17 Great Things to do in Peebles, Scottish Borders

Peebles is a beautiful town in the Scottish Borders, set in a riverside location on the banks of the river Tweed. This page provides a list of things to do in Peebles, plus a map showing each location, and hotel suggestions too.

About Peebles.

Located just 23 miles south of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders, Peebles is a lovely riverside town which offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

With the River Tweed flowing through it, Peebles is a gateway to the Tweed Valley, known for its outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and salmon fishing.

Peebles has a quaint town centre, with shops, traditional pubs, art galleries, and a range of dining options. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit in November 2024, and plan to visit again soon.

A quick introduction: Hello! 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger regularly travelling between London and Scotland for my day job. I’ve made it my priority to explore both destinations much as possible and share my insights with you.

There’s a map at the bottom of the post, and I’ve also included tour links (from Viator) and hotel links (from Booking.com) where appropriate.  

Things to do in Peebles.

Let’s begin with my guide to things to do in Peebles.

1. Indulge in sweet treats at Cocoa Black – the famous chocolate café.

Cocoa Black, the award-winning chocolate café in Peebles, is famous for its decadent desserts. 

A haven for chocolate lovers, the café offers a variety of chocolate creations, from rich chocolate mousses to melt-in-the-mouth cakes and gateaux.

There is also a large drinks menu featuring all the varieties of hot chocolate you could wish for.

For a more hands-on experience, you could also learn the art of chocolate making yourself! Under the guidance of professional chocolatiers, you can learn how to temper chocolate, create beautiful truffles, and craft your own sweet masterpieces. 

📍Address: 1-2 Cuddy Bridge, Peebles EH45 8JB.

2. Check out the local art at Peebles’ art galleries.

Peebles is home to a variety of art galleries, showcasing works by local artists. I loved walking around these galleries, meeting the artists, and admiring the artworks on display.

The galleries feature all sorts of exhibits, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and crafts.

The pieces are usually inspired by the landscapes of the Scottish Borders and beyond. I saw several Edinburgh-based pieces too (as you can see in my photos above). 

3. Try a traditional Scottish pie at Forsyth’s the Butchers.

For a taste of authentic Scottish cuisine, head over to Forsyths of Peebles, the local butchers known for their traditional Scottish pies. 

These savoury pies, filled with rich meat and spices, are a local favourite. Popular pies are the Balmoral (chicken and haggis), the classic Scotch (mincemeat in a unique pastry made with water), lasagne pie and macaroni cheese pie.

You can also buy a range of meats, haggis and deli items too. My photo above is a scotch pie (it was delicious).

📍Address: 21-25 Eastgate, Peebles EH45 8AD.

5. Explore the historic bridges of Peebles.

Peebles has quite a few bridges! 

One way to see them all is to start your journey at the Tweed Bridge, the main crossing over the River Tweed, built in 1834. 

A short walk west from the town centre takes you to the Old Bridge, or Neidpath Bridge, a mediaeval stone bridge dating back to the 15th century. It is no longer used for traffic. 

Priorsford bridge is a 20th century suspension bridge crossing the River Tweed in parkland southeast of Peebles.

Meanwhile Fotheringham Bridge is a pedestrian bridge perfect for a quiet stroll or cycle along the River Tweed. 

Finally, if you’re following the Cuddy Path, you’ll cross the quaint Kirkburn Bridge (also known as Cuddy Bridge) over the Cuddy Burn. This is a small stone bridge which looks cute against the backdrop of the riverside walk.

6. Enjoy a drink or bite to eat at The Bridge Inn.

If you’re looking for an authentic Scottish pub experience in Peebles, The Bridge Inn is the place to go. 

Located near the River Tweed, this award-winning pub offers a warm atmosphere, a great selection of local ales, and an extensive whisky menu. 

Known for its traditional pub fare, you can enjoy Scottish classics like haggis, fish and chips, and hearty pies. 

7. Discover Peebles Old Parish Church.

A key landmark in the heart of the town, Peebles Old Parish Church is steeped in history, with roots going back to the 12th century. 

Although the church was largely rebuilt in the 19th century, it still retains part of its mediaeval charm, including the historic tower. 

