Situated just a couple of miles from the Scottish Borders town of Duns, and only 1 hour away from Edinburgh, Yew Tree Cottage is ideally located for exploring and discovering the whole of the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, and North Northumberland. The region is awash with history, with its bloody past still etched into the landscape by battlefields, peel towers and crenelated castles.
Duns is a small market town where you’ll find a good mixture of independent shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Originally constructed as a defensive Iron Age hillfort, Duns has seen many a battle between the Scots and the frequently attacking English in border raids. The Borders town is home to the Jim Clark Museum and hosts the only closed road rally in mainland Britain.
The region is home to many impressive country houses, including Paxton House, Manderston House, Duns Castle, Norham Castle, Wedderburn Castle, Mellerstain House, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford, Bowhill Country Estate, and Cragside.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a short distance to the south east of Duns, and is famous for its unique Elizabethan fortifications. Here you will find many well-known shops, charming restaurants, cafes, a cinema, theatre, and even a nightclub. The town holds a market every Wednesday and Saturday morning and is the backdrop to the hit film The Railway man whilst nearby Alnwick Town is famed for its medieval castle, World famous ‘Alnwick Gardens,’ and film location of Harry Potter’s Hogworts.
Kelso, known for its fine abbey and racecourse, is just a short drive from Duns. Floors Castle is located just to the south east of the town. The seat of the Duke of Roxburghe, the castle and its grounds are open to the public throughout the year.
For outdoor sports enthusiasts the local area is full of exciting opportunities. The Scottish Borders is renowned the world over for the quality of its fishing and golf courses. The quiet country roads are great for cycling, walking, or just going out for a run. Guests at Yew Trees Cottage can enjoy walking the ancient paths or ways, hill walking in The Cheviots, or coastal walking along the World Heritage Northumbrian coastline. The Northumberland National Park is great for sailing, walking cycling, running, bird and wildlife watching and even stargazing in the new observatory.
Go horse riding along the beach to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, or diving in the crystal clear waters of St Abbs. Or relax and just make sand castles and have a picnic on the beach at Bamburgh, or Coldingham.
See our list of useful links to local days out below:
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