Saint Boswells brings together a historic village centre, the St Boswells Fair, held annually on 18 July, and a 9-hole golf course. Local history, a fixed date in the annual calendar and golf are therefore different points of interest. When planning your stay, consider which of these themes matters most to you: local history shapes the character of the village, while the Fair and golf offer specific activities.
Historic Village Centre and Architecture
The St Boswells conservation area covers most of the historic village centre. It is laid out around a large green, with a tree-lined approach to the village centre. Both are important to understanding the village’s character: the protected area encompasses not only individual buildings but also much of the historic centre and its distinctive green.
The conservation area includes six listed buildings, including the Category A-listed Lessudden House. Braehead House is also a listed building. It was designed in 1905–06 by Francis W. Deas as a small, three-storey, asymmetrical country house in the Scottish Renaissance Revival style. It is considered an outstanding example of an artistically designed small country house. Deas is regarded as a leading architect of the early 20th century.
The history of the church also preserves an earlier name for the village: the church of St Boswells was formerly known as Lessudden and was dedicated to St Mary. Together with the listed houses and the conservation area, this offers a perspective on different aspects of local history—from a church’s name to early 20th-century architecture.
The Fair and Golf as Specific Reasons to Visit
The St Boswells Fair takes place annually on 18 July. The tradition dates back to the 18th century. If you want to plan your trip around the Fair, it gives you a clear date to work with. Specific event arrangements may vary, so check the details before your trip.
Another way to shape your stay is to visit St Boswells Golf Club, which has a 9-hole course. The club welcomes visitors, including individuals, small groups and larger groups. As visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current conditions before your visit. The annual Fair and a round of golf thus offer two very different ways to spend your time, without requiring the same itinerary.
Local Information and Bus Services
The Mainstreet Trading Company also brings several offerings together in one place: books, a café, a deli and homeware. Mainstreet Deli & Home is located in a barn behind the main shop of The Mainstreet Trading Company. This clear description of the location helps distinguish the two names and identify Deli & Home as separate from the main shop.
Local bus services run between Galashiels, Melrose, St Boswells, Jedburgh, Kelso, Hawick and Selkirk. If you want to include Saint Boswells as an overnight stop on a trip between these places, check the current timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Lauder, Gordon, Clovenfords, West Linton, Newcastleton, Coldstream, Selkirk, Traquair.
For the broader travel overview: The Scottish Borders.
