Jedburgh

A Borders gem featuring the magnificent ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, a 12th-century abbey with impressive red sandstone arches set in picturesque surroundings. The town is known for its charming cobbled streets, Mary Queen of Scots House museum, and excellent access to Borders countryside and hiking trails.

Things to do

• Jedburgh Abbey — Explore the stunning 12th-century red sandstone ruins of this Cistercian abbey, one of the great Border abbeys, with an informative visitor centre explaining its history.
• Mary Queen of Scots House — Visit the 16th-century fortified house where Mary Queen of Scots stayed in 1566, now a museum displaying period furnishings and artefacts from her time in the Borders.
• Jedburgh High Street Heritage Walk — Stroll the charming cobbled main street lined with historic buildings, independent shops, and traditional stone architecture that defines the town's character.
• Jed Water Trail — Follow this scenic riverside walking route along the Jed Water through woodland and pastoral landscapes, offering easy access to the surrounding Borders countryside.
• Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum — Tour the Victorian-era jail building converted into a museum showcasing local history, crime and punishment, and life in the Borders during the 19th century.
• Hermitage Castle — Take a short drive to this dramatic 14th-century ruin set in wild moorland, associated with Mary Queen of Scots and the Border reivers' history.

Food to try

• Border Tart — A local sweet pastry filled with dried fruit, treacle, and spices—a speciality of the Scottish Borders that you can find in bakeries throughout Jedburgh.
• Scotch Pie — A hot, savoury handheld pastry filled with minced meat, traditionally eaten at football matches and available from local bakers.
• Venison from local estates — Sample locally-sourced venison from the surrounding moorlands, often featured in restaurant specials and as a signature ingredient in Borders cuisine.
• Smoked salmon from Tweed — The River Tweed is famous for its salmon; seek out locally smoked salmon in restaurants and delis as a regional delicacy.
• Tablet — A traditional Scottish fudge-like confection made with sugar and condensed milk, widely available in local sweet shops as a takeaway treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit in summer for festivals — Jedburgh hosts the Common Riding festival in July, a historic Border tradition featuring horse riding, parades, and celebrations of local heritage.
• Respect the abbey's sacred history — The abbey remains a place of spiritual significance to many locals; approach the ruins respectfully and avoid loud behaviour around the site.
• Explore on foot — The town centre is compact and best explored by walking its cobbled streets; parking is available but a car is not needed to see the main attractions.