Top Things to Do in Galashiels, Scottish Borders

Places to visit in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

What travellers are saying

10cross

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

Things to do in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall

Top Things to Do in Galashiels

Things to do in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

What travellers are saying

10cross

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall

About Galashiels

Lying in the narrow valley of the Gala Water, Galashiels is one of the most popular towns in the Scottish Borders. It has a population of around 12,600 and has a stunning backdrop as it is close to the River Tweed and is surrounded by rolling hills. The town is world renowned for its textile industry which began its flourish in the 19th century. This caused the towns population to grow, with the establishment of several mills. Due to heritage, Galasheils was made the location of Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design. Poet Robert Burns wrote the poems "Sae Fair Her Hair" and "Braw Lads” which is sung at the annual Braw Lads Gathering. Closeby and just across the River Tweed is Abbotsford House which was home to Sir Walter Scott. The town has a fairly distinctive coat of arms; two foxes reaching to eat plums from a plum tree with the motto “Soor Plooms”. This is supposedly to represent an incident in 1337 in which English soldiers were picking wild plums in the area and were caught by Scots who then killed them all.

Galashiels walking, cycling and driving routes

Kirkpatrick c2c – galashiels spur, the sir walter scott trail, robert burns in the south of scotland, selkirk to melrose, lindean loch nature reserve, ettrick water circular – south, the three brethren, bowhill’s duchess’ drive, tibbie tamson’s grave, whitmuir loch, lindean loch and selkirk hill, borders abbeys way, midlem & lindean, ettrickfoot & yair, motorcycle borders loop, lowland route, tweed & ettrick valleys, edinburgh border explorer, getting to galashiels, towns and villages near galashiels, plan your visit.

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1 Understand
  • 3 Get around

Galashiels is a town in the Scottish Borders , 33 miles (53 km) south of Edinburgh. It's a former mill town which is now part of commuterland for the city, and in 2016 had a population of about 12,600.

"Shiels" means shelters, shepherd's huts. There's no sure explanation of "Gala" but it doesn't denote "gala events" - that's from khil'a or khala in Arabic and Hindi, meaning your fanciest clothes.

Understand [ edit ]

visit galashiels

Galashiels (often shortened to "Gala") is at the confluence of the Tweed and Gala Water, and a little way north of the confluence of the Tweed and Ettrick Water. This puts it astride a natural transport route between Edinburgh and Carlisle, and the rivers were harnessed to power mills, to process wool from the sheep dotting the hillsides above. The local textile industry got going from 1800 and mostly wove high-end products such as tweed and tartan - it couldn't compete in the cheap mass market with the Yorkshire mills. In 1883 a School of Textiles was established, which is now a department of Heriot Watt University. Like other Borders towns, Galashiels suffered from foreign competition in the late 20th century, and became run-down. The low point was the closure of the railway in 1969.

It grew again as a commuter town in the 21st century and eventually the railway returned. However this left it without an identity or key attraction of its own, though it's close to grandiose Abbotsford House. But in 2021 Galashiels became the permanent home of the Great Tapestry of Scotland, which celebrates 12,000 of years of Scottish history through the medium of its textiles.

Get in [ edit ]

Trains from Edinburgh run hourly and take one hour via Eskbank (for Dalkeith and Mining Museum), Gorebridge and Stow, and continue to Tweedbank. In 2023 an adult return is about £13. The line is busy with city commuters in rush hours, but visitors day-tripping outward will travel against the rush. The Waverley Line, axed in 1969, previously continued to Hawick and Carlisle. The section to Edinburgh reopened in 2015 but there are no plans to rebuild the southern section, or to extend the line to Melrose and Jedburgh.

55.6175 -2.8055 1 Interchange is the rail and bus station. There are ticket machines, a cafe and toilets, and waiting room. There is step-free access to the sole platform. Town amenities are within a short walk.

