Coldstream
Set on the banks of the River Tweed, Coldstream is seen by many as the gateway to Scotland and the first true border toon.
Coldstream offers a wide range of amenities including shops, pubs, a primary school, cafes, a medical centre, a dentist and hotels. The town has a strong community spirit and has been twinned with Bennecourt in Southern France for well over 20 years.
The Coldstream Guards are the oldest Regiment in the British Army and originated in Coldstream when founded by General George Monck in the 1600s. The band of the Coldstream Guards is one of the oldest military bands worldwide and continues to play and promote the very best of military music. Situated on the original site of the regiment headquarters, the Coldstream Museum tells the history of the Coldstream Guards and the town they call home.
Coldstream Civic Week is held annually in the first week in August. Dating back to the 1950s, the festival celebrates the history of the town. The highlight of the week for most is the Flodden Day rideout which commemorates those who fell in the battle of Flodden in 1513. The ‘Coldstreamer’ carries the town standard from Coldstream to the battlefield of Flodden leading a cavalcade of over 300 horses. As well as the rideouts, activities throughout the week include the torch light procession and fireworks display, fancy dress parade, and various smaller rideouts to neighbouring towns.
The Hirsel Estate lies on the edge of the town and was home to Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former British Prime Minister. Visitors can enjoy The Hirsel Homestead where they will find a café, museum, craft and gift shops and a children’s play area. There are a number of walking opportunities around the beautiful estate.
Coldstream Holiday Park opened in May 2021 and offers self catering accommodation via lodges, glamping pods and static caravans and also mobile caravans, campers and motorhomes all of which is proving very popular with holiday makers.