Discover the south of Scotland; rich in history and culture, and earning a well-deserved spot on Lonely Planet's prestigious Best in Travel 2023 list.
Made up of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, this picturesque region beckons with an array of thrilling events, activities, and sights waiting to be discovered. This spring there are many fun festivals and events celebrating the arrival of warm weather, Easter, and Scottish traditions.
Here are eight things to do in South Scotland this spring!
1) Hawick Reivers Festival
Date: 22-24 March
The Hawick Reivers Festival will take you back in time to the mid sixteenth century when the Borderlands were rife with constant feuding and reiving was a means of survival. The festival aims to help visitors experience and explore the day to day life during this violent period in history.
You will be able to enjoy a full weekend of activities including concerts, re-enactments through music and drama, Reivers marches, talks and lectures, a torchlight procession, fireworks and a banquet.
2) Spring Equinox Retreat Day
Date: 23 March, 10-3pm
Auldgirth, Dumfries
Enjoy a retreat day at Allanton Peace Sanctuary where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a day of quiet contemplation whilst appreciating the beauty of nature and the joy daffodils can bring.
From £25 per person you can enjoy a day starting with a gentle flow yoga suitable for all levels and abilities followed by meditative practices in Allanton’s meditation room and/or outside in the beautiful grounds of Allanton Peace Sanctuary.
Complimentary soup and refreshments are provided. Bringing nibbles to share is
welcomed.
Easter Eggstavaganza at Traquair House
Date: March 31, 11am-5pm
Hop along to the biggest egg hunt in The Borders this Easter at Traquair House for a fun filled family day out.
The Easter Eggstravaganza is hosting the largest easter egg hunt in The Borders with over 5,000 eggs to be found in the Traquair maze. ‘The Family Hunt’ is great fun for the family to explore the maze in search of Easter goodies.
There will also be workshops for children, creative activities in the garden and
performers.
Easter Extravaganza – Paxton House
Date: March 31
A fun filled Easter day out with bouncy castles, face painting, Easter activities, dance classes, arts and crafts and more! An ice cream van will be serving up a variety of flavours, the Stables Tearoom will be selling Easter treats and the daffodils will be blooming.
Berwickshire Swap will also be in attendance at the event and will be in the children’s marquee with children’s clothes from newborn to age 12, baby things and children’s toys.
Knockengorroch Festival
Date: May 23-26
Festival magic and mayhem in the Knockengorroch hills. Knockengorroch is a unique site located deep in the Southern Uplands of Scotland.
Celebrate some of the finest music beside the water of Deugh, beneath some of
Scotland’s great mountain peaks. With no urban ‘civilisation’ for 10 miles, this really is a unique experience. A great chance to fully immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the UK and Scotland’s longest running greenfield festival.
There’s also a dedicated kids tent with lots of games, arts and crafts and activities on offer.
Galashiels Spring Walking Festival 2024
Date: April 26-28 at 47 Channel Street, Galashiels
Galashiels Walking Festival is organised by Hike and Bike Hub. They’re a social enterprise whose aim is to promote walking and cycling as healthy activities and active travel options.
There are 2-3 walks offered each day with a range of routes and levels. One walk each day, classed as moderate-strenuous, aimed at walkers who enjoy a longer, hillier walk and one walk each day, classed as easy-moderate, for those who enjoy a shorter route. As a social enterprise and all of the walks are offered on a donation basis.
Muck n’ Mac Fest
Date: May 3-5, Traquair House Innerleithen EH44 6PW
Muck n’ Mac Festival is a unique Gravel riding festival featuring two days of Gravel riding across some of the best trails and roads that Scotland has to offer. There will be a few technical stages throughout the route and multiple timed Enduro style stages.
Both days start and finish at the festival village at Traquair House in Innerleithen where there will be live music, introductory riding lessons for kids, water sports, walking routes and other family friendly activities. There will also be plenty of food options which cater to a range of dietary requirements.