55.605 -2.758 2 Tweedbank the terminus of the railway is a mile's walk to Abbotsford House.

Borders Bus X95 runs hourly M-Sa from Carlisle along the A7, via Langholm, Hawick , Selkirk , Galashiels, Stow, Newtongrange and Eskbank to Edinburgh. On Sunday only four buses run between Carlisle and Hawick, but the rest of the route is still hourly.

Bus X62 runs between Edinburgh and Melrose via Galashiels, Innerleithen and Peebles , a roundabout route taking 2 hr 30 min.

Bus 60 runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed every couple of hours, taking two hours via Chirnside, Duns, Greenlaw, Melrose and Borders General Hospital.

Bus 67 also runs from Berwick, via Norham, Cornhill, Coldstream and Kelso, whence it becomes an hourly service.

Bus 68 runs hourly from Jedburgh , taking an hour via Ancrum, St Boswells, Melrose and Borders General Hospital.

By car or bike from Edinburgh follow A7. This was the historic route from northwest England via Gretna, but nowadays most vehicles take M74 to the west and bypass Galashiels.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

For Abbotsford House take any bus towards Melrose and get off just beyond the Tweed bridge. They're every 30 min or so, via Tweedbank and Borders General Hospital.

The main taxi operator in town is Five Star (+44 1896 756789).

See [ edit ]

  • 55.5997 -2.7819 3 Abbotsford House the former home and gardens of Sir Walter Scott are just across the river east into Melrose , but closer to Galashiels.
  • 55.6389 -2.8245 4 Buckholm is the ruin of a tower house of 1582. There are lurid legends of the misdeeds of its 17th-century owner James Pringle. But an 18th-century vicar exorcised the tower, and scotched its appeal for ghost-tourism.
  • 55.6369 -2.8505 5 Torwoodlee Broch is the fragments of an Iron Age redoubt. It was probably built around 100 AD when the Romans withdrew from Scotland, then destroyed when they returned in 140 AD.
  • 55.6659 -2.8578 6 Bow Castle two miles north is a similar broch, probably built then wrecked at the same time as Torwoodlee. Its masonry suggests an Orkney craftsman. It's well smashed up and the rubble has been heaped into a cairn.

Do [ edit ]

visit galashiels

  • What's on? Listen to TD1 Radio on 106.5 FM or Radio Borders on 96.8 FM. Or read the Border Telegraph .
  • Cinema: Pavilion on Market St shows mainstream releases.
  • MacArts is a music and live entertainment venue on Bridge St.
  • Southern Upland Way (also called Sir Walter Scott Way) is a coast-to-coast hiking trail that passes just south of town. Eastbound the local section is along the riverbank to Melrose, turning north on lanes and drove trails to Lauder, then over the hills to Longformacus and the coast. Westbound it crosses the hill to Yair then follows a long ridge to Traquair near Innerleithen, turning southwest to St Mary's Loch.
  • Rugby: Gala RFC play rugby union in National League Division One, the second tier of the amateur game in Scotland. Their home ground is Netherdale (capacity 4000) east end of town by the river. They host the Gala Sevens in August.
  • Golf: Gala GC [dead link] is on the hill north of the Interchange. Torwoodlee GC is a mile north of town on A7.
  • Braw Lads Gathering is a series of civic events April - June, themed around "beating the bounds" by horse riders, exchanging pleasantries with their opposites riding out from Selkirk and Lauder. The main events are held over the final week in June.

Buy [ edit ]

Asda is east side of town on Currie Rd, open daily 6AM-midnight.

