West Deloraine Farm Holidays
Edinburgh with its galleries and museums, its magnificent architecture and fine shops, is just over an hour's drive away. There are all the usual amenities and good theatres and a year-round Arts programme - a highlight of which is the famous International Festival and Tattoo, the largest of its kind in the world, which takes place during late August and early September.
Glasgow is one of the liveliest
and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe and is only two hours drive. The
city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop
of outstanding Victorian architecture. Glasgow boasts world famous art
collections, the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London, and the most
vibrant nightlife in Scotland. A must see is the Art Nouveau splendour of
Scotland's best known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose inimitable
style adorns attractions such as The Lighthouse, Glasgow School of Art, and
House for an Art Lover.
Locally
there are many abbeys, castles and historic homes open to the public. These
include Sir Walter Scott's home at Abbotsford; Bowhill home of the Duke and
Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry; Floors Castle, which is not only the home
of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe but is also the largest inhabited house in
Scotland - lived in for the past 900 unbroken years. Traquair was much visited
by royalty including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots. It also
makes wine and brews its own fine ale.
There are
mills producing tweed, wool and cashmere in Selkirk, Galashiels and Hawick,
each town with its own mill shops. There are small local museums and also
Leisure Centres. Resorts and villages such as Berwick, Dunbar and the fishing
town of Eyemouth make a pleasant day's outing and do make time to visit our
famous glassworks at Lindean Mill and Selkirk Glass where you can watch skilled
craftsmen at work.
Walking
Criss-crossing
the valleys are many Roman and drove roads and hill heights vary from 1500 feet
immediately around the hotel to 2700 feet by the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry's Estate practices an 'open access'
policy and walking is allowed on estate land. There are also several forest
walks in and around the immediate area.
Riding
Several
excellent riding establishents are nearby for novices and experienced riders
alike. A 57 mile long distance ride, the first of its kind in Scotland and
known as The Buccleuch Country Ride provides the independent horse and rider
with a 3-4 day ride through the stunning Borders scenery on bridleways, private
tracks, open country and quiet country roads.
Common
Ridings
Throughout
the Borders during midsummer are the historic Common Ridings. The largest of
these is at Selkirk when some 350 riders maintain the ancient tradition of
riding the Burgh marches headed by the year's chosen Standard Bearer. On their
return later in the morning the ceremony of Casting the Colours commemorating
the battle of Flodden shield in the market square.
Sailing
Dinghy
sailing is available on St Mary's Loch, the largest in southern Scotland, which
lies at the head of our neighbouring valley.
Golfing
Within a radius of 20 miles are 12 golf courses of varying standards.