A creative celebration of the River Tweed, this year’s inaugural event will take place across multiple venues in Peebles, including Peebles Library, Museum & Gallery. Expect three days of river-focused creative activities – from workshops, film screenings, music and performances, to readings, walks, talks and more.
Part of a busy weekend of trail races (including the daunting Tweed Valley Ultra), these 10k and 21k (half marathon) trails are challenging but rewarding in equal measure! Runners can expect a superb variety of terrain, with exhilarating descents and an abundance of fantastic singletrack to keep even the hardiest on their toes.
The climax of a busy weekend of trail races (including a winter trail half marathon and 10k), the Tweed Valley Ultra makes use of the area’s extensive network of secluded paths and forest tracks, multi-use trails along the banks of the River Tweed, winding tracks over hills plus short link sections on minor roads. An epic in every sense!
Embrace the spirit of Christmas with a traditional day of seasonal activities at Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Bring along your wish list for Santa in his luxurious grotto (must be pre-booked) and receive an early Christmas present too! With entertainment for all ages, local stalls selling gifts and crafts plus tasty food and hot drinks from the Old Walled Garden Café, Traquair’s Christmas Opening is a highlight of the winter season.
There’s some frighteningly good fun to be had at Traquair this Halloween …
This year’s packed event features magic shows and ghost stories in the woods, face-painting and crafty workshops. Get up close and personal with some scary snakes and other creepy crawlies – or get a glimpse of the future with a tarot card reading. There’ll be some traditional Halloween games including dooking for apples and a spooky treasure hunt in the grounds, plus prizes for the best dressed witches, wizards and more!
The Walled Garden Cafe will be serving delicious Halloween treats all day too.
This autumnal celebration of woodland culture – and showcase for Scotland’s makers in wood – is back after another successful outing last year. Whether you’re in the market for a bespoke piece of furniture, or just some replacement wooden spoons, there will be goods galore for sale – as well as a fringe programme of wood-related activities for all the family. Look out for the Scottish Conker Championships and some elaborate wood carving on nearby Tweed Green across the weekend!
This autumn, the gentle waters of the River Tweed will be the base for a brand-new festival celebrating the joy of wild swimming and the natural landscapes around. Join Lynda from @take_to_the_water for a soul-soothing, wellness focused weekend of wild swims, laughter, moments of peace and seasonal magic at the foot of Neidpath Castle near Peebles – with warming refreshments inside the castle to round off the weekend. (Over 16s only.)
One of Scotland’s most popular mountain biking endurance events is back for another lap! Glentress 7 will return to the Tweed Valley at the end of the summer, giving those who haven’t yet had chance to ride in this iconic event – or those with unfinished business on the course – a chance to experience the joy one more time. Ride solo, or in teams of two or three. The most laps ridden in seven hours wins. Simple!
An iconic, and challenging, hill run between two breweries (Traquair and Broughton) that covers 30km and 1,500m of ascent in the wild hills of the Tweed Valley and beyond. It's not for the fainthearted – but you can always count on beer at the end to ease the pain ...
The Tweed Valley is set to swing to the sounds of saxophones, violins and syncopated rhythm with the return of the much-anticipated Peebles Jazz Weekend at the Eastgate Theatre. With a dazzling programme of Scottish talent – including the internationally acclaimed Rose Room, two-time recipients of the Best Band award at the Scottish Jazz Awards – the weekend promises high energy performances and family entertainment for every jazz lover. Seasoned aficionados and jazz-curious newcomers all welcome!
Get ready to pedal your way through the breathtaking Scottish Borders with Peebles Cycling Club. A cornerstone of the annual cycling calendar, this open-road sportive promises an unforgettable day of cycling on the ‘Classic’ 50-mile route – or the brand-new ‘Challenge’ 100-mile circuit. Whichever you choose, you’ll get to experience the epic Talla Wall climb and a refreshing food stop by the shores of St Mary's Loch. The event starts and finishes in Peebles.
