Newcastleton – Things to do
Newcastleton isn’t just a great base for your holiday in the Scottish Borders, it’s a great place to explore in its own right. We’d love you to enjoy the hospitality of our village, our heritage & the many activities Newcastleton offers.
Douglas Square in the heart of the village
Newcastleton village
Riverside walks minutes from Staffin
Newcastleton ‘outdoors’ has so much to offer couples, groups & families of all ages from leisurely walks to full on adventure.
Here’s a few ideas to help you plan your stay:
- Walking: enjoy pretty river walks minutes from our cottage or longer hill walks in the surrounding countryside.
- Fishing & Golf: fish for salmon & trout (licences available in the village) or admire the views from our challenging 9 hole course which can also be played as 18.
- Star Gazing: a few miles outside Newcastleton (but well worth a mention here), take a short trip to nearby Kielder Observatory in Kielder Forest (3rd largest protected Dark Sky Reserve in the world).
- Outdoor Adventure: at 7Stanes you can try out the mountain bike trails (bikes available for hire locally), alternatively visit Rock UK & try abseiling, orienteering & grass sledging amongst a host of outdoor activities.
Newcastleton is a lively village hosting regular events. Make sure you ask around the village for activities you can enjoy whilst you’re here.
Our annual events include:
- Music Festival: our famous music festival is held annually on the first weekend of July when the village comes alive with folk music & Scottish dancing.
- Common Riding: also held early July each year this is our alternative to traditional ‘common riding’. A sight to behold, no horses to be seen, just bicycles!
- Holm Show: a great day out for families, our traditional village show is held every year in late August & includes competitions, displays & entertainment.
- Craft Fayre: visit our annual craft fayre held over a few days & pick up some locally made goodies.
Newcastleton is an old settlement rich in history & heritage founded in 1793 replacing the original village of Castleton.
You can discover more in & around the village including:
- Liddesdale Heritage Centre & Museum: learn about the history of our village from its origins in 1793 including the Newcastleton Tapestry depicting life in the village from 1793 to 1993.
- Hermitage Castle: with its links to Mary Queen of Scots, immerse yourself in a history of torment, treachery & romance at our historic castle.
- The Reiver Trail: with Newcastleton in its path, this trail enables you to discover more about our turbulent history & the warring families known as the Border Reivers, who 500 years ago created terror amongst us.
Newcastleton has a range of pubs, restaurants & cafes. Some also offer takeaway meals from their menu should you prefer a meal ‘back home’.
Enjoy!
- Copshaw Kitchen: café and restaurant serving homemade food. Takeaways available on certain nights. Evening meals served on Friday and Saturday evenings – booking advised.
- The Olive Tree: family run cafe & bakery popular with locals & tourists alike. Some local gifts and foods available to buy.
- The Trap: Pub with food and live sports on tv.
- Grapes Hotel: Several bars, pub food and a la carte restaurant, takeaways available.
- Liddesdale Hotel: Bar, food served in several dining areas, takeaways available.
Links to websites giving you more ideas on things to see & do in & around Newcastleton, plus more information on the village itself: