VISIT HAWICK
Visitor Guide
Restaurants
Hawick has a growing selection of independent cafés, restaurants and places to eat, with everything from relaxed daytime dining to Italian, Scottish and international cuisine.
For a morning coffee, leisurely lunch or evening meal, you’ll find plenty of options around the town centre and along the River Teviot.
Worth exploring:
- Adam's Kitchen – relaxed dining in the heart of Hawick
- The Night Safe – Scottish-inspired food and drinks
- Santa Marina – Italian dining and a popular choice for an evening meal
- No. 16 Cookhouse – casual food and daytime dining
- Damascus Drum – café, books and a relaxed atmosphere
- Brodies – centrally located restaurant and café
Bars & Nightlife
For a relaxed drink after a day exploring, Hawick has a selection of traditional pubs, bars and evening venues around the town centre.
Head into the High Street and surrounding streets to discover local pubs, friendly bars and places to enjoy a drink with friends.
Popular options include:
- The Office Bar
- Waverley Bar
- The Exchange
- Stags Head
- Trinity Bar
- Base Nightclub
Sight Seeing
Hawick has a fascinating history shaped by its position in the Scottish Borders, its textile industry and centuries of Border traditions.
Explore the town on foot and discover historic buildings, monuments and museums, or venture further afield to discover some of the region's impressive castles and historic sites.
Places to visit include:
- Borders Textile Towerhouse – discover the history of Hawick's famous textile industry.
- Hawick Museum – explore local history, art and heritage.
- Drumlanrig's Tower – a historic 16th-century tower in the centre of Hawick.
- The Mote – the site of Hawick's former castle.
- Hermitage Castle – an atmospheric medieval castle surrounded by countryside.
- Fatlips Castle – a distinctive historic tower near the village of Minto.
Outdoor & Adventure
With the River Teviot, surrounding hills, woodland and countryside on the doorstep, Hawick is a great base for getting outdoors.
Take a gentle riverside walk, explore the parks and woodland around the town or head further into the Borders for longer walks and scenic adventures.
Try:
- Wilton Lodge Park – woodland, riverside walks, gardens and the Dean Burn waterfall.
- Buccleuch Park – open green space close to the town centre.
- Borders Abbeys Way – a long-distance walking route passing through Hawick.
- Southern Upland Way – one of Scotland's great long-distance walking routes.
- Cycling through the Scottish Borders – explore quiet country roads and scenic routes.
- Golf – Hawick Golf Club and nearby courses offer opportunities for golfers of different abilities.
- Fishing & river activities – the River Teviot and surrounding waterways are an important part of the local landscape.
Day Trips
Hawick's central location makes it an excellent base for discovering more of the Scottish Borders and beyond.
Within a relatively short drive, you can visit historic towns, castles, abbeys, gardens and some of the region's most beautiful countryside.
Ideas for a day out include:
Melrose
Explore the historic town, visit Melrose Abbey and enjoy views towards the Eildon Hills.
Jedburgh
Discover Jedburgh Abbey, the town's historic streets and the surrounding Borders countryside.
Kelso
Visit Kelso Abbey, explore the town centre and enjoy riverside walks.
Peebles
A picturesque Borders town with independent shops, cafés, walks and access to the surrounding countryside.
Abbotsford House
Visit the former home of Sir Walter Scott and explore its gardens, collections and surrounding estate.
Scott's View
One of the best-known viewpoints in the Scottish Borders, overlooking the River Tweed and surrounding hills.
Northumberland
Cross the border into England for castles, coastlines and attractions including Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast.
Art & Culture
Hawick has a strong creative and cultural identity, particularly through its long association with textiles, design and the arts.
The town's textile heritage is an important part of its identity, while local galleries, museums and cultural spaces provide opportunities to discover contemporary and historical work.
Places to explore include:
- Hawick Museum & Scott Art Gallery
- Borders Textile Towerhouse
- A7 Art Space
- Heart of Hawick
- Local exhibitions, craft shops and independent businesses
Shows & Entertainment
A visit to Hawick wouldn't be complete without exploring its textile heritage.
The town has a long-standing reputation for quality knitwear, cashmere and textiles, with opportunities to discover locally produced products and well-known Scottish brands.
Look out for:
- Scottish knitwear
- Cashmere
- Tweed
- Local crafts
- Independent shops
- Gifts and souvenirs
- Local food and produce
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Hawick is also a great destination for families, with plenty of opportunities to get outside, explore local history and enjoy some downtime.
Family-friendly ideas include:
- Exploring Wilton Lodge Park
- Visiting Hawick Museum
- Walking along the River Teviot
- Discovering local castles and historic sites
- Exploring the surrounding countryside
- Visiting nearby towns and attractions
- Swimming and activities at Teviotdale Leisure Centre
Shopping & Local Finds
From live performances and film to local festivals and traditional celebrations, there's always something happening across Hawick and the Scottish Borders.
Heart of Hawick is the town's main cultural venue, hosting performances, film screenings, exhibitions and community events.
The area is also known for its traditional events, including the famous Hawick Common Riding, one of the town's most important annual celebrations.
Throughout the year, keep an eye out for:
- Live music
- Theatre and performances
- Film screenings
- Art exhibitions
- Local festivals
- Seasonal events
- Community celebrations
- Sporting events
Visit Hawick
Your Home From Home
From historic streets and riverside walks to local food, culture and beautiful Borders countryside, Hawick has plenty to discover. Settle in, explore and make the most of your stay.
