2-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Hawick

Hermitage Castle is a semi-ruined stronghold in the remote valley of the Hermitage Water, in Scotland's wild border country. It was targeted for 400 years because of its role in controlling the Scottish Middle March, and it has a name as one of the most sinister and atmospheric castles in Scotland.

Tip: In the summer season (1 April to 31 October) it is covered by the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, but not in winter, so check before you go.

Floors Castle is the seat of the Duke of Roxburghe, near Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Despite the name it is an estate house rather than a fortress, designed by William Adam in the 1720s and later given its turrets and battlements by William Playfair.

Tip: Different parts of the estate open at different times, so check the Floors Castle website for what is open and how to enter before you set off.

Smailholm Tower is a 15th-century tower house near Kelso, in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. It is a remarkably complete laird's residence that still stands roofed and floored, perched on a crag with wide views over the surrounding countryside.

Tip: Book your visit online in advance for a specific date and time, and consider pairing it with nearby Dryburgh Abbey.

Kelso Abbey was founded in the 1100s and was one of Scotland's largest and wealthiest religious houses. The monks moved here in 1128, close to King David I's new castle at Roxburgh. Next to nothing remains of the sprawling monastery precinct, but what survives of the church is one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in medieval Scotland.

Tip: Smailholm Tower is about 6 miles away and Dryburgh Abbey about 9 miles, so both are easy to add to the day.

Mellerstain House is a Borders country house, and one of the first buildings Robert Adam designed in his 'Castle' style. Guided tours take you through rooms with his delicate plasterwork ceilings and wall decoration. The library is the finest of them. On the top floor, the gallery displays costumes, fans, embroideries and documents.

Tip: The house is open for tours only part of the year, while the gardens stay open year-round, so check the Mellerstain website before you set off.

Traquair House, near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, is claimed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. Built in the style of a fortified mansion, it has 50 rooms, including the King's Room where Mary, Queen of Scots stayed in 1566, a Museum Room with a 1530 mural, and an 18th-century library. A Roman Catholic chapel was added in 1829.

Tip: Follow the brown signs from Innerleithen to the main entrance gate, as some sat navs direct you to the exit gate.

Carlisle Castle guarded the western end of the Anglo-Scottish border for hundreds of years and survived seven sieges by the Scots between 1174 and 1461. It was later adapted for artillery, and in 1568 it held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. It stayed in military use well into the 20th century.

Tip: Booking advance tickets online saves 15%, and arriving by bus, train or bike gets you 20% off entry at the site on the day.

Annandale Distillery in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, makes single malt Scotch whisky and describes itself as Scotland's only single cask single malt distillery. Every cask is bottled on its own, never vatted. The distillery was founded in 1836, closed in 1924 and was restored after 2007, and it now sits beside a visitor centre.

Tip: Finish your visit with a stop at the Maltings Coffee Shop.