Beach bell tents near Melrose
Hillwallkers, long-distance hikers and history lovers will find plenty to do in this Border town.
- Melrose
Popular camping styles for Melrose
Beach bell tents near Melrose guide
Overview
Melrose is a charming town in the Scottish Borders in the valley of the River Tweed. The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills dominate the surrounding area and reward climbers with excellent views from the top. At ground level, Melrose Abbey, which dates from 1136, has connections to Robert the Bruce and, nearby the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre houses the Trimontium Museum, dedicated to Scotland’s Roman past. Melrose Abbey is the starting point for the St Cuthbert's Way 62-mile (100-kilometre) long-distance trail to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland, England.
Where to go
Around Town
Staying in the town centre puts you within easy reach of Melrose’s attractions, shops and the many miles of footpaths and cycle routes that run along the banks of the Tweed. In a peaceful setting, close to the heart of town, Melrose Gibson Park Club Site has hardstanding, tent and serviced pitches.
Jedburgh
Under a 20-minute drive south of Melrose, Jebdurgh’s colourful history encompasses cross-border raids, battles and Mary, Queen of Scots. Today, the town is a picturesque place for a riverside walk or browse around the colourfully painted buildings in the Market Place and Canongate. Nearby, Ale Water Valley offers outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding and golf. Just outside town, the small Jedburgh Camping and Caravanning Club Site has pitches for tents and tourers.
Hawick
West of Jedburgh, Hawick is known for its textile production, particularly knitwear and cashmere. It’s also the site of the annual Common Ridings, a spectacle of horsemanship held in early summer. Between Hawick and Jedburgh, Wild Woods Camping Ruberslaw offers a variety of pitches for tent campers, including pitches inside the site’s walled garden.
When to go
As its southerly location means that it rarely experiences extreme weather, the Scottish Borders is a great region to visit all year-round. July and August, when Scottish schools are on holiday, is peak tourist season and also the warmest. For avoiding crowds while still enjoying warm weather, May/June and September are good times to travel. April is the driest month of the year and December the wettest.
Know before you go
- Not all sites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before travelling.
- If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Note that, due to different national laws, wild camping is permitted along the Scottish section of St Cuthbert’s Way but not the English section.
- While you can get around by using public buses, having your own transport offers more flexibility. The closest train station is Tweedbank, which is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) away and has direct links to Edinburgh.
- There are a few small supermarkets in Melrose. For bigger purchases, head for Galashiels, five miles (eight kilometres) northwest.
