Free things to do in the Tweed Valley
School summer holidays are here and I, along with many other parents are looking for activities to keep the kids occupied, happy and entertained. While I am full of admiration for the spreadsheet warriors who have the whole summer mapped out, this blog is more for those who, like me, are more in the need of inspiration based on what the weather is doing today! So please enjoy these 10 suggestions for things to do these summer holidays here in the Tweed Valley, none of which will break the bank...
The ‘Go Tweed Valley’ area, covered in this blog.
Kailzie Gardens
A secret garden moment in the Tweed Valley - adults pay a modest entry fee, but kids under 15 get in free, which is a rare and welcome treat. Wander among blooming flowers and mighty trees, spot troots jumping in the pond and let imaginations run wild in this beautifully kept haven. Perfect for a gentle wander and perhaps a wee treasure hunt! The Courtyard Café is excellent and while of course not free, has a super kids selection.
Kailzie Gardens
Walks around Innerleithen
Whether you're chasing views or just trying to tire out the kids, the hills and woods around Innerleithen offer endless adventure - and they are so easily reached from our town! For just £4, the St Ronan’s Games programme is a treasure, packed with infor about Games Week (12 - 19 July) and a special article by myself and my wife Karen featuring five cracking local walks. As a sneak peek, I’ve included one of Karen’s beautiful images - it’s just a glimpse of whats on offer in those pages, and in those hills! Programme available in Caldwells, The Hub, Flower Bee, Premier Store & Allotment.
Playparks - Peebles, Broughton & Innerleithen
Nothing says summer like a good old muck about at a playpark, and the Tweed Valley’s now got fresh favourites. Peebles’ Victoria Park is a pirate themed classic, with inclusive play and space to roam. Innerleithen and Broughton now boast new playparks that can turn a simple outing into a full family day. Pair the swings with ice cream in Innerleithen or a snack & coffee from Broughton’s beautifully refurbished village store, and you’ve got happy kids and relaxed grown-ups. Thank you to Scottish Borders Council for the effort being put into our play parks.
Tweeddale’s Treasures at Peebles Library
Another often hidden gem for curious minds - The Chambers Institute at Peebles. This free summer exhibition in Peebles Library’s Chambers Room showcases remarkable artefacts from the Borders’ past. From a sword used in battle in 1725 to silver coins nearly 2,000 years old, it’s an inspiring option for older kids with a nose for history. Younger ones might enjoy pairing the visit with a Bookbug session or some quiet time in the library’s children’s corner. All free, courtesy of Live Borders.
Glentress & Walkerburn Pump Track
You can’t have a Tweed Valley blog without bikes, it’s practically written into our local DNA. The trails at Glentress offer well established adventure, while Walkerburn’s new-ish pump track is perfect for wee ones getting to grips with their bikes. And best of all? You don’t need to strap a bike to a car roof to get there. Locals can wheel straight in along the safe, scenic Tweed Valley Railway Path, with plenty of stopping and viewpoints along the way.
Go on an Osprey walk
It’s osprey season in the Tweed Valley, and while sightings are never guaranteed (no complaints, please!), a walk between Innerleithen and Walkerburn on the Tweed Valley Railway Path offers a very good chance of spotting these majestic fish hunters gliding overhead, or waiting patiently on treetops. During July you may see youngsters beginning to fledge and taking first tentative steps into hunting. Keep your eyes peeled near the river and treetops, and bring binoculars if you’ve got them. Even if the ospreys are elusive, the walk itself is a treat, and you can tie it in with lunch at Caberston Cafe (my favourite in the Tweed Valley).
St. Ronan’s Wells & Gardens
Tucked just above Innerleithen, St Ronan’s Wells offers a tranquil slice of Borders history, sadly under threat. This summer’s volunteer run exhibition ‘Past, Pride & Power!’ adds local flavour, though young ones might find the stories a wee bit dry. So, bring a picnic and let the gardens work their magic. A calm, beautiful backdrop that is a chilled backdrop perfect for a picnic lunch.
The Great Polish Map of Scotland
Hidden in the grounds of Barony Castle, Eddleston, this giant outdoor relief map is one of Scotland’s quirkiest wonders. It’s a sculpted landscape where your eye can roam from Ben Nevis to the Borders in a few giant leaps. It’s totally free and delightfully unusual! While you're there, consider a splash in the hotel pool (great value!) or make the day extra special by grabbing one of my car treasure hunts from reception for just a fiver - guaranteed to turn the journey home into an adventure, especially for older kids.
Flower Parade at Innerleithen
The streets of Innerleithen come alive at 11am on Saturday 19 July as cars are banished for a few, precious moments and colour, music and community takes over in the beloved St. Ronan’s Flower Parade. It’s well known to locals, but welcoming to all. It’s a chance to feel part of something joyful and kind, and with it being Games Saturday you can make a day of it with the shows, bands and Games themselves of smiles. A summer tradition that is in a class of it’s own :)
Haylodge Parkrun
Haylodge Parkrun is a weekly 5k that welcomes all - from seasoned runners to straight out of Couch to 5K plodders like me. It’s friendly, free and inclusive, with national pride in the fact that average finish times are slowing down - proof that more people are taking part, and it’s not about speed, it’s about turning up and having fun. Bring the kids, enjoy the buzz and start Saturday with a bit of movement and a lot of smiles.
