Our guests love to experience Tiny Home in all four seasons, with each bringing its own unique character, changing weather and spectacular scenery.
Of course, many of you choose not to leave Tiny Home at all during your stay, but if you do fancy venturing out to explore the Scottish Borders a little, there is plenty to enjoy in these changing seasons. In this article, we shine a light on five of the five-star attractions who are open from Autumn into Winter. Indeed, some of these are open all winter long, whilst others have more limited opening.
With something for everyone, here are five truly 5-star experiences waiting to be enjoyed this Autumn and Winter.
DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN
Stobo, near Peebles, EH45 9JU
5-star Garden
Dawyck Botanic Garden is a five-star garden renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, blue poppies and autumn colour. But it is the tree collection that makes Dawyck a world class arboretum.
Autumn is a glorious season at Dawyck. The Garden is bathed in a rich tapestry of reds, golds and rich browns from the maples, rowans, beech spindle trees, the stunning Japanese katsura, or candyfloss tree and North American golden birch. The ground is bedecked with autumn crocuses, spectacular fungi and fruits galore; prickly beech nut husks, fir cones, maple keys and shiny conkers.
White winter frosts and crisp white snow show off the striking colours of the bark and evergreen trees. The Garden drifts into dormancy, and with the leaves off the trees it is an amazing time to marvel at their architecture, with the shapes and forms of the conifers and broadleaves more obvious without the main canopy.
The beautiful Dawyck Café is part of the award-winning Visitor Centre, open from 1 February till 30 November, 10am till 4pm, outdoor and indoor seating is available.
Open daily from 1 February till 30 November.
March to October 10am – 5pm, last entry 4.15pm
February and November 10am – 4pm, last entry 3.15pm
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE
Eastfield Mills, Hawick, TD9 8AA
5 Star Visitor Attraction
Johnstons of Elgin’s historic Eastfield Mill has been at the centre of textile production in Hawick for more than 140 years. Experts in cashmere and fine woollens, preserving craftsmanship and passing traditional manufacturing techniques and hand skills down through generations.
Visitors can enjoy an immersive Discovery Experience at the Hawick knitting mill, learning about the brand’s rich Scottish heritage and witnessing craftspeople at work. You will explore this famous Hawick knitting mill behind the scenes, where they use the highest quality Cashmere and Merino Wool fibre to create the most luxurious products. The Johnstons of Elgin team can accommodate groups of up to six in the Discovery Experience.
The bright and spacious retail store in their 5-star Visitor Centre allows guests to choose the perfect piece to take home, not forgetting a visit to their renowned Coffee Shop.
Tours are available five days a week, Monday to Friday. Starting at 11am, 12noon, or 1pm Monday to Thursday and 10am on Friday. Duration 1 hour.
The Heritage Centre, Retail Store and Coffee Shop are open Monday to Saturday 9am till 5pm and Sunday 11am till 4pm.
JIM CLARK MOTORSPORT MUSEUM
44 Newtown Street, Duns, TD11 3AU
5-star Museum
Jim Clark was Scotland’s first, and double, Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner and one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum is a-must for motor racing fans and anyone looking for a great day out. Celebrate his life and inspiring racing career with an interactive experience. Explore his incredible career within the motor racing world and his life beyond farming in the Scottish Borders.
Discover Jim’s cars and trophies, watch him race in films from the time, while the simulator will allow you to jump into the driving seat. Take away a memento of your visit from the specially curated gift shop.
Opening times: April to October, Monday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm (closed Wednesday)
and Sunday 11am till 3pm.
March & November, Monday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm. Closed Wednesday’s.
THE GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND
14 – 20 High Street, Galashiels, TD1 1SD
5-star Visitor Attraction
The Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery and visitor centre is where the people's story of Scotland and creative journeys begin. It houses one of the world's largest community arts projects (The Great Tapestry of Scotland), visiting exhibits, workshops & a cafe.
The centre has been purpose built to house The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which was created and hand stitched by 1,000 people from across Scotland. The Tapestry tells a compelling visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to present day. It was the vision of one of the world’s best loved writers Alexander McCall-Smith, designed by artist Andrew Crummy and teams of stitchers around Scotland from a narrative written by the award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat. It is made up of 300 miles of wool (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of the Shetland in the North Atlantic).
Winter opening: from 4th November till 30th March, open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am till 5pm, last entry to the gallery is 3.30pm.
JEDBURGH ABBEY
4/5 Abbey Bridgend, Jedburgh, TD8 6JQ
5-star Historic Attraction
One of the four great Border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons.
Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English Border meant it was frequently targeted by invading Border armies. Remains of the cloister buildings have been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century 'Jedburgh comb' and an eighth century shrine are on display.
Built over more than 70 years, Jedburgh is striking for its unusual mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. See the remains of ancillary buildings where the brethren ate and slept, and the vast kitchen and cellar ranges. Then walk in the recreated cloister garden to reflect on life in the medieval abbey.
Winter opening: 1 October to 31 March, daily, 10am till 4pm, last entry 3.15pm
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