In and Around Duns
Duns lies in the foothills of the Lammermuir Hills. To the north the terrain climbs. To the south, the full rolling green expanse below of the River Tweed valley, known locally as “The Merse”, commands your attention. Laid out in its fully glory, The Tweed winds its gentle way to the sea.
The Cheviot Hills on the borders with Northumberland providing a stunning backdrop. Duns Law rising 700 ft behind the town was the original location of Duns Castle built in 1320 by the Earl of Moray, nephew of Robert the Bruce. The entire area was often subject to attack from its warring neighbours up until the 17th century. The Castle now sits on the northern edge of the town. The Castle grounds are now a park and bird sanctuary.
Formerly the old County Town of Berwickshire, Duns was laid out in the tried and trusted format of the old Scottish Burgh with a large market square which is now the site of the Mercat Cross. Originally a thriving livestock town, the market is sadly long gone.
Places to visit
In the town of Duns the Jim Clark Motor Sport Museum is a magnificent tribute to perhaps the most famous Formula One driver of them all. Manderston House, two miles to the east of the town is a magnificent example of Edwardian Country House. Paxton House is a fine Palladian residence 8 miles from Duns.
The Tweed river with its tributaries The Whiteadder and The Blackadder, provide ample fishing for the visiting angler. Salmon, sea trout and river trout Day permits are required.
Duns is also recognised as the likely birthplace of (John) Duns Scotus, the great medieval philosopher who taught at the University of Paris during the 14th century. A bronze statue of Duns Scotus stands in the public park. Duns and its local surroundings were often an area of conflict between Scotland and England over the past few hundred years.
More recent history can be seen by visiting the Polish War Memorial in Duns Park. During World War Two many Polish soldiers were stationed here in order to form new regiments. The monument pays tribute to those who died during the conflict. The memorial was gifted by the twin town of Żagań in Poland and was unveiled in 2016.
For more information on the history of Duns, the Dunse History Society is an excellent source of information for any visitor.
Duns Players, an Amateur Dramatic company, often have productions on in the Volunteer Hall and there are regular film showings at the same venue.
Duns also boasts a Swimming Pool. At the weekends, regular games of rugby, football and hockey take place at sports venues around the town.
Where to eat
The bar and restaurant at Duns Golf Club is well patronised by Dunsfolk as well as golfers. Food is served for most of the day and in the evenings during the season.
Duns has a number of restaurants, pubs and cafes in the town centre. The are several takeaway outlets ranging from Chinese to Thai as well the more traditional fish and chips.
Where to stay
Duns Golf Club recommends the following places to stay:
- The White Swan pub restaurant
- The Black Bull pub restaurant
- Duns Castle Estate (next door to the golf course)
- The Allanton Inn (5 miles from Duns)
- The Wheatsheaf Hotel and Restaurant Swinton (5 miles from Duns)
- Wedderburn Castle and Barns (3 miles from Duns)
- The Craw Inn Auchencraw (6 miles from Duns)
- Castle Hotel Berwick (15 miles from Duns)
- The White Swan pub restaurant
- The Black Bull pub restaurant
- Duns Castle Estate (next door to the golf course)
- The Allanton Inn (5 miles from Duns)
- The Wheatsheaf Hotel and Restaurant Swinton (5 miles from Duns)
- Wedderburn Castle and Barns (3 miles from Duns)
- The Craw Inn Auchencraw (6 miles from Duns)
- Castle Hotel Berwick (15 miles from Duns)
There are many guest houses and self-catering cottages in the locality. See the Visit Scotland website for a full range of accommodation.