Teviot View Lodges at Riverside - Fun Days Out

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.

Wander through the ruins and picture the brutal struggles for power that once raged along the Anglo-Scottish border. The castle's story takes in murder, torture and treason, with names such as Mary, Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell woven through it. A fact-finding quiz is available to follow as you explore, which adds a bit of fun to the visit.

It's a good pick if you enjoy border history and like the splendid isolation of a castle set well away from everything else. The castle is run by Historic Environment 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. It stands by the River Tweed with views over the Cheviot Hills, and the grounds are on Scotland's national inventory of gardens and designed landscapes.

Inside, you can see the castle's collections and learn about the Innes-Ker family, whose story runs from Border bandits to stewards of the land. Outside, the four-acre Walled Garden is an RHS Partner Garden, with herbaceous borders, glasshouses, a Victorian kitchen garden and a formal Millennium Garden with a French-style parterre. There are also woodland and riverside walks around the Roxburghe Estate, a play area, cafés and shops.

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.

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. The standing remains are the west tower crossing and part of the infirmary, built in a massive Romanesque style.

The abbey sits on the edge of the historic burgh of Kelso, described by Historic Environment Scotland as one of Scotland's prettiest towns, and has been a favourite subject for artists since the late 1600s. It overlooks the meeting of the Tweed and Teviot rivers. Other Historic Environment Scotland sites nearby include Smailholm Tower, Dryburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey and Melrose Abbey.

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

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. Around it you can see the foundations of the outer hall and kitchen, and the massive enclosure wall that shows how well defended these borderlands had to be.

Inside, the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border exhibition explores the link between Sir Walter Scott, the tower and the ballads that inspired him, with model figures illustrating local stories. Climb to the battlements for the views, which on a clear day may stretch to Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast. JMW Turner painted the tower, and it remains a favourite subject for artists. Dryburgh Abbey, Scott's resting place, is nearby if you want to extend the day.

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

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.

Outside, the gardens and grounds are good for a wander. There is a woodland walk on the hillside above the water, with views towards the Cheviot Hills on a clear day. The path is steep in places and includes some old stone steps. A courtyard café is on site for refreshments. Dogs are welcome in the gardens, on a lead.

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.

Outside, the grounds are free to wander. There is a maze planted with 1,500 trees, a playground of willow tunnels, and a woodland walk with some of the oldest yew trees in Scotland, following the River Quair through the estate. You can also look round one of Britain's oldest working breweries, dating back to the eighteenth century, and sample the ales. There is a café, a gift shop and several independent craft shops. It suits history fans, families with children and anyone who likes a good ramble with a pint at the end.

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

Chillingham Castle is a 13th-century fortress in Northumberland, listed Grade I. It stands on what was once the border between England and Scotland, and was repeatedly attacked and besieged. Edward I stayed here in 1298, and James I in 1617. Inside you can see its grand rooms, including the great hall, and walk through the gardens and grounds. There are lakes and a tearoom too.

The castle markets itself as one of Britain's most haunted, and has been visited by the TV show Most Haunted. For a spookier visit, you can explore the Torture Chamber or join a ghost tour. The castle's grounds are home to the rare white Chillingham cattle. The castle describes itself as perfect for short breaks and family days out, and it is about 20 minutes from the coast.