Explore Scotland aboard the new Borders Railway. Launched in September, the train is a moving work of art, with each carriage painted to celebrate Scottish landmarks and scenes—Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh and Midlothian vistas, and even friendly pandas from Edinburgh Zoo. Trips begin in Midlothian near the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, familiar to many from Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. From there you can walk the Rosslyn Glen gorge and enjoy dinner at Dalhousie Castle Hotel.
Located in southeastern Scotland, the Scottish Borders region offers a rich mix of history, architecture and countryside. Notable sites include Floors Castle, Kelso Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey, the last resting place of Sir Walter Scott. Local dining highlights draw on regional produce—try dishes featuring Borders lamb or wild venison at restaurants such as The Caddy Man.
Beyond historic buildings and food, the Borders has hands-on experiences for visitors. In Innerleithen, explore Traquair House with its gardens and brewery. Continue to Broughton for a cookery class at The Cook School, or travel to Lamancha for a bread-baking session at Bread Matters. These activities pair well with relaxed rail travel, letting you take in the landscape between stops.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culinary experiences or simply a scenic ride, the Borders Railway provides a convenient and atmospheric way to discover the region. Carriage artwork and thoughtfully planned stops make it easy to combine cultural highlights with local food and crafts for a well-rounded Scottish getaway.