Charming Jedburgh (4 miles) has everything needed from shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants to historic sights such as its 12th century ruined abbey and Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum. The fascinating Jailer’s House gives an insight into the realities of life in incarceration for the prisoners who were held there in the 19th century.

There is a very picturesque, 18-hole golf course in Jedburgh that is par 69 and is surrounded by attractive scenery. Nearly 30 different mountain biking trails can be tried out locally and bike hire is available in Kelso (11 miles).

Just over 10 minutes’ drive away at Beirhope Alpacas (5 miles) they offer the chance to experience walking these amazing, very friendly animals in a gorgeous setting looking out over the rolling Cheviot hills.

Head to Kelso (11 miles), a pretty market town set on the banks of the River Tweed, for a wander around the quaint shops that line its traditional cobbled market square. On the outskirts of the town the impressive Floors Castle is well worth a visit for a guided tour, a walk around the delightful grounds or the indulgence of afternoon tea at one of its cafés.

It is less than an hour’s drive over to the Berwickshire coast where a choice of beaches can be explored from the small one in Eyemouth (40 miles) to the long sandy stretches further down into Northumberland. The superb Cocklawburn beach (35 miles) has rock pools at one end and seemingly endless sands at the other, with Holy Island visible in the distance. This tidal island is home to Lindisfarne Castle and can be accessed by car via a causeway at certain times of day (depending on the tides).