Peebles Guide
Peebles sits just a few miles upstream from my home town of Innerleithen, and if you're in the Tweed Valley, you're more or less gravitationally pulled toward it. It’s where locals go for High School, the Big Shop and the occasional night out. I’ve wandered, worked and gotten to know this town for years, and this guide pulls it all together.
Whether you’re visiting for the Beltane, browsing the independent shops or on a family holiday, this is your one-stop spot to make sense of Peebles. Heritage, things to do, hiking routes - it’s all here, with a few quiet corners thrown in for good measure. Enjoy Peebles for Pleasure.
Cover Image: Squarespace / @hunupnorth
Blogs about Peebles
Arriving & Exploring
Image - Squarespace/@hunupnorth
Bus: Borders Buses X62 runs every 30 minutes from Edinburgh and Galashiels, stopping right in the town centre.
Cycling: The Tweed Valley Railway Path connects Peebles to Innerleithen and onward to Galashiels, perfect for a slow travel feature. Gravel and bikepackers will find many routes into the town.
Walking: Peebles is on the John Buchan Way and Cross Borders Drove Road long distance path, so walkers are frequent and welcome.
Driving: Peebles is well connected on the A703 to Edinburgh and the A72 to Glasgow and The Borders.
Peebles through the seasons
The nearby gardens are open and full of life in spring, at both Dawyck and Kailzie. Dawyck in particular is famous for its snowdrops display.
The River Tweed canoe trail opens for the season, bringing paddlers right into the heart of the town on the exciting route from Dawyck to Abbotsford.
Nestled quietly on the edge of Peebles, the ancient ruin of Cross Kirk is often overlooked by visitors, which is a shame as its especially wonderful in the spring. A great place to sit and take in the peaceful atmosphere under the blossoms.
Summer in Peebles is a vibrant mix of tradition with an exciting programme of annual events. Topping the bill is the Beltane Festival, taking centre stage in June, with its colourful parades, rideouts and crowning of the Beltane Queen, a joyful celebration of heritage that spills into every corner of the town.
In August the Peeblesshire Agricultural Show brings the counties farmers together for a celebration. Sheep are the stars of the show, but there is so much on offer, a great day out for the whole family.
Take a loup through the purple heather in August by hiking the John Buchan Way from Broughton (easily accessible from Peebles on the 91 bus), and pair it with an afternoon visit to the John Buchan Museum in town. The celebrated author and diplomat had many links with the area, and the locals are rightly proud of the fact.
September brings the Highland Games to town, with heavy events, pipe bands, dancing and more in Haylodge Park.
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy one of the excellent walking routes nearby, in particualr the River Tweed and Neidpath castle. Watch out for leaping salmon during the autumnal run
When Halloween comes around, look out for late night, candlelit tours of Neidpath Castle. Spooky tales in the most atmospheric of settings.
The season begins in earnest with the Christmas Lights Switch-On, typically held on the last Sunday of November. The High Street transforms into a festive market, with live music from local choirs and bands, funfair rides and the arrival of Santa and the Beltane Queen to light up the town when darkness falls. It’s a heartwarming moment that draws locals and visitors alike into the spirit of the season.
Indoors, the Eastgate Theatre provides cultural warmth with winter performances, film screenings, and festive concerts. And for a sweet escape, Cocoa Black tempts with rich hot chocolates and decadent desserts, ideal after a riverside walk or a browse through Peebles’ independent shops.
Walks Around Peebles
(External Links)
Walks around Peebles - walkhighlands
Paths around Peebles - Scottish Borders Council
Image - Neidpath Castle
Peebles tours, by my guests…
What some of my guests have said about our tours in and around Peebles
“a guide who knows the area personally but selects and delivers information and stories in a way that suits the listeners”
“local stories and history told with zeal, expertise, and a good dose of humour. ”
“an ideal introduction to the fascinating history of the tweed valley in this area, full of stories and facts to keep our attention”
“After a long 30hr day of travel to get to the small town of Peebles, it felt very nice to simply trust Stewart’s confidence of the area”
Go Tweed Valley plays a vital role in shaping the Tweed Valley area (from Tweedsmuir to just outside Selkirk) as a world-class destination for outdoor adventure, heritage and community led tourism. As the public face of the Tweed Valley Tourism BID, it brings together over 100 local businesses to promote everything from mountain biking and canoeing to cultural events and sustainable travel initiatives. Their work helps attract visitors year round, boosting the local economy while preserving the valley’s unique character. As a proud member, I’m part of a network that celebrates the spirit of the region by supporting responsible tourism, storytelling and the kind of experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Go Tweed Valley
Explore Peebles with Tweed Valley Blogger
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My favourite way to explore. Meeting at Peebles Bus Station (with exclusive audio clips for your journey!), we will enjoy a leisurely paced walk around the town, uncovering its story and secrets as we go. Just £200 for up to 10 people. Learn more and book here.
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Are you keen to explore Peebles, and the surrounding countryside, in the hands of a five star guide? My bespoke tours are the answer. I will collect you from your accommodation and tailor the day to suit you. Tours start from £450 for up to 4 people (price per tour, not person) and can be booked here.