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The Smiddy sits just a five minute drive from the historic and very picturesque town of Melrose where you will find some of the best independent shopping in the area with Melrose Abbey as the stunning backdrop. Here you will find an excellent range of independent shops selling fine quality food and drink including The Country Kitchen for deli produce, cheeses, whole foods and fresh coffees; Dalgetty’s Bakery, makers of the original Selkirk Bannock; Baird’s Butchers for locally sourced produce as well as freshly prepared homemade meals which are perfect for holiday stays. You will also find a quality fishmongers, a fresh fruit and veg shop as well as two small convenience stores.
For gifts and lovely things, head to Michael Vee Design for elegant interiors; Sarah Thomson or Twelve for ladieswear; beautiful artisan goods from The Crafters; or Masons bookshop for a good holiday read. For those seeking something a little more energetic, there is also a bike shop and cycle hire where you will find plenty of friendly advice on local trails around the area.
For coffee and cake, pop into Apples for Jam for a steaming cappuccino and a delicious butter cream sponge, or for evening dining, the Town House, Provender, Burts or Marmions all come highly recommended. A short drive or twenty minute walk will take you to the pretty conservation village of Gattonside (1.5 miles) for excellent food at Seasons or the Hoebridge Restaurant.
The area is a perfect base for sightseeing and exploring the wider attractions of the central Borders area. For sightseeing, the area sits in the heart of myth and legend and visitors come from all over the world to soak up its rich historical connections. Top of the list is the magnificent monastic ruins of Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 by the monks of the Cistercian order, featuring beautiful architectural detailing and fascinating connections to St. Cuthbert, Scottish Kings, and the philosopher wizard. Nearby you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden before a visit to the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre based in the town square.
Next, a short drive will take you to Leaderfoot Viaduct, an outstanding 19 arch bridge spanning the Tweed before heading to Scott’s View - the inspiration for many of Sir Walter Scott’s writings with stunning panoramic views across the rolling Border heartland. After a lazy lunch, head up the three peaks of the Eildon Hills for yet more amazing views, and explore their association with the fabled Thomas the Rhymer, the Fairy Queen, King Arthur and Merlin. Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford will reveal a treasure trove of artefacts connected to this great writer, while the grand stately homes and gardens of nearby Manderston, Mellerstain, Floors Castle and Thirlestane will not fail to impress.
For walking, there is an abundance of local trails and waymarked routes across the area, with leisurely routes right from the doorstep to more extensive loops across the wider estate. Melrose is the starting point for St. Cuthbert’s Way which charts the historic trail of this revered seventh century Saint on a 62 mile walk between Melrose Abbey where he started his religious life and his eventual resting place on the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Alternatively the sublime Southern Upland Way, Borders Abbeys Way and Sir Walter Scott’s Way run right through this area - each with shorter routes for less experienced walkers or those with less time.
If your passion is country sports, the famous Tweed and its tributaries provide the opportunity for salmon, trout and grayling, with notable middle Tweed beats offering some excellent value fishing. Shooting, be it clays or game, can be arranged locally including nearby Bisley at Braidwood where you can pay and play, sharpen up your eye with a few shooting lessons, or try the first full-bore pipe rifle shooting range in Scotland.
For golf fans, the picturesque 9 hole Melrose Golf Club sits in the shadow of the Eildon Hills while the 18 hole courses at Galashiels and Torwoodlee both sit nearby. Alternatively choose from over 30 courses within a 30 mile radius including the fantastic championship courses at Cardrona in Tweeddale or The Roxburghe at Kelso.
Cyclists will delight at the range of biking options across the wider area from long forest cruises to high energy burning climbs, including the 7Stanes biking centres at Innerleithen and Glentress which are just a half-hour drive away. Guided cycling tours of the area can also be arranged with the owners on request. For families, there is a playpark and tennis courts in nearby Melrose, a multi-screen cinema, skate park and leisure pool in Galashiels (5 miles), or try the wonderful forest adventure playground with huge slides and zip wires at Bowhill House and Country Estate (10 miles).
Melrose plays host to an impressive range of events throughout the year ensuring the town is always pleasantly bustling, even in the winter months. The Melrose Rugby 7s draws an international crowd in April, or you can witness the ancient traditions of the Melrose Festival in June which includes the custom of riding the town's boundaries on horseback. Also not to be missed is the fabulous Borders Book Festival which attracts a hugely impressive line-up of names such as Michael Palin, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin, Rory Bremner, Lynda La Plante and Jennifer Saunders to name but a few! Finally, why not soak up the sights and sounds of traditional Scotland at the International Pipeband Championships in August.