Museums in the Scottish Borders

Discover 420 million years of Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations and culture with the Great Tapestry of Scotland. You can also enjoy the globally transformational true stories of the stitchers who created the tapestry.

Visit the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and discover the incredible story of Jim Clark’s life and racing career with an exciting interactive museum experience. Jim Clark is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, admired for his remarkable achievements and famous for his humility. He dominated world motor racing like no one before or since in all genres of motorsport, winning the Formula 1 World Championship in 1963 & 1965 and Indianapolis 500. It's the nearest motoring museum to Melrose, around a 25 minute drive from Bowden House, so a natural stop if you're looking for a motorsport day out.

The Trimontium Museum tells the story of one of the largest Roman fort sites north of Hadrian's Wall and is the only museum in Scotland dedicated to the Roman and Iron Age era. On display, there are many of the treasures excavated from Trimontium over the last century, illustrating what life was like at the very edge of the Roman Empire.

Trimontium Museum tells the story of the Roman fort complex at nearby Newstead. Trimontium was a frontier post at the outer limits of the Roman Empire, and served as a base for further incursions to the north. Rediscovered and excavated in the early 20th century, it has produced some of the finest Roman artefacts ever found in Scotland and is also home to the most northerly amphitheatre - so far - found in the Empire. The Trimontium Museum has been newly renovated and re-opened in 2021 to tell the story of the frontier post and its people, and put some of the finds on public display.

Scotland's Only Museum dedicated to Roman and Iron Age Scotland

At Borders Textile Towerhouse visitors can discover the story of the region’s knitwear and tweed industries.

Displays of fashion, artefacts, photographs and film bring to life over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the local woollen industries. Spread over 3 floors (with a lift) this museum delves into the history of the textile industry in Hawick. Modern interpretation, hands-on displays and plenty for children to do including find the soft sheep toys. Part of the building forms the Drumlanrig Tower, the oldest building in Hawick. There's a wee shop inside too. Like so many museums across Scotland, it's free to enter and relies on your donations towards its upkeep.

Just around the corner from Halliwell's House, this beautifully preserved 1804 building was where Sir Walter Scott served as Sheriff of Selkirkshire. Inside, you can see the original courtroom and learn about Scott's dual life as lawman and literary giant, alongside the landscapes and history of the Borders that shaped his writing. Free entry, donations welcome.

Tucked down a cobbled close in the heart of Selkirk, Halliwell's House Museum tells the story of the town through the trades and characters who lived and worked here, from wigmakers to ironmongers. It's part of the oldest row of buildings in Selkirk, with strong links to William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Sir Walter Scott. There's also a contemporary art gallery inside and a small gift shop. Free entry, donations welcome.

Housed in a grand mansion within Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick Museum has been telling the town's story since 1910. Expect displays covering local history, Ancient Egypt and Victorian life, alongside a War Memorial Room and an interactive Park Gallery that's popular with younger visitors. Free entry, donations welcome.

Built in the 1820s on the site of the original Jedburgh Castle, this unusual attraction looks every bit the fortress from outside, but inside tells the story of 19th century prison life through preserved cell blocks and real prisoner stories. The Jailer's House next door covers Jedburgh's wider history, and there's a history tour and escape room experience for anyone wanting to go further. Free entry, donations welcome. Reopens each year in late March.

A short walk from the Castle Jail, this atmospheric towerhouse tells the story of Mary's month in Jedburgh in 1566, including her illness after riding to Hermitage Castle and back in a single day. Paintings, objects and textiles bring her story to life, alongside the wider fascination that's grown up around her since. Free entry, donations welcome.

Coldstream sits right on the border with England, and its museum tells the story of the regiment that takes the town's name, founded here in 1650 and still serving today. Alongside the military history, there's local history covering Coldstream's trades and traditions, plus a changing programme of art exhibitions in the Courtyard Gallery. Free entry, usually open Easter to October.