Eat [ edit ]

visit galashiels

  • Hunters Hall , 56 High St TD1 1SE , ☏ +44 1896 759795 . Daily 8AM-midnight . Reliable JD Wetherspoon outlet serving decent food and beer. ( updated Mar 2022 )
  • Gala Tandoori at 84 High St gets mixed reviews. It's open Tu-Su 4-10:30PM.
  • Silver Star is a Chinese next to the Interchange. It's open Tu-Sa noon-2PM, 5-11PM, Su 4:30-11PM.
  • Adriatico is an Italian on Douglas Bridge towards the Interchange, open M-Th 4-11PM, F-Su noon-midnight.
  • Zaika Tandoori is at 36 Market St, open Th-M 3:30-9:30PM.
  • Paolo's is at 11 Market St, open M-Sa 9AM-9:30PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM.

Drink [ edit ]

  • Along High St are Bridge Inn, The Braw Bear, Hunters Hall (see above), Reivers, Harrow Inn, Auld Mill Inn and Quins .
  • Brewery: Tempest Brew is near Tweedbank Station.

Sleep [ edit ]

visit galashiels

  • Monorene , 23 Stirling St TD1 1BY ( By Interchange ), ☏ +44 1896 753073 . Clean, welcoming guest house. B&B double £65 . ( updated Mar 2022 )
  • 55.615 -2.8069 1 Salmon Inn , 54 Bank St TD1 1EP , ☏ +44 1896 752577 . Friendly pub with rooms. B&B double £100 . ( updated Mar 2022 )
  • 55.604 -2.7834 2 Kingsknowes Hotel , Selkirk Rd TD1 3HY , ☏ +44 1896 758375 . Pleasant hotel with 12 rooms in a baronial pile built 1869 for a textile magnate, and converted into a hotel in 1960. B&B double £120 . ( updated Mar 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

Galashiels and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of March 2022, 5G has not reached this area.

Go next [ edit ]

  • East are the ruins of the great abbeys of Jedburgh , Dryburgh, Melrose and Kelso .
  • Selkirk , Hawick and Peebles are set among scenic Borders hills.
  • Must-see Edinburgh is only an hour away.

visit galashiels

  • Has custom banner
  • Has map markers
  • Has mapframe
  • Maps with non-default size
  • Listing with Wikipedia link but not Wikidata link
  • Articles with dead external links
  • Eat listing with no coordinates
  • Sleep listing with no coordinates
  • Has Geo parameter
  • Scottish Borders
  • All destination articles
  • Usable cities
  • Usable articles
  • City articles
  • Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Top Things to Do in Galashiels, Scottish Borders - Galashiels Must-See Attractions

Things to do in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

What travellers are saying

10cross

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall

Top Things to Do in Galashiels

Things to do in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

What travellers are saying

10cross

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall

Top Things to Do in Galashiels, Scottish Borders

Things to do in galashiels, tours in and around galashiels.

visit galashiels

Kingdoms & Keeps: From Holy Island to Harry Potter

visit galashiels

Mills & Modern Wonders: Explore Scotland’s Industrial Heritage

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

visit galashiels

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

visit galashiels

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

visit galashiels

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

visit galashiels

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

visit galashiels

Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Top attractions in galashiels.

visit galashiels

Other Top Attractions around Galashiels

visit galashiels

What travellers are saying

10cross

  • Old Gala House
  • Bank Street Gardens
  • Waverley Line Artwork
  • Gala Policies Community Woodland
  • The Great Tapestry of Scotland
  • Galasheils Town Trail
  • Borders Railway
  • Hunters Hall
  • Scottish Borders Accommodation

Galashiels Accommodation

Galashiels, or “Gala” as it’s known locally, is a town on the Scottish Borders with a population of approximately 13,000. Famed for its beautiful scenery and friendly welcome from the locals, it’s little wonder the area is so well-loved and admired.

We have listed our top picks of Galashiels hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses, as well as contemporary accommodation that you are sure to enjoy, whatever the occasion.

In This Post

Hotels in Galashiels

Kingsknowes hotel.

The 19th-century Kingsknowes Hotel will provide you with all the relaxation and comfort you could need, offering a concierge service, and visitors can take advantage of free private parking.

