Frequent winner of national floral awards, Hawick is the largest of the Border towns and internationally famous for fine quality knitwear. Hawick has a long and colourful history which can be traced back to the 12th century, when King David I granted land to a Norman family, the Lovels. Today Hawick is part of the Cashmere Trail and the major centre for the industry in the Scottish Borders. The town therefore has many shops with a large selection of knitwear and cashmere.
Wilton Lodge Park, on the wooded banks of the River Teviot, has 107 acres of riverside and tree-lined walks, and a walled garden. The Hawick Museum and Scott Gallery detail the town's history and provide a venue for visiting exhibitions.
New life is being breathed into the town centre, with the Heart of Hawick regeneration project, which includes The Heritage Hub, the Scottish Borders archive and local and family history centre, Tower Mill, a brand new cinema / theatre and café bar complex, and the Borders Textile Towerhouse which is due to open in Spring 2009.
'The Horse' monument at the east end of the High Street commemorates the victory of local youths over English invaders at nearby Hornshole in 1514, barely a year after the disaster at Flodden. During the skirmish, the invaders’ flag, which was believed to have belonged to the Priory at Hexham, was taken and triumphantly carried back to Hawick. One of the oldest Border Common Ridings, held in early summer, honours this event where 'The Horse' becomes the centrepiece for the symbolic festival.
The pride and passion of the town is also shown on the rugby field, with the faithful support of local followers. Other events include Buskers’ Festival in September and the new Reiver Festival in March.
Accommodation Nearby
Yethouse, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire, TD9 0TD
Within 2 hours of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle, Yethouse is located on the edge of Newcastleton Forest, Liddesdale, on the Scotland England border.
Borthaugh, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 7LN
Whitchester provides a place of rest and refreshment with a Christian ethos and is both guest house and retreat centre. The refurbished Victorian Country House with its peaceful ambience is set in 3 acres of landscaped garden and woodland. An ideal base to take time apart from the busyness of life or to explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside with its rich history.
Attractions Nearby
Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 7JL
Discover passionate collectors, racing legends, famous painters and local history in a historic house within a beautiful Victorian park. There is always something new to see with a lively programme of changing art and museum exhibitions throughout the year. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop Rooms showcase the lives and achievements of Hawick’s two tragic motorcycle champions.
Hawick, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 0LU
An awesome, eerie ruin, set in a lonely spot, Hermitage Castle has a history filled with intrigue, murders, trysts, torture, and treason.
1 Tower Knowe, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 9BZ
new and exciting experience is coming to the Scottish Borders in April 2009.The heritage and the future of Scotland’s premier textile manufacturing region is presented within a beautifully – restored 16th Century Tower House. People, processes, products – from virgin wool to Vivienne Westwood. Border Knitwear and tweeds have been adopted by the whole world – come and explore the unfinished story!