SHOPPING
Recognised globally for the production of knitwear, Hawick is synonomous with cashmere and the town offers numerous knitwear outlets within easy walking distance of the hotel accommodation. The town centre offers an eclectic mix of high street names, independent retailers and craft stores and welcomes non-residents for light lunches & afternoon tea.
HISTORY
Situated in the centre of Hawick and originally built as a defensive tower in the mid 1500s Drumlanrig Tower offers a fascinating insight into the Borders Textile Industry. Amongst many other historic sights, why not visit Hermitage Castle, “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain”, a vast eerie ruin where Mary Queen of Scots met with her secret lover, the 4th Earl of Bothwell.
Image Right: © Copyright M J Richardson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
At Balcary, our family suite is perfect when travelling with children. The Borders offers plenty to keep families amused and at Scottish Borders Art Glass just outside Hawick on the A7 north you can experience a fascinating demonstration of glass making. In Hawick Wilton Lodge Park is a veritable jewel in Hawick’s crown. Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, the Park is currently undergoing a +£3million facelift and boasts tree-lined riverside walks, walled gardens, chainsaw carvings and plethora of floral displays. Wilton Lodge Park is also the location of Hawick Museum which hosts among others an excellent display of motor cycling racing memorabilia in the Steve Hislop and Jimmy Guthrie Rooms.
GENEALOGY & FAMILY HISTORY
As the key source for over 800 years of archives for the Scottish Borders the Heritage Hub provides resources enabling you to research your family tree or the history of properies in the area, investigate the lives, activities and other aspects of the people and lands of the Borders. If your visiting the Scottish Borders for research purposes, the proximity of Balcary House Hotel makes it an ideal base for your research.
Image Right © Copyright Richard Dorrell and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
GOLF
With 21 excellent golf courses within roughly 1 hour's drive of the hotel, Balcary House makes the ideal base for a golfing break in the Scottish Borders.