Art, History, and More: Must-Visit Museums in Bowden and the Scottish Borders

Last updated: 23/09/2026

Visit The Scottish Borders is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage, which includes historical museums, art, culture, textiles and the recently opened Great Tapestry of Scotland. Bowden offers a gateway to explore the culture of Scotland's past and present. Below are four of our favourites to start with, plus a full day out that takes in a few more once you're ready to explore further afield.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

Stitching Scotland's Saga

Imagine a museum where history is not recounted through words but woven into a magnificent tapestry. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, located in Galashiels, is precisely that place. The Great Tapestry of Scotland is the brainchild of world-renowned author Alexander McCall Smith and a brand-new museum has been built to house the awe-inspiring tapestry. A masterpiece that unfolds the narrative of Scotland's history, heritage, innovations, and culture, it was created by stitchers from the length and breadth of Scotland. It's a chance to witness Scotland's epic tale like never before. Galashiels is one of the closest towns to Bowden House, making this an easy first stop if you're short on time. Visit the website.

Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns

Speed, Precision, and a Racing Legend

In Duns, the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum pays homage to the legacy of racing icon Jim Clark. Celebrated as one of the greatest racing drivers in history, Jim Clark is remembered not just for his astounding career in motorsport but also for his humility. This interactive museum invites you to immerse yourself in Jim's incredible journey, from his racing triumphs to life beyond the track. Explore his Formula 1 World Championship victories in 1963 and 1965, and discover the allure of the Indianapolis 500. It's a captivating tribute to a true racing legend. A worthwhile detour if you're heading towards the Berwickshire coast.

Visit the website.

Trimontium Museum, Melrose

Unearthing the Roman Legacy

Melrose holds a piece of history that takes us back to the days of the Roman Empire. The Trimontium Museum, just a stone’s throw from Bowden, sheds light on one of the largest Roman fort sites beyond Hadrian's Wall. As the sole museum in Scotland dedicated to the Roman and Iron Age era, it offers a glimpse into the treasures unearthed from Trimontium over the centuries. These artefacts paint a vivid picture of life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. With the recent renovation and reopening in 2021, the Trimontium Museum stands as a testament to Scotland's Roman heritage, housing some of the most remarkable Roman finds in the country. With its permanent home now well established in Melrose, the Trimontium Museum remains one of the best places in the country to see genuine Roman finds up close. Visit the website.

Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick

Weaving Tales of Textile Tradition

Hawick has a storied history in the textile industry, and the Borders Textile Towerhouse is where this history comes to life. This museum, spread over three floors, unravels over two centuries of knitwear and tweed tradition in the region. Step into the world of fashion, explore artefacts and photographs, and engage with films that breathe life into the local woollen industries. With modern interpretation and hands-on displays, this museum offers an educational and interactive experience for all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the oldest building in Hawick, the Drumlanrig Tower, within its walls. Your visit also supports the museum's mission as it relies on donations for its upkeep. Visit the website.

A day out for the more curious: Selkirk, Hawick and Jedburgh

If you've already ticked off the four above, or you simply want to make a full day of it, the towns of Selkirk, Hawick and Jedburgh are home to several more excellent (and free) museums that pair well together.

Start in Selkirk, just a short drive from Bowden House, with Halliwell's House Museum, an atmospheric 18th-century building tucked down a cobbled close, telling the story of the town's trades and characters over the centuries. Just around the corner is Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom, where Scotland's most famous novelist served as Sheriff of Selkirkshire for nearly 30 years. Both are free to visit, with donations welcome.

From there, Hawick Museum is a natural next stop (and pairs neatly with the Borders Textile Towerhouse above, since both are in the same town). Set in an 18th-century mansion in Wilton Lodge Park, it's the oldest museum in the Scottish Borders, with displays ranging from local history to Ancient Egypt.

Further south in Jedburgh, the Castle Jail and Museum offers a very different day out: a preserved Georgian prison with original cells and real prisoner stories, right next door to the Mary, Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, which tells the story of Mary's dramatic stay in the town in 1566. The Castle Jail reopens each spring, so it's worth checking dates before you visit.

Heading east towards the English border, Coldstream Museum rounds things off nicely, tracing the story of the Coldstream Guards, one of the oldest regiments in the British Army, from the town where they were founded.

All of these sit within easy reach of Bowden House for a day trip, and you'll find the full list, with more detail on each, on our Museums in the Scottish Borders page. If castles and stately homes are more your thing, our Castles & Stately Homes guide is a good next stop too.

These museums offer a deeper understanding of the history and heritage of Scotland. Book your stay at Bowden House B&B now and see what else the region has to offer.