Hawick Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Hawick Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Hawick sits in the heart of the Scottish Borders with loads to see. The town's textile heritage is on display at the Borders Textile Towerhouse (4/5 on TripAdvisor, TD9 9BZ, open Tues-Sat 10am-4:30pm), where you'll find exhibits on the famous Hawick knitwear industry.

Wilton Lodge Park (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) spans 107 acres along the River Teviot with beautiful walled gardens, a waterfall and the Hawick Museum. I've heard many visitors say they didn't expect such an impressive park in a small town.

The Borders Distillery (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, TD9 9JA, open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm) offers tours for £15 with tastings. It's the first Scotch whisky distillery in the Borders since 1837 - worth visiting even if you're not a whisky fan.

Nearby Drumlanrig Castle (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) is a 30-minute drive away. This pink sandstone palace has stunning gardens and an impressive art collection including works by Rembrandt. We recommend booking tours in advance.

Pet Friendly

Many Hawick cottages welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely. The town is brilliant for dog owners with plenty of walking routes right from your doorstep.

Wilton Lodge Park has miles of riverside paths perfect for dog walks. The Hawick Walks network offers 15 different routes ranging from 2-8 miles - maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre (TD9 9EF).

For food, The Night Safe (TD9 9EH) and The Bourtree (TD9 9DZ) both welcome dogs in their bar areas. The Almond Tree Café (TD9 9EN) even offers dog treats at the counter.

If you're bringing your dog, pack towels for muddy paws after walks. The local vet is Galedin Veterinary (TD9 8SJ) - worth noting their number just in case. And after a day's exploring, you can enjoy your hot tub while your tired dog snoozes inside!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Hawick

The Common Hawick Museum (TD9 9EA, free entry, open Mon-Fri 10am-12pm, 1pm-5pm) houses fascinating exhibits on local history. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop rooms celebrate two motorcycle champions from the town. The museum sits in Wilton Lodge Park, so you can combine it with a lovely walk. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff who share stories about Hawick's past.

Heart of Hawick (TD9 0AE) is a brilliant arts complex in a converted spinning mill. It houses a cinema, café, gallery space and the Heritage Hub where you can research local history and genealogy. The Tower Mill café serves excellent coffee and homemade cakes. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "We spent a rainy afternoon watching a film then browsing the archives - perfect!"

Johnstons of Elgin Hawick (TD9 7AQ, open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) offers factory tours where you can see cashmere and wool products being made. The tour costs £5 and shows the entire process from raw material to finished product. The mill shop sells high-quality knitwear at discounted prices. "Fascinating to see traditional skills still being used," noted one visitor.

What's the best time to visit Hawick?

June is fantastic for the Hawick Common Riding (first Friday after first Monday of June), when hundreds of horseback riders follow ancient town boundaries. August brings good weather for outdoor activities. December has the Hawick Christmas lights and winter markets. We find spring and autumn quieter but still lovely.

How do I get to Hawick without a car?

The X95 bus runs from Edinburgh to Carlisle via Hawick (journey time from Edinburgh about 2 hours). The nearest train stations are at Galashiels (18 miles) or Carlisle (42 miles). Once in Hawick, local buses and taxis can get you around. Many cottage owners offer pick-up services from bus stations - worth asking when booking.

Where can I buy groceries in Hawick?

Hawick has a Morrisons supermarket (TD9 7AH), Sainsbury's Local (TD9 9EN) and several independent shops. The Hawick Farmers' Market runs on the third Saturday of each month in the town centre. For local specialties, try Lindsay Grieve butchers (TD9 9EH) for their award-winning pies.

Is Hawick suitable for children?

Yes! Wilton Lodge Park has an excellent playground, splash pad (summer only) and wildlife areas. The Borders Leisure Centre (TD9 7JL) has a swimming pool with flume. Nearby Born in the Borders (TD8 6UQ, 15 minutes' drive) has a great outdoor playground, farm animals and family-friendly café.

What's mobile reception like?

Mobile coverage is generally good in Hawick town centre but can be patchy in rural areas. Most cottages offer WiFi, but speeds vary. If you need reliable internet, check with your host before booking. We've found EE and Vodafone offer the best coverage in the Borders.

Are there any annual events worth planning around?

The Hawick Common Riding in June is the biggest event. The Hawick Reivers Festival in March recreates 16th century border life with costumed parades. The Hawick Summer Festival runs for two weeks in July with music, sports and family activities. The Hawick Sevens rugby tournament in April attracts teams from across Scotland.

Helpful links:

1. VisitScotland Borders Information
2. Scottish Borders Walking Routes
3. Heart of Hawick Events Calendar
4. Hawick Common Riding Official Site