Hawick, set in a gentle valley amongst the rolling Scottish Border Hills, is the largest of the border towns and has an immediate appeal to the sports minded, the walker, the shopper and the history seeker. The town is a regular winner of “Britain in Bloom” with Wilton Lodge Park the stunning centrepiece of its success. The Park’s 107 acres, offers sports pitches, tree-lined walks, riverside picnic spots, a magnificent walled garden with fine floral displays and in summer, the recreational facilities of putting, bowling, crazy golf and tennis. A Children’s play area will keep the little ones busy whilst you can keep fit on the exercise stations.

The imposing Hawick Museum and the Scott Art Gallery, in Wilton Lodge Park, reflect the town’s history and its knitwear heritage whilst also providing a unique venue for visiting exhibitions. The Drumlanrig’s Tower is superb visitor centre situated in the High Street. It recounts the turbulent history of the building, with exciting audio-visual presentations leading visitors through time, from the Middle Ages to the Towers eventual conversion to an Inn.

If you wish to shop, where better than Hawick – the home of knitwear. You will find famous brand names and small individual knitwear. You will find famous brand names and small individual knitwear concerns whose products can be bought in their specialist shops. Knitwear Mill Tours are also available at Peter Scott Knitwear. For the Sweet toothed, why not try a sample of “Hawick Balls”, which is a dark brown sweet with the taste of peppermint and cinnamon.

Teviotdale Leisure Centre, includes a free form swimming pool, squash courts, fitness room, steam room, solarium, indoor bowling hall, lounge bar and cafeteria. Hawick and the surrounding area is an absolute haven for the sports enthusiast who can enjoy the likes of, riding, fishing, cycling and two 18-hole golf courses. Take to the hills on foot or take advantage of Hawick’s position as a touring base to explore more of the Borders, its villages and countryside, including remote Craik Forest and the haunted Hermitage Castle.