Each of the 12 stunningly designed en-suite bedrooms within the hotel has tea and coffee making facilities, and guests benefit from a complimentary breakfast within the elegant dining room.

Visitors can enjoy the feel of luxury in the elegant Edwardian conservatory, which overlooks the Eildon Hills or step out into the formal gardens where you will find stunning mountain views to admire. At only 3 miles from Melrose Abbey, it makes the perfect spot for exploring the beautiful surrounding area.

Watson Lodge Guest House

Within this beautiful Georgian townhouse on the Scottish Borders, guests will find comfortable beds, free wifi throughout the hotel, and each room comes with a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Most rooms have en-suites and come complete with complimentary toiletries.

The hotel offers a traditional full Scottish breakfast or continental breakfast each morning of your stay. There is a patio for visitors to relax and unwind in when the weather permits. There is also lots of free parking available, and the hotel is situated within easy access to the town centre and the wider local area, making it a perfectly central location for visitors to Galashiels.

The Salmon Inn

The Salmon Inn is a family-run bar, restaurant and hotel with a wide selection of award-winning wines, spirits and cocktails to enjoy alongside your evening meal in the dining area. Each cosy room has an en-suite and comes with free wifi, with room prices starting at just £85 per night. Brunch boxes are provided, which you can eat in their beautiful library, enjoy in your room, or take with you on your travels.

The inn also boasts a large comfortable lounge area to relax in, and it is within easy walking distance of the Old Gala House and Bank Street Gardens.

The County Hotel

Situated in the town of Selkirk, guests receive a warm welcome to “The County”, as it’s known to the locals. The hotel was recently refurbished, having first been built for use as a coaching inn dating back to the 16th century.

Free private parking on-site is available, and each of the comfortable rooms is dog-friendly. The highly-rated breakfast is always cooked to order, and there is free wifi available throughout the entirety of the hotel.

The Clovenfords Hotel

Another coaching inn just a ten-minute drive from Galashiels, each room at the 18th century Clovenfords Hotel comes with Sky TV as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There is even a gift shop on-site.

Guests can pre-order packed lunches if planning a day trip, and when back at the hotel, they can enjoy an evening meal in the Vineyard restaurant, which boasts an impressive menu. If you’d rather a more intimate evening, you can take advantage of the room service that’s available.

Waverley Castle Hotel

Overlooking the River Tweed, Waverley Castle Hotel is perfect for a bespoke getaway, boasting live entertainment in the evenings and a thoroughly laid-back atmosphere. Each of the 77 rooms within the castle has free wi-fi.

The hotel is situated close to Abbotsford House, once the home of Sir Walter Scott, as well as the 11th century Melrose Abbey which are both favourite places of many of the Scottish borders locals.

B&B Galashiels

Craigielea b&b galashiels.

This late Victorian townhouse has three beautiful ensuite rooms to choose from, along with a generous amount of books for bookworms to enjoy. Guests are also able to have larger items such as bikes or golf clubs safely stored onsite, and street parking is available. This is an excellent accommodation option for those wishing for a no-fuss, relaxed stay in a home-from-home.

Binniemyre Guest House

Binniemyre Guest House is a Victorian mansion that is beautifully furnished, with seating areas throughout the extensive gardens. If you wish to have a picnic, the guest house is happy to accommodate you. Inside, each room is decorated to the highest standards, guaranteeing you a luxurious stay, even offering 40″ televisions in its larger family rooms, as well as off-road parking.

Sunny Brae Bed and Breakfast

The friendly family-run B&B has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal accommodation only nine miles from Inverness Airport and practically next door to Nairn Museum. The lounge area offers guests spectacular views of the sea, and their breakfasts are very popular – the hotel prides itself on using only the best local produce.

Dryburgh Arms Pub

On the route of St Cuthberts Way, the Dryburgh Arms is an excellent accommodation option to put your feet up for the night beside the welcoming open fire with a well-earned pint or perhaps have a taste of some of the 26 different gins on offer!

