4 fabulous Things to Do in Jedburgh, Scotland
Jedburgh, Scotland, is a small but vibrant town nestled in the Scottish Borders. The historic and picturesque town of Jedburgh boasts some of the most stunning and unique scenery. With its cobbled streets, quaint shops, bustling pubs, and close proximity to Edinburgh, there are plenty of things to do in Jedburgh for everyone to enjoy.
Things to do in Jedburgh, Scotland
As well as being filled with a fascinating history, Jedburgh has plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained.
From the ruinous 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey to a home with ties to Mary, Queen of Scots, there’s something for everyone in this charming Scottish town.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Jedburgh:
1. Visit Jedburgh Abbey
Once home to a monastic order, David I founded a priory here in 1138 and raised it to abbey status in 1154.
While no buildings survived before this time, artifacts have been found through archaeological digs at Jedburgh Abbey suggesting that prior civilizations were living on this same land as early as the 700s!
The visitor center showcases some of the items that have been found on the property such as crosses, a sarcophagus and an intricately carved ivory comb.
2. Visit Mary, Queen of Scots House
Near the center of town is a 16th-century tower house in which Mary Queen of Scots stayed in 1566 after becoming gravely ill.
Inside the home, you will find a small gift shop with the upper portion of the home dedicated to telling the story of Mary’s life.
Each room has facts about Mary along with a showcase of various items that belonged to her.
3. See Jedburgh Jail
The main building of Jedburgh Castle Jail houses a museum that focuses on the traditions, industries, and important individuals of Jedburgh.
You’ll find historical artifacts and exhibitions. You can spend time walking through the cell blocks of former inmates.
It looks just as it would have in the 1820s and you can get the feel of how terrible of existence it would have been to be imprisoned here.
Be advised that the jail is said to be haunted by a man named Edwin McArthur who was executed in 1855.
4. Take a Day Trip to See Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads Roman Fort
Just a little over one hour away South of Jedburgh, is Housesteads Roman Fort, one of my favorite places to see Hadrian’s Wall.
Housesteads is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been embraced as a significant part of English heritage.
Visitors can explore the fort, walk along sections of Hadrian’s Wall, or visit the interactive museum, which houses fascinating artifacts uncovered from the area.
Where to Stay in Jedburgh
There are plenty of lovely B&Bs in the area and a number of inns.
We stayed at the Meadhon B&B, which is within a short walk of the town center of historic Jedburgh.
Our spacious room with an en-suite had a hospitality table with tea, hot chocolate and biscuits. The B&B has free wifi and overlooks a lovely garden.
Our stay at the Meadhon B&B included a full breakfast, which was a wonderful way to begin our day!
Where to Eat in Jedburgh
This is a small Scottish town, so there aren’t a ton of places to eat. Two that we think are exceptional choices are these:
Belter’s Bar
Just steps away from Meadhon B&B is Belter’s Bar. If you want a burger, this is the place to go. You’ll also find a full-service bar.
Carter’s Rest
This restaurant & pub serves traditional British dishes and is just a short walk from Meadhon. The menu is varied and is based on locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
We found it a bit on the pricey side, but suitable for families and convenient.
If you are making the drive from England to Edinburgh, I recommend a stop in Jedburgh.
The things to do in Jedburgh make it a great place to spend part of the day and give you a glimpse into the life of Mary Queen of Scots.
Have you been to Jedburgh, Scotland? What did you think?
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