Berwickshire is a very special part of the country, where the River Tweed forms a natural boundary between Scotland and England. Our idyllic and unique location in Coldstream is the perfect base for exploring the many superb attractions and unspoilt scenery that the area has to offer. As you drive through the rolling Berwickshire farmland you can enjoy detours to magnificent country houses and unspoilt villages and be enchanted by stunning views of the Cheviots and the River Tweed.
Here are just some of our favourite highlights along the way, not forgetting the magnificent Hirsel Estate in Coldstream which is right on our doorstep and you can easily walk to from the Park.
THE HIRSEL, Coldstream, TD12 4LW
The Hirsel Centre for Arts and Crafts offers an array of workshops where visitors can see items being hand-made by skilled craftspeople. The centres other attractions include tearooms, a museum, children’s play area, picnic areas and fine walks.
Nestling within the Hirsel Estate, the craft centre, spread over two courtyards, incorporates a gallery, the Cottage Tearooms and craft workshops where resident artists and craft makers sell a variety of handcrafted work inspired by the wonderful surroundings of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Visitors can see items being handmade, buy something direct from the craftspeople or commission something to be made especially for them.
The centre is also home to a museum of country life, a photography exhibition documenting a year on the estate, a children’s playground and picnic area. There are many walks throughout the surrounding estate to suit all tastes and abilities. The easy access walk takes in the Hirsel’s famous pedigree herd of highland cattle, longer walks can take you along riverbanks or through woodland. Whatever time of year you visit the Hirsel Estate there is something wonderful to see in the park, from stunning displays of spring bulbs to the glorious rhododendron and azalea wood, the beautiful autumnal colours of the arboreal collection and the crisp winter outlines of the plants. The Hirsel woodlands and lake also attracts a huge variety of wildlife and we have a hide on the lakeside where amongst many other species you can watch the resident kingfishers or the flocks of migratory geese and swans in autumn and spring.
Opening times – www.thehirselcraftscentre.com
PAXTON HOUSE, Near Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1SZ
One of the finest examples of an 18th Century Palladian country house in Britain and full of treasures including a nationally significant collection of Chippendale and Trotter furniture and masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland.
House tours. 80 acres of woodlands, gardens and parkland. Adventure play park. Stables Tearoom, Scenic boat trips down the River Tweed. Opening times – www.paxtonhouse.co.uk
(Just 14 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)
MANDERSTON HOUSE, By Duns, TD11 3PP
Manderston is the supreme country house of Edwardian Scotland; the swan song of its era. A house on which no expense was spared with opulent staterooms, the only silver-staircase in the world and extensive “downstairs” domestic quarters.
The House stands in 56 acres of formal gardens, with magnificent stables and stunning marble dairy. Opening times – www.manderston.co.uk
(Just 12 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)
CHAIN BRIDGE HONEY FARM
Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT
Chain Bridge Honey Farm offers a fascinating insight into every aspect of bees, honey and beekeeping. See the bees at work in a special glass observation hive, end products include beeswax healing ointments, luxury cosmetics and polish and of course you can try the delicious Chain Bridge Honey. Stunning murals. Vintage vehicle museum. Cafe in a vintage double decker bus. A walk to the nearby Union Chain Bridge is highly recommended.
THE UNION CHAIN BRIDGE
The Union Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Tweed and in so doing it also spans the border between England and Scotland. A major restoration project is underway to conserve and raise awareness of this internationally significant bridge and celebrate its historical and engineering importance for its landmark 200th anniversary in 2020.
Opening times – www.chainbridgehoney.com (Just 12 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)
GUNSGREEN HOUSE, Eyemouth, TD14 5SD
Built by local smuggler and merchant John Nisbet in the 1750s, Gunsgreen House was described in the eighteenth century as a ‘splendid palace built by a smuggler’.
See how Eyemouth was a hotbed of the smuggling trade and explore the vaulted cellars where he kept his goods, both honestly traded and otherwise! Uncover the hiding places built into the house, especially the Tea Chute. Kids can dress up, do the ‘rat trail’ and also follow the smuggling trail. Admire the beautiful setting overlooking the busy fishing harbour.
Opening times – www.gunsgreenhouse.org (Just 21 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)
ST ABBS HEAD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, St Abbs, TD14 5QF
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Explore this coastal haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers. See thousands of seabirds and be awed by the dramatic cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy the fresh sea air and epic views of this remote and wild cliff-top beauty spot. Discover the feathered residents at this ‘seabird city’ from spectacular vantage points.
Opening times – www.nts.org.uk
(Just 22 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)
THE JIM CLARK MOTORSPORT MUSEUM
44 Newtown Street, Duns , TD11 3BY
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 new 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.
Opening times – www.jcmm.org.uk
(Just 10 miles from Coldstream Holiday Park)