Make the most of your stay by exploring the estate and nearby town of Lauder or venture further afield to discover a number of incredible attractions throughout the Scottish Borders. Whether you are looking for a place to kick back and relax or a fun-filled family holiday, here are some suggestions to make your time at Thirlestane Woodland Lodges unforgettable.

RIDING AT THIRLESTANE

Guided Rides

Saddle up with a Thirlestane riding experience. Gallop along the Scottish coastline or ride to the moors on horseback whilst enjoying incredible views over the picturesque town of Lauder and Thirlestane Castle.

Suitable for experienced riders, subject to availability and advance booking essential.

Two-hour ride – £180 per person (min 2 people)
Four-hours ride – £295 per person (min 4 people)

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS

Castle Walks

Staying on the estate is an opportunity to enjoy some beautiful walking routes, offering incredible views of the surrounding area and glimpses of local wildlife. Guests can enjoy the woodland and riverside walks and for those who like a longer hike, these tracks link into the national walking route, the Southern Upland Way.

RELEASE YOUR INNER WARRIOR

Wild Outdoor Camps

Book your kids into one of our school holiday Wild Outdoor Camps. Unleash their wild side with activities such as Tree Climbing, Survival Skills and Tomahawks.

Subject to availability and advance booking essential.

UNMISSABLE EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE

Events at the castle

Each year Thirlestane Castle hosts an exciting programme of events including afternoon teas, specialist tours, and the much-loved BVAC Classic  –  The Festival of Motoring.

Nearby activities

Mountain Biking

The Scottish Borders boasts world-class mountain biking.  The Glentress trails are just 25 miles from Thirlestane. It has challenging trails for the experts, as well as easy routes for beginners. For more those who love BMX biking head to Innerleithen (18 miles), renowned for its four downhill trails, all of them orange-graded Bike Park Extreme. There’s also some serious cross-country action on the red-graded Innerleithen XC trail.

Borders Distillery

Discover the spirit of the Borders on a tour of an award-winning distillery. You will be guided by their very own distillers, who will show you the workings of the first Scotch Whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders, opening in 1837. The distillery now also crafts gin and vodka.

Lauder Golf Course

Visitors are welcome on this local 9-hole golf course which is situated on sloping parkland with stunning views of the Lauderdale Estate.  Dating from 1896, the course was designed by Open champion Willie Park and is a superb day out for golf enthusiasts and novices alike.

The Coast

Lauder is located within an hour’s drive of the dramatic East Coast which is dotted with historic fishing villages. The beaches range from intimate and sheltered to expansive and surftastic. For those who want to enjoy the views without getting sandy feet, St Abbs Head is a spectacular cliff walk or you could venture to North Berwick for a thrilling rib boat trip. The Southern Upland Way which passes through Thirlestane Estate leads directly to the coast at Cockburnspath.

Go Ape at Glentress

If you have a head for heights, you will love the local Go Ape course with its 325-metre-long zip wire across a valley that’s a whopping 160ft high!   See the adventure unfurl while you traverse the huge Douglas fir trees and zip over the mountain bike trails and open water. Go Ape Glentress Forest is a hidden gem and the perfect activity for a day out, located just 25 miles away in Peebles.

Water Sports

St Mary’s Loch is the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders.  It is popular for wild swimming and paddle boards can be rented from the local café. Fishing permits for St Mary’s Loch are also available. Over on the coast, Coldingham Bay is well known for its glorious sandy beach and rock pools. It has a fantastic surf school which also offers kayak and paddle board hire.