This area of the Borders has a wonderful array of things to see and do, if you're planning on coming here for a visit, and I'd truly recommend it, then these are a few of my favourite things.
Local to Rulewater
Born in the Borders has a lovely cafe, gift shop and walks along the river Teviot opposite Fatlips Castle.
Ruinous Cavers Castle, ancestral Douglas home, hidden behind the village of Denholm - currently for sale if you fancy a challenge!
If you see signs for Craft Fairs while you're here I'd recommend taking a look, you can pick up a hand-made craft unique to the area to take home as a souvenir and momentum of your holiday here.
Short car journeys from Rulewater Valley will take you to:
Hawick where you can trace your family tree in the Heritage Hub, have a delicious snack and amazing latte at the warm and welcoming Turnbulls Tearoom - where you can also acquire their magical Turnbull's Whisky still made to the original recipe! Hawick has butcher's for fantastic local fresh meats, and also a Morrisons and Sainsbury's for a supermarket shop. It has a swimming pool. To really see the town come to life, visit during the common riding, a celebration of heritage, heroism and the horse.
Jedburgh where you can explore the 11th Century Abbey visit Mary Queen of Scots House, and the spooky Castle Jail which does hold the occasional Ghost Hunt nights! Oisin is a wonderful gift shop for souvenirs and birthday surprises. For delectably delicious cakes look no further than Border Meringues. Dryburgh Abbey - set in ancient woodlands, this is a peaceful ruinous abbey, burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Douglas Haig and Lady Haig who founded the Poppy Appeal for World War 1 veterans.
Abbotsford House - home of Sir Walter Scott. An inspiring place indeed, with a terrific library of tantalising tomes. I love the entrance hall of the house itself, and the exhibitions in the visitor centre You can also see plasterwork replicas of gargoyles from Melrose Abbey.
A little further driving of an hour or so will take you to:
Berwick-upon-Tweed - for a stroll along Spittal beach with some fresh fish and chips. Wind up your evening at a live music night at the quirky Cafe Kizmiranda why, you can even buy a guitar from them too if you fancy joining in their open mic nights!
Newcastle-upon-Tyne - if you fancy a classical concert in an almost acoustically perfect music venue The Sage Gateshead is a note of beauty. The Quayside also features great restaurants and the Baltic Art Gallery to while away your time.
Edinburgh-upon-a-Time - the nation's capital. Edinburgh Castle is extremely busy, buy an 'Explorer Pass' from another Historic Scotland site like Craigmillar Castle to skip the queue!
The Grey Mare's Tail - a beautiful waterfall, only the brave make it to the top to see the mist covered shores of Loch Skeen.
Alnwick - Barter Books housed in a railway station is filled from top to toe with second hand books, crackling fires and the smell of coffee in the air. Explore the beautiful gardens of Alnwick Castle.
Not too far away are the wonderful places Cragside, and Belsay Hall with awesome gardens hewn out of the crags.