The UK’s most beautiful, closed-road sportive is back with a bang! Taking in some of the south of Scotland’s most iconic views and dramatic landscapes – including the Devil’s Beeftub, Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch of the Lowes – riders are in for another treat when Touro returns this autumn. Choose from route distances of 88km and 120km, both starting and finishing in Peebles town centre.
The premier Highland Games in the Scottish Borders are back! As is tradition, the festivities will open with an impressive Chieftain's Parade from outside the Tontine Hotel to beautiful Hay Lodge Park on the outskirts of Peebles – with a day of dancing, music, Highland sports and food to ensue. A memorable day for all the family.
Not quite ready to take on the epic Tour O The Borders, but still want to experience the excitement of a cycling event? Look out for the brand new, FREE and fun event in town over Touro weekend. The Wee Touro is open to riders over the age of 8 years – with all abilities and bike types welcome! The 30km cycle on quiet roads and multi-use paths will start and finish in Peebles, following the River Tweed along to Walkerburn and back. Refuel with locally-baked cakes along the way.
The Eastgate Theatre ‘s Back to Nature Festival returns with a vibrant programme inviting visitors of all ages to reconnect with the natural world through film, music, foraging walks, family adventures and expert-led workshops. This year’s festival champions wildlife, conservation and creativity, offering inspiring experiences from riverside bug hunts and rewilding workshops to stirring musical performances and nature writing.
Image credit: Phil Wilkinson
This fascinating event brings together internationally renowned broadcasters, writers, thinkers, artists, diplomats and politicians to meet, talk and exchange ideas with the public about some of the most interesting and pressing issues of our time. Alongside the talks is a growing programme of music, visual and performing arts, film, spoken word, and well-being activities including meditation, yoga, walking, and cycling – all set in the inspiring grounds of Traquair House.
With one of the largest entries of livestock in Scotland, show jumping, dog shows, family entertainment and almost 100 trade stands, this annual celebration of all things farming and agriculture is an excellent showcase for the impressive livestock bred in the area. A fabulous day out for all the family.
Organised by local running club, Moorfoot Runners, the Cademuir Rollercoaster is a well-established fixture on the Scottish hill race calendar, providing an enjoyably challenging race for seasoned hill runners – and fit novices or newcomers.
The event features two short but testing races on the open grassy slopes of Cademuir Hill on the south side of Peebles, Scottish Borders: a 3km race (10am) and 6km race (10.30am). Enter on the day at Peebles High School Sports Centre. More information including race routes and entry details below.
Image: Neil Renton
A day out for dogs and their owners. Bring your dog along for some fun activities, competitions, displays and demos as well as doggy treats and organised walks. Highlights include Companion Dog Show with classes, sheep dog demonstration, agility, walks and mini circus, all in the beautiful grounds of Traquair House.
Instituted in 1827, The Games are the oldest organised sports meeting in Scotland and are part of a wider eight-day festival in the town of Innerleithen. The mysterious Cleikum Ceremonies are central to the week, celebrating the town’s association with its patron saint, St Ronan. A monk who took no nonsense from anyone, St Ronan is said to have engaged the Devil himself in combat, using his staff to drive him out of town. The festivities culminate in a torchlit procession that leads to Burnin’ the De’il and a fireworks display on top of nearby Caerlee Hill!
A spectacular festival of local legend, history and tradition, with a calendar of events that span the week. Celebrations begin with an inaugural service at the Cross Kirk on Sunday evening, the installation of the Cornet and Riding of the Marches a must-see event for the Wednesday and the Crowning of the Beltane Queen and lively procession the centrepiece to Beltane Saturday. Expect a week of silver bands, pipers, fancy dress and LOTS of horses!
Ladies! Saddle up for two days of mountain bike shenanigans and a legendary treasure hunt around the beautiful Scottish Borders. Alongside the riding, the weekend line-up includes an epic raffle, outrageous costumes, inspiring films and guided rides (and a dook) from those who know the Tweed Valley best. This year's theme is famous iconic women from history – so expect plenty of inspiring stories about the women who have lived, and played, in this unique corner of Scotland.
