Lauder brings together a historic streetscape, church architecture and walking routes through the surrounding countryside. If you are considering the town as a destination, you can shape your plans around different interests: the history of the burgh, a route through Lauder or a guided tour of Thirlestane Castle. Route lengths, building history and tour times each provide different points of reference for your stay. Check tour times and local path conditions before finalising your visit.
Historic Streetscape and Architecture
The Lauder Conservation Area covers a substantial part of the settlement and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of a historic burgh in Scotland. Its surviving street pattern includes a main street and back lanes to the east and west; this pattern defines the extent of the Conservation Area. Lauder Town Hall is a notable landmark and a good example of early or traditional civic architecture. A Town Hall or Tolbooth has been part of Lauder’s history since at least the mid-16th century.
Lauder Church adds its own architectural feature. Its floor plan is in the form of a Greek cross, with arms of equal length, and is apparently unique in Scotland. John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale, commissioned the church as a replacement for the original church outside the town, near Thirlestane Castle. The Town Hall and church therefore offer different ways to explore the area’s architectural history: one highlights civic architecture, the other an unusual floor plan and a specific historical connection.
Choose Walking Routes by Distance
The Lauder Town Trail is 1.25 miles long and offers visitors an additional way to explore local history and the town’s development. Paths around Lauder comprises ten routes ranging from one to 13 miles. At 1.25 miles, the Town Trail is near the lower end of that range. These distances can help you start by choosing a route length that suits your plans.
Lauder Common connects to the path network via the B6363 Lauder–Stow road and Burnmill car park. Check local conditions before setting out. The Southern Upland Way offers another precise route connection: from Lauder, it heads south-east into the grounds of Thirlestane Castle, opposite the police station. This route and the range of distances covered by Paths around Lauder are useful reference points if you want to plan your stay around walking routes.
Thirlestane Castle and the Landscape
Thirlestane Castle is a 16th-century castle on the Lauderdale Estate in the Scottish Borders. It has been the home of the Maitland family for over 400 years. The castle is open for guided tours; tickets can be booked online. As tour times are important when planning a visit, check them before you travel.
The designed landscape of Thirlestane lies immediately north and east of Lauder, extending across the floodplain and lower valley slopes of the Leader Water. The waterways also have designated significance: the Leader Water and its tributary, Earnscleugh Burn, are designated as part of the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation because of their habitat value. Alongside the buildings, the landscape and natural environment are therefore also distinct themes to consider when planning your visit.
The History of the Common Riding
The history of Lauder Common Riding dates back to the 17th century. Originally, it was a religious ceremony to bless the burgh’s lands, crops and affairs. This historical background complements the visible traces in the street pattern and buildings with a tradition whose origins are connected with the land and harvest.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Duns, Clovenfords, Houndslow, Galashiels, Heriot, Kershopefoot, Peebles, Kelso
For the wider travel overview: The Scottish Borders.