The accommodation itself has its own private entrance, complete with a stunning staircase. The spacious and bright rooms are largely thanks to the high ceilings that the building boasts throughout. Each room has been lovingly furnished with excellent attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed stay.

Caddon View

Caddon View Country is a four-star guest house encapsulated within a beautiful Victorian building, with plenty of areas to relax in, whether it be nestled in front of the fire in the drawing-room or in your own sprawling bedroom.

The majority of rooms have an en-suite and come complete with designer toiletries. All dietary needs are catered for within the restaurant, which serves evening meals. The B&B also has a licenced bar, so you can unwind with a quiet drink in the evenings.

Galashiels Holiday Cottages

The five turrets.

The Grade B listed, Scottish Baronial-style open-plan townhouse comes complete with a piano, free wifi access and parking onsite. There are four bedrooms within the spacious property, a fully equipped kitchen, and a woodburning stove for those cooler Scottish temperatures.

Guests can also take advantage of their own private garden to enjoy a late lunch or simply relax with a good book from the mezzanine library.

Lower Canterbury House

Renovated in 2020, the open-plan Lower Canterbury House – complete with a freestanding bath and a kings size bed with bamboo floorings throughout – is the ideal accommodation for exploring the beautiful National Trust gardens nearby – and it’s just 100 yards from the nearest pub and restaurant.

The south-facing, beautifully maintained garden is perfect for those lazy summer evenings with friends, and the property even has its own summer house.

The Hen Hoose

This cottage is ideal for a cosy romantic getaway or for a families and friends holiday, as it sleeps up to four people. Shops and amenities are close by, yet this characterful cottage feels wonderfully rural, making it a brilliant option for some rest and recuperation.

Set in a rural location with sprawling views of the countryside from the conservatory, an abundant supply of organic hen’s eggs is available, thanks to the flock of chickens that is kept on the farm where the property is situated.

Kilmuir cottage is the perfect accommodation for families looking to get away, as the cottage is not short of space – it even comes complete with a stunning piano, so you can tinkle the ivories until your heart’s content.

The two-bedroom property is situated in a quiet area, yet it is only 500 yeards away from the closest shops and cafes. The property has an open fire and gas central heating for the winter months, and there is room to park up to three cars on-site, next to the lovingly tended-to garden.

Other Accommodation Options in Scottish Borders

  • Coldstream Accommodation
  • Hawick Accommodation
  • Kelso Accommodation
  • Melrose Accommodation
  • Peebles Accommodation
  • Selkirk Accommodation

Already Booked? Check Out Our Top Things To do In Galashiels

Graham Grieve

Support this blog 💙.

What's On In Galashiels

Things to do in galashiels, galashiels events calendar.

Looking for something to do in Galashiels? Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events to offer. Find out what’s on in Galashiels with our regularly updated events calendar featuring the best upcoming events in Galashiels and the area. This guide lists events at a glance, showing what’s on each month. See the highlights of What’s On for Galashiels, featuring the best of things to do in Galashiels – Live Music and Gigs, Family Events, Art & Culture, Food & Drink and much more. Galashiels fundraisers and charity events. Important This Event Calendar is not maintained on a daily basis and some events may have changed dates or are no longer happening. Please double-check the event websites for the most up-to-date information .

  • There are no upcoming events.

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event views navigation.

  • Google Calendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live
  • Export .ics file
  • Export Outlook .ics file

Submit your Event

If you have an event, that you would like to be featured on our Events Calendar, please visit our Submit your Event form.

Shopping in Galashiels - Things to Do In Galashiels

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

Availability Search for  Woodlands House

Terms & conditions.