The Borders Book Festival returns to the Harmony House & Orchard in Melrose for another gathering of the great and good from the literary world. Featuring four fabulous days of talks, comedy, live music, food & drink, there will be something for all ages and interest. Keep an eye on the event website for programme details.
Scottish Exclusive! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, the only full performance of the composer’s 15 string quartets will be performed over one weekend by the internationally acclaimed Brodsky Quartet. This is a rare chance to experience the full depth and drama of Dmitri Shostakovich’s life’s work across five enchanting concerts.
Brand new for 2025, this exhilarating gravel cycling event will see riders venture through some of the most breathtaking trails in the Scottish Borders – from the Tweed Valley and into the neighbouring Yarrow and Ettrick valleys. With three different courses to choose from (30km, 50km and 60km) it's an event designed for everyone—from seasoned gravel grinders to newcomers looking for a fresh challenge.
The Scottish Enduro Series is back – with the Tweed Valley round forming part of the prestigious British National Enduro Series organised by BEMBA. Riders will test their skills on a mix of legendary and lesser-trodden valley trails, and enjoy a hearty, south of Scotland welcome from the local riding community. Expect some big thrills, a few spills and a buzzing atmosphere across the weekend!
Outdoor promenade performances of Shakespeare classics return to the stunning grounds of Traquair House for the start of the summer season. Following last year’s outstanding production of The Merchant of Venice, the company are tackling something significantly darker and more dramatic: Macbeth. Is there a backdrop more fitting for the famed Scottish Play, than the grounds of the nation's oldest inhabited house? We don't think so!
Scotland’s only authentic event of its kind, the Traquair Medieval Fayre offers an unbeatable mix of medieval entertainment, from jousting to jesters in the grounds of Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. A wonderful family event with jousting down the great grassed avenue of Traquair as well as a cannon firing display to start the event, archery, military drills and the occasional skirmish throughout the weekend!
The Tweed Valley welcomes back some of the UK's top cross-country riders for a two-day event at the home of mountain biking in Scotland. Round Two of the Scottish Cycling Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series is a collaboration with the British Series, and will see racers compete on cross country short track and traditional olympic-style courses over the weekend – with additional races for speedy youth racers under 12. Expect plenty of high energy, drama and atmosphere in the forest!
A unique gravel riding festival weekend, based at Traquair House in the heart of the Tweed Valley. The festival features two days of gravel riding on some of the most epic trails and roads the country has to offer. Both days start and finish at a lively festival village at Traquair House and each sees multiple Enduro-style timed stages. But it’s not just about bikes: the festival village features a host of activities and family-friendly entertainment, from live music to yoga classes, introductory bike sessions and more!
Lots more Easter fun and games in the beautiful grounds of Traquair House, including quite possibly the largest egg hunt anywhere in Scotland. There will be chocolate!
Robert Smails are taking part in National Lottery Open Week, with the printworks open for guided tours at 11am on the 15th, 17th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd March 2025. Admission is free to anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket/scratchcard (any date). Prior booking is strongly advised. The museum shop will be open from 10.30am to 5pm on these dates.
What better way to get your running mojo on track in the new year than the challenge of a bumper day of trail running in the spectacular surroundings of Glentress Forest. The established 10K, half marathon and trail marathon courses will take in the usual hard packed gravel trails, twisting forest singletrack and long winding climbs – with the new (and more gentle) 4km gravel run offering the perfect intro to those just finding their feet with trail running. Check out the details below … see you on the hill!
The Wild Writers Festival returns to Peebles this winter with an expanded, five-day programme that includes elements of adventure stories and film. At its heart, however, it remains a celebration of writing that focuses on an appreciation of the natural world, with a refreshing mix of established and up-and-coming authors, including Helen Mort, Derek Gow, Kat Hill, Leif Bersweden, Jen Scotney and many more sharing their ideas, influences and inspirations. With a format that sees a mix of readings, meet-the-author sessions and signings, Q&As, panel discussions and lively solo presentations, this warm, welcoming event is a perfect antidote to any winter blues!
