Dramatic 14th century peel tower near Kelso. What we like: The Pringle family weren't taking any chances when they built a tower house to keep out the notorious Border Reivers: it's got 2.5m thick walls. It worked up to a point, but the Reivers still made off with 700 cattle and 100 horses. The location is atmospheric and Sir Walter Scott found it a source of inspiration. In their own words: "Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a

Historic route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. What we like: The route passes over the Minch Moor. You can join this long-distance trail at nearby Bowhill. Good to know: It's part of a network of off-road cycle trails stretching from John o'Groats down to Land's End (and with connections to the North Downs Way and South Downs Way). Where it is: Pick up the trail at Bowhill, 4 miles outside Selkirk. More details: Cross Borders Drove Road #travel #thefiveturrets #touris

Moderate and difficult routes amid great scenery. What we like: The blue route is billed as "a gentle introduction to mountain biking complete with stunning views, forest paths and some fun descents". In their on words: "The 7stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from all over the UK and beyond. You don’t have to be an experienced mount

Red, extreme and black routes for experienced cyclists. What we like: Not for the faint hearted, but the red route up through the forest and onto the summit of the Minch Moor is worth the effort for the sensational views. More details: Innerleithen Where it is: #travel #thefiveturrets #tourism #scottishborders #scotland #experiences #cycling #riding #mountainbiking #activities

Climbing and bouldering for all ages at Europe's largest indoor climbing arena. What we like: The Clip 'n Climb for children is fantastic fun, with a great range of challenges. There's plenty for older and more experienced climbers too and there's a three hour beginners course for £50. In their own words: "Thrilling fun for everyone with cleverly designed climbing challenges at Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena just outside Edinburgh. Reaching new heights never looked so

Drive and discover the stories of the Borderlands. What we like: Five excellent self-drive audio storytelling tours, all easily accessible from The Five Turrets, with a discount for our guests. Learn about the bloodthirsty Border Reivers, sorcerers, witches, stone circles, giants, kings and queens. In their own words: "Join us on our innovative storytelling trails across The Borders! Along the six trails you will be introduced to witches and wizards, kings and queens, villain

See salmon leaping up the cauld just west of Selkirk What we like: There's a viewing centre of a certain vintage with an underwater camera that sometimes shows a passing fish. Look out for kingfishers too. The Waterwheel cafe is well worth a visit. In their own words: "Learn all about the life cycle of the King of the fishes from the Salmon Wall display. Then see what dangers lie in the river and how many survive after the female salmon has laid 5,000 eggs. Then watch the Sa

Wildlife safaris around the Kielder Forest and the Northumberland coast What we like: There's a selection of safaris taking in the wildlife of Northumberland, but look out for their signature otter safaris. In their own words: "With spectacular wildlife including Black Grouse, Peregrine, Goshawk, Osprey, Roseate Tern, Grey Seal, Otter, Red Squirrel, Wild Goat, Roe Deer, Minke Whale and White-beaked Dolphin, Northumberland has something for everyone. Whether you are young or o

The best place to learn about the notorious Border Reivers. What we like: There's a permanent gallery dedicated to the history of the Border Reivers, the ruthless raiders who held the Borders in their grip for more than 300 years. See a peel tower under attack, dress up as a Reiver and find out if your family is related to the Border clans. In their own words: "A fusion of old and new awaits you, from the beautiful Old Tullie House, a classical Grade One Listed Jacobean build

Unique, quirky and fun cakes and sweet treats What we like: Cake artist Nicola Moffat's masterclass in cake decoration at The Five Turrets will boost your chances of making it onto Bake Off and receiving that Paul Hollywood handshake. In their own words: "Based in the Scottish Borders, 'Ruby and Pearl Cake Art' creates cakes and sweet treats that are unique, quirky and fun. Cake Artist - Nicola Moffat, began her cake journey in March 2014 with a Marc Jacobs 'DAISY' perfume bo

Country house with lake and woodland walks. What we like: Outdoor activities, family days out, house tours full of history and art, weddings, private events and field sports. The adventure playground is excellent, there's a great cafe and the Land Rover tours up to the moor are a special treat. There's fishing on the loch, bookable through the estate office. In their own words: "This majestic House and its grounds have been the centre of life in this rural oasis for more than

The longest continuous section of the Roman wall. What we like: There's a good clue-solving quest around what remains of the fort and an informative museum which includes stories of the Border reivers. Plenty of fun and games for children too. In their own words: "Here you can still see the remains of all of the Wall's defining features. Stand in awe as the longest remaining stretch of the Wall spans as far as your eye can see, and explore the ruins of the Roman fort, a turre

Family-friendly tree top adventures for those with heads for heights. What we like: A great way to spend two or three hours in a sensational setting on a high ropes course through the treetops. There's a 50 metre high zip wire that runs for 325 metres. In their own words: "In a nutshell, our tree climbing experiences empower kids of 6 years and upwards – we have no upper age limit! – to see the world from a new perspective and get an eagle eye’s view of the world, and all thi

The Home of Sir Walter Scott What we like: Well worth a couple of hours to learn more about one of Scotland's greatest writers and his extraordinary life. Informative audio tours and the guided tours for larger groups are superb. Lovely grounds and a good restaurant. In their own words: Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. Discover a

Excellent history resource for the Scottish Borders. What we like: It's a comprehensive guide to the history of the Borders, starting 500 million years ago with the formation of the Ordovician and Silurian rocks of the Southern Uplands before moving on to the Neolithic, the arrival of the Romans, the Reivers and a few centuries of warfare between Scotland and England. In their own words: "The Scottish Borders is exceptionally rich in cultural heritage. From its mysterious hil

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Family run giftware business What we like: Good selection of quality Scottish textile gifts. In their own words: "Situated in Selkirk our shop is located in a stone-built grade B listed Victorian tweed weaving mill. We supply retail shops, charities, museums, stately homes and palaces as well as individual members of the public both in the UK and around the world. The Royal and Ancient Burgh of Selkirk stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys in the heart of the Scott

18 hole golf course on the outskirts of Selkirk. What we like: There's a discount for Five Turrets guests at this popular par 70 parkland course. The 17th is quite a challenge, with a pond running along one side of the fairway. In their own words: "The course every golfer must play - golfing in the Scottish Borders doesn't get much better. The Woll Golf Course is one of the most popular courses in the Borders and has facilities second to none! Come and see for yourself. If it

Outstanding golf course with outstanding views. What we like: One of the finest golf courses in Scotland. Non-members welcome. It's 7,111 yards long, par 72 and the course record of 66 is held by Sergio Garcia. In their own words: "Designed by the internationally renowned golf course architect Dave Thomas, the Roxburghe is an outstanding championship course. The picturesque, free-draining course provides an enjoyable game designed to suit all standards of golfer. Dave Thomas

Traditional greengrocer What we like: Excellent independent traditional greengrocer sourcing much of its fruit and veg locally. Great friendly service, top notch produce. In their own words: "Down To Earth is a traditional greengrocer, we take great pride in our produce, supplying nothing but the freshest, highest quality fruit, vegetables, whole foods and plants. Try our wares and compare the quality, taste and shelf-life of our products - forget the supermarket and the leng