Exploring the Scottish Borders with autistic children can be a very rewarding experience. The area is very peaceful and not too crowded. You’ll find plenty to do for children, including a whole host of nature activities and historical venues. Before coming to Scotland with autistic children, consider using some of these books to help prepare them for the trip.
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Getting To The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders are accessible by car, train, and bus. The nearest major airports are in the cities of Edinburgh and Newcastle. Consider the most comfortable mode of transport for your child with autism, and plan for breaks during the journey. We always travel by car since this is where we live – it just makes the most sense.
Where to Stay
Choose accommodations that offer quiet environments and easy access to outdoor spaces. Many hotels and B&Bs in the region are family-friendly and can accommodate specific needs. Consider self-catering options for more flexibility. As we stay in the Borders, we don’t have to think about accommodation and don’t have recommendations for hotels or the likes in the area.
Family-Friendly Activities In The Scottish Borders
Melrose Abbey
Discover the historical beauty of Melrose Abbey. The expansive grounds and stunning architecture provide a calm and educational outing. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings.
Jedburgh Abbey
Another historical gem, Jedburgh Abbey offers fascinating ruins and ample space for kids to run around. The visitor centre provides informative displays, and the tranquil setting is perfect for a leisurely exploration.
Traquair House and Maze
Visit the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, Traquair House. The highlight for many children is the Traquair Maze, which offers a fun challenge and plenty of space to roam. At different times of year they host fun family-friendly events – like the Medieval Fair and Christmas events.
The Great Polish Map of Scotland
An intriguing and educational visit, the Great Polish Map of Scotland in Eddleston is a unique outdoor attraction. This large concrete relief map provides an opportunity for learning and exploration. You are able to go into the grounds of the Barony Hotel to visit the map for free. It offers a peaceful little walk in nature to meet it and every time we have been it has been really quiet with no one else there.
Alpacas in Innerleithen
Meeting alpacas can be a delightful experience for children. In Innerleithen, you can visit a local farm to interact with these gentle animals, offering a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. The company who has the Alpacas sometimes brings them to local events so we have had the pleasure of meeting them recently in Walkerburn.
Ice Cream at Caldwells in Innerleithen or Peebles
Treat your family to delicious ice cream at Caldwells. Whether in Innerleithen or Peebles, this stop promises a sweet end to a day of adventures. Caldwells is famous locally and is known to many across the UK for their amazing quality and spectacular selection of flavours.
Abbotsford House
Explore the home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford House. The beautiful gardens and guided tours provide an engaging and peaceful experience for children and adults alike. There are a number of sections to the house and gardens, but we were only able to visit the house due to the weather warnings on the day we went.
Floors Castle
Visit Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. The expansive grounds, adventure playground, and family-friendly trails make it a perfect destination for a day out.
Bowhill House and Country Estate
Bowhill House offers beautiful walking trails, a soft play area, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The tranquil environment is ideal for families seeking a nature-filled day. We are still waiting to re-arrange our tickets for here because the day we planned to go in April had such strong winds that the grounds staff decided it was better for everyone’s safety to cancel all tickets for that day.
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre
Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre. The centre features play areas, walking trails, and seasonal events tailored to families.
Kailzie Gardens
Stroll through the enchanting Kailzie Gardens near Peebles. The gardens offer peaceful walks, a children’s play area, and opportunities to spot wildlife, providing a relaxing and enjoyable visit. There is also a fishing pond which you can use at Kailzie Gardens.
Jedburgh Jail
Experience a bit of history at Jedburgh Jail, a museum housed in an 1820s jailhouse. The interactive exhibits and historical artefacts provide an engaging and educational experience for children and adults alike. Although the entrance is free, there is a donations box you can give a little donation to to keep things running. Travis enjoyed seeing the jail cells and being locked up beside one of the prisoners.
Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Activity in The Scottish Borders
Cheeky Pandas Soft Play
Located in Galashiels, Cheeky Pandas offers a safe and fun environment for children to play and explore. The soft play area is designed with various sensory elements to cater to children with autism. It also caters to a range of ages, having a baby section and then a racing track that older children seem to really love. There is also a small sensory room which is absolutely amazing for children with autism. The sensory room is small but so well-designed – there is so much in this tiny space!
Getting Around The Scottish Borders with Autistic Children
Of course, we live here and we have a car so the easiest option is to use our car. There are also a number of buses in the area and the main transport hub is Galashiels. Galashiels is also now connected to Edinburgh by train.
Is The Scottish Borders Autism-Friendly?
The Scottish Borders, a picturesque region in southern Scotland known for its rolling hills, historic castles, and quaint towns, offers a tranquil and scenic environment that can be appealing to families with individuals on the autism spectrum. However, as a rural area, the autism-friendliness of the Scottish Borders depends on various factors, such as access to specialized services, the atmosphere of specific locations, and available accommodations.
Things That Make The Scottish Borders Stand Out
- Public transportation in the Scottish Borders is available, but it is more limited compared to urban areas. Buses connect the main towns, but service frequency may be lower, especially in more remote areas. Traveling by car is often the most convenient way to get around, offering more control over the environment and schedule.
- Attractions like Abbotsford House, Melrose Abbey, and Jedburgh Abbey provide opportunities to explore at a relaxed pace. These sites are generally not as crowded as urban attractions, making them suitable for those who prefer quieter environments.
- The region is rich in natural beauty, with numerous walking trails, parks, and gardens. Places like Glentress Forest offer peaceful outdoor experiences that can be very soothing for individuals sensitive to sensory overload. The Borders Abbeys Way is another popular walking route that provides a serene setting.
- Many areas in the Scottish Borders are naturally quiet and low in sensory stimulation, which can be beneficial for individuals on the autism spectrum. Small towns and villages often have a slower pace of life, offering a more relaxed environment.
- Some visitor centres and attractions in the region may offer sensory maps or quiet spaces, though this is not universally available. It’s advisable to check in advance or visit during off-peak times for a more comfortable experience.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Early Check-In: If possible, arrange for an early check-in at your accommodation to rest after the journey.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download and also have a set of Scotland PECS available to purchase.
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.
The Scottish Borders offer a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to the needs of children with autism. From historical sites to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit and create lasting memories in this beautiful region.