This booking system and any information appearing on this page relating to the availability of any accommodation is provided by third parties and not by VisitScotland. It is intended to provide real time availability information relating to accommodation which is also provided by third parties. You may use this booking system to place direct bookings with third party accommodation providers. Any booking you make will not be placed with VisitScotland and we will have no liability to you in respect of any booking. If you proceed to make a booking you will leave our Website and visit a website owned and operated by a third party. VisitScotland does not have any control over the content or availability of any external website. This booking system and any information appearing on this page is provided for your information and convenience only and is not intended to be an endorsement by VisitScotland of the content of such linked websites, the quality of any accommodation listed, or of the services of any third party.

Woodlands House

Woodlands house is a perfect venue for your weddings and functions with guestrooms. Enjoy the Scottish self-driving tours in one of our cars.

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

What's Nearby

Attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

IMAGES

  1. Galashiels 2021: Best of Galashiels, Scotland Tourism

    visit galashiels

  2. Galashiels

    visit galashiels

  3. Galashiels Visitor Guide

    visit galashiels

  4. Galashiels Visitor Guide

    visit galashiels

  5. Galashiels

    visit galashiels

  6. Galashiels Visitor Guide

    visit galashiels

COMMENTS

  1. Galashiels Visitor Guide

    Once again Galashiels is home to a station, which is one of the stops on the Borders Railway line. You'll find plenty of things to see and do in the Galashiels area in the Explore More section below, such as The Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery & Visitor Centre, one of the world's largest community art projects.

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

    Galashiels Golf Club is a 9 hole golf course situated in the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. Perched above Galashiels, the course provides magnificent views over the valley and is only 15 minutes walk from the Galashiels train station. Please visit our website to book a tee time or just for a browse.

  3. Things to do in Galashiels

    Cycling. Kelso Abbey on the 4 Abbeys Cycle Route. If you want to experience some pedal power during your trip to Galashiels, you could join the National Cycle Network Route 1 here and make your way to other popular towns such as Innerleithen and Peebles. Another famous cycle route is the "The 4 Abbeys".

  4. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Galashiels (UPDATED 2024)

    Galashiels Golf Club is a 9 hole golf course situated in the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. Perched above Galashiels, the course provides magnificent views over the valley and is only 15 minutes walk from the Galashiels train station. Please visit our website to book a tee time or just for a browse.

  5. What's on in Galashiels, Places to Stay and Eat, Attractions

    Galashiels is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

  6. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

    2. Bank Street Gardens. Bank Street Gardens is in the centre of the small town of Galashiels. It is surrounded by shrubs, cherry trees in... 3. Waverley Line Artwork. I was interested to see at Gorebridge that the station is sponsored by people and organisations. 4. Gala Policies Community Woodland.

  7. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels (Updated 2024)

    Things to Do in Galashiels, Scottish Borders: See Tripadvisor's 5,569 traveller reviews and photos of Galashiels attractions.

  8. Galashiels, Scotland 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Galashiels Tourism: Tripadvisor has 5,561 reviews of Galashiels Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Galashiels resource. ... Galashiels Hotels Bed and Breakfast Galashiels Galashiels Holiday Rentals Flights to Galashiels Galashiels Restaurants Galashiels Attractions Galashiels Travel Forum Galashiels Photos Galashiels Map.

  9. Galashiels

    Lying in the narrow valley of the Gala Water, Galashiels is one of the most popular towns in the Scottish Borders. It has a population of around 12,600 and has a stunning backdrop as it is close to the River Tweed and is surrounded by rolling hills. The town is world renowned for its textile industry which began its flourish in the 19th century ...

  10. Galashiels

    Galashiels is a town in the Scottish Borders, 33 miles (53 km) south of Edinburgh. It's a former mill town which is now part of commuterland for the city, and in 2016 had a population of about 12,600. ... The line is busy with city commuters in rush hours, but visitors day-tripping outward will travel against the rush. The Waverley Line, axed ...

  11. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

    Galashiels. Scottish Borders. The Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery & visitor centre is where the people's story of Scotland and creative journeys begin. It houses one of the world's largest community arts projects (The Great Tapestry of Scotland), visiting exhibits, workshops & a cafe. The centre has been purpose built to house The Great ...

