Welcome to Jedburgh, the historic gateway to Scotland and the bonniest town in the Scottish Borders!
Just 10 miles from the breathtaking Carter Bar border crossing with England, Jedburgh is a quaint, welcoming town steeped in centuries of history.
Alongside nationally important monuments, including the most substantial of all the great Border Abbeys and a stunning castle, you'll find gentle winding streets, unique independent shops and warm cosy cafes.
You will find ample free parking for cars and coaches and dedicated re-charging bays for electric vehicles just seconds from the town centre. Explore our website for more information and we hope to see you soon!
Jedburgh Abbey
If ancient stone walls could whisper, what tales Jedburgh Abbey could tell.
The magnificent building dominating the Southern approaches to the town has been at the heart of local life for almost 900 years.
Originally home to a highly successful Augustinian monastic order from Beauvais in France, the Abbey was founded by King David I in 1138. Since then Jedburgh Abbey played host to royal gatherings, staged the wedding of King Alexander III of Scotland to Yolande de Dreux, and witnessed the worst excesses of wars and turbulent times between Scotland and England down the centuries.
Reduced to its current imposing shell by destructive raids led by the Earls of Surrey and Hertford in 1523 and 1544 repectively (both acting with the full blessings of Henry VIII) Jedburgh Abbey is now in the care of Historic Scotland and continues to be used for important local ceremonies.
Free Parking is available nearby where a picnic area on the banks of the Jed Water provides a magnificent view of the abbey.
Jedburgh is a quaint market town that is home to a wide range of independent (and sometimes award winning!) shops, cafes and restaurants.
These include gift and craft shops, antiques, galleries, a book and record shop, a florist, women's fashion, outdoor wear, a butchers, a deli and even a chocolate shop! You'll also find many cafes, traditional pubs and restaurants, including some crowned the best in Southern Scotland.
And since the whole town is Grade II listed, they all exist in quirky and beautiful buildings, a joy to explore.
Mary Queen of Scot's House
As epitaphs go, Mary Queen of Scots' - "Would that I had died in Jedburgh" - neatly sums up the despair of a tragic life.
Her story unfolds on several floors at Mary Queen of Scots House, one of Jedburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Exhibits include Mary's death mask, said to have been taken following her execution at Fortheringay Castle in 1587.
Mary came to Jedburgh in 1566 to preside at a Circuit Court and, while resident, took the opportunity to visit the Earl of Bothwell (a future husband) at Hermitage Castle. The gruelling 40-mile ride resulted in her falling victim to a life-threatening fever.
She recovered and recuperated at what is now known as Mary Queen of Scots House, an impressive 16th century building that belonged to the Kerr family who lived in nearby Ferniehurst Castle.
The house is set in pleasant landscaped gardens and entrance is free.
Jedburgh Castle Jail's distinctive crennelated walls and towers give every appearance of being a model of peaceful solidity.
But its lofty location overlooking the town, on what was once known as Gallows Hill, tells a very different story - of a bloody past and a very spooky present indeed.
The present day building was built in 1820 as a model debtors prison, on the site of the original Jedburgh Castle erected by King David I in the 12th Century. His grandson, King Malcolm IV died there in 1165 at the age of 23.
The prison was mainly used as a debtors jail, but following long-standing tradition, executions continued to take place and criminals where hung on the gallows.
Jedburgh Castle and Jail is reputedly one of the most haunted places in the Borders and its ghostly goings on have hit the headlines more than once. It has featured on national TV where a team carried out investigations into the paranormal; their verdict - a spine chilling experience.
It is regularly booked for ghost hunt nights but during the daytime opening hours Jedburgh Castle and Jail is home to displays charting the town's history and its most famous citizens as well as hosting travelling exhibitions.
The Castle and Jail has limited parking and entrance is free.
The common Ridings of the Scottish Borders were described as one of Britain's best kept secrets in the Rough Guide to 500 Great British Experiences.
The annual celebrations involve grand 'ride-outs' on horse back around historic town boundaries - harking back to a time when constant surveillance was needed against incursion and encroachment, normally from South of the border.
The Common Ridings have formed an integral part of the Borders tradition since the 1500's and possibly earlier. Today the spectacle is becoming an increasingly popular draw for visitors.
In Jedburgh the Callant's Festival takes place from May to July and involves eight ride-outs culminating with Festival Day on the first Friday of July.
In the sporting arena, rugby union is pre-eminent in Jedburgh and throughout the Scottish Borders.
Jed-Forest, based at Riverside Park and founded in 1885, is one of the world's oldest and most famous clubs.
The club has helped develop a string of world class players including home grown talent such as Gary Armstrong, Roy Laidlaw and current Scotland captain Greg Laidlaw who have all enjoyed illustrious careers playing scrum-half at international level.
The Riverside plays host to two top annual events on the Borders' calendar - the Mainetti Jed-Forest 7's (the Friendly Sevens) that traditionally brings the curtain down on the Borders Kings of the Sevens Tournament, and the Riverside Rock the Border's premier music festival.
16th May