre or enjoy a treatment in one of the two spa treatment rooms. (Treatments must be booked in advance and directly with the hotel leisure centre - additional charge applies)

All single rooms are double for sole use. There is a lift to all floors but a section of the second floor is not lift accessible