8. Get your bike out and explore Glentress Forest.

Glentress Forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially known for its mountain biking trails, which cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

The forest is also great for hiking and walking, offering a range of trails through scenic woodlands with stunning views of the Tweed Valley.

There are also opportunities for wildlife spotting and adventure activities like tree-top walking at the Go Ape treetop course.

9. Visit the ancient Neidpath Castle.

This 14th-century castle stands proudly on a hill above the River Tweed.

Neidpath Castle is known for its well-preserved architecture, thick stone walls, and fascinating history, having been owned by several noble families.

You can take a guided tour of the castle, which includes the atmospheric Great Hall, ancient tapestries, and stories of battles and intrigue. The views from the castle over the river are spectacular.

10. Browse the Peebles Farmers Market.

This is a pop up farmers market which is held on Saturdays from 9am until 3pm.

Peebles Community Food Market typically features a variety of local produce, baked goods, crafts, and handmade items, providing a platform for local farmers and artisans to showcase their products.

This the place to go to pick up local game produce, cheeses and unusual food pairings.

There is also a market every Thursday in the Edinburgh Road car park.

11. Relax and enjoy the Tweed Valley.

The Tweed Valley is a beautiful area for outdoor activities, whether you enjoy walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water.

The riverside paths provide peaceful routes for strolling and are often less crowded than other tourist spots.

You can also try your hand at fishing for salmon, a popular activity in the region, or take in the views from various vantage points along the valley.

12. Stroll through Peebles High Street.

Peebles’ High Street is full of character, lined with independent shops, art galleries, and cafes. A lovely stroll can be spent browsing local crafts, antiques, and unique gifts.

The town also has a strong food scene, with plenty of cafes offering homemade cakes and light meals, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Don’t miss the Peebles Farmers’ Market if it’s happening during your visit.

13. Visit the Dawyck Botanic Garden.

Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dawyck is a stunning garden set in the beautiful Borders countryside.

It’s known for its seasonal displays of flowers and trees, with highlights including its arboretum and collections of azaleas and rhododendrons in spring.

The garden is a peaceful place for a leisurely walk, with plenty of benches where you can sit and take in the surroundings. It’s particularly impressive in autumn when the foliage changes colour.

14. Go salmon fishing on the River Tweed.

The River Tweed is world-famous for its salmon fishing, and Peebles offers excellent spots for anglers of all levels.

You can fish for Atlantic salmon as well as trout in designated areas, with fishing permits available locally.

15. Take a walk along the Peebles-to-Innerleithen Path.

This scenic walking route follows the River Tweed and offers beautiful views of the countryside between Peebles and the nearby town of Innerleithen.

Also called the Tweed Valley Railway Path, the path is ideal for hiking or cycling, and along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful woodlands and open fields.

There are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or just to take in the views of the river and surrounding hills.

16. Explore Kailzie Gardens.

A hidden gem just outside Peebles, Kailzie Gardens is a must for garden lovers. The estate offers landscaped gardens filled with seasonal flowers, greenhouses, and a picturesque pond.

Kailzie also has a working fishery and offers trout fishing for visitors, and there is also an on-site café.

17. Discover Cross Kirk Church.

Cross Kirk Church in Peebles has origins dating back to the 13th century.

Founded in 1261 after the discovery of a fragment of the True Cross, the church was initially a monastery and a pilgrimage site.

Over the centuries, it evolved and served as an active place of worship until it eventually fell into partial ruin. Today, we can see the remains of some sections of the original walls, arches, and gravestones, all surrounded by peaceful greenery.

Map of things to do in Peebles.

This Google Map shows all of the things to do in Peebles as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.

Quick links for things to do in Peebles.

Here are some links that may interest you when planning your trip.

• Reserve your Peebles Hotel early (no payment required upfront).
• Compare Peebles Rental Cars before choosing a hire car.
• Check out Peebles Memorabilia on Amazon before or after your trip.
• Book Scottish Borders tours in advance (no payment required up front).
• Remember to get a Universal Plug Adaptor if you need a UK plug.
• Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.

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