  12. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

    Galashiels Golf Club is a 9 hole golf course situated in the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders. Perched above Galashiels, the course provides magnificent views over the valley and is only 15 minutes walk from the Galashiels train station. Please visit our website to book a tee time or just for a browse.

  13. Welcome to the happiest town in Scotland: Galashiels

    The "happiest place" tag comes courtesy of Rightmove's Happy at Home study. Not bad for a town of just under 15,000 souls, whose Golden Age came back in the 19th century when the Gala Water ...

  14. Galashiels

    Galashiels (/ ˌ ɡ æ l ə ˈ ʃ iː ə l z /; Scots: Gallae, Scottish Gaelic: An Geal Àth) is a town in the Scottish Borders with a population of around 12,600. Its name is often colloquially shortened to "Gala". The town is a major commercial centre for the Borders region with extensive history in the textile industry. Galashiels is the location of Heriot-Watt University's School of ...

  15. Galashiels, Scotland: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024

    See all. 2024. Kingsknowes Hotel. 400. from $126/night. OYO Clovenfords Hotel. 217. from $65/night. Maplehurst Boutique Guest House.

  16. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

    The top attractions to visit in Galashiels are: Old Gala House; Bank Street Gardens; Waverley Line Artwork; Gala Policies Community Woodland; The Great Tapestry of Scotland; See all attractions in Galashiels on Tripadvisor

  17. Visit Galashiels, Scotland in Fall

    Galashiels lies in the narrow valley of the Gala Water, close to its meeting with the River Tweed, in the heart of the Scottish Borders.The first recorded re...

  18. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Galashiels

    Top Things to Do in Galashiels, Scottish Borders: See Tripadvisor's 5,593 traveller reviews and photos of 29 things to do when in Galashiels.

  19. Galashiels Accommodation

    Craigielea B&B Galashiels. This late Victorian townhouse has three beautiful ensuite rooms to choose from, along with a generous amount of books for bookworms to enjoy. Guests are also able to have larger items such as bikes or golf clubs safely stored onsite, and street parking is available. This is an excellent accommodation option for those ...

  20. Upcoming Events

    What's On In Galashiels has 1000's of visitors to its website. Everyday people are looking for Restaurants, Hotels, Things to do, Pubs, Places to visit, Attractions, Golf Clubs, Events, Festivals, Activities and more, and we offer them all the information they need to help them enjoy their time in Galashiels.

  21. King and Queen visit Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels

    The King and Queen have viewed the Great Tapestry of Scotland, including a new panel commemorating the Coronation. They toured the visitor centre in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders to mark 10 ...

  22. Bank Street Gardens, Galashiels

    The Scottish Borders. Explore Bank Street Gardens in Galashiels. The gardens are a magnificent sight in springtime when the cherry trees blossom. The gardens were gifted to Galashiels Town Council shortly after the Second World War. They were laid out in conformity with proposals put forward by Alfred T. Harrison, Superintendent of Parks with ...

  23. Headstone in Galashiels marks Ally Bally Bee writer's grave

    Andrew Sinclair. The gravestone features a few lines from the famous children's rhyme. A headstone to mark the final resting place of the sweet salesman who wrote the children's rhyme Ally Bally ...

  24. Woodlands House, Galashiels

    Set on 2 acres of private picturesque grounds, Woodlands House in Galashiels is a beautiful gothic mansion of great character with a fascinating history. It dates from the mid 19th Century when it was built in Italianate style for a local textile mill owner. The property was remodeled in 1884-85 by George Henderson who added multi-gabled, neo ...

  25. Standing Ovation: Asda Galashiels Colleague Receives Scottish

    Nola Milne, Community Champion at Asda Galashiels has been commended by the Scottish Parliament in praise of her hard work and positive contribution to community life in the Scottish Borders.