3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The hidden gem Scottish Borders town near alpaca farm perfect for Edinburgh Fringe escape
We are approaching the midpoint of the Edinburgh Fringe. With the biggest arts festival in the world well underway, both visitors and Edinburgh locals may be beginning to get overwhelmed.
While the Fringe is a one-of-a-kind event, the sheer number of people and shows can be draining. For this reason, August is the perfect time for a day trip outside of Edinburgh.
The Scottish capital is within easy reach of the Scottish Borders, which is home to many idyllic towns and villages. For the Daily Record's latest Town of the Week, we have chosen Innerleithen.
Situated a few miles from the larger town of Peebles, Innerleithen is home to a population of around just 3,000 people. Despite this, there is so much to do in and near the town that you will definitely not be bored.
The first thing to do when arriving in Innerleithen is take a leisurely walk up and down its High Street. Here, you will find a surprisingly large number of shops and other businesses.
Among the highlights of Innerleithen's High Street are Caldwell's Homemade Ice Cream and Haus and Co. Caldwell's is the perfect spot to enjoy a creamy ice cream cone on a warm August day, while Haus and Co is an award-winning lifestyle and Scandinavian design store that also serves up delicious coffee and treats.
Elsewhere, a number of fun and fascinating attractions can be found just outside of Innerleithen. Standouts include Velvet Hall Alpacas, where visitors can meet the beautiful animals and even head out for walks with them, and the historic Traquair House.
If you are looking for something a bit more active, a short distance from Innerleithen is the world-renowned Glentress 7stanes mountain biking centre. It is home to a wide selection of trails to suits everyone from beginners to experts.
Read on for some photos that show why Innerleithen is an ideal escape from the Edinburgh Fringe. If you are still looking for some travel inspiration, a selection of our recent Towns and Villages of the Week can be found below:
