Discover Hawick | A Visitor's Introduction to Hawick

Why is Hawick Worth a Visit?

Hawick is worth visiting for its status as a global centre for cashmere and knitwear production, its picturesque riverside setting, and its deeply rooted traditions such as the Common Riding—one of the oldest and most passionate celebrations in the Borders. The town’s history stretches from Roman times through medieval battles and Victorian industry to its current revival as a destination for heritage, walking, and shopping.

Visitors will find a town full of character, where historic mills sit alongside modern galleries, and scenic hills rise beyond the rooftops. Hawick’s blend of industrious charm and cultural depth makes it a standout location in the Scottish Borders, particularly for those interested in textiles, history, and countryside adventures.

Hawick Highlights: Things to See and Do in Hawick

Wilton Lodge Park

One of the finest public parks in Scotland, Wilton Lodge Park is a beautifully landscaped 107-acre space along the River Teviot. It features riverside walks, formal gardens, a children’s play area, a walled garden, and a bandstand. The park is also home to the Hawick Museum and Scott Gallery, making it a perfect combination of outdoor relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Hawick Museum and Scott Gallery

Located in a historic Georgian house in Wilton Lodge Park, this museum explores Hawick’s past, including its Roman roots, Border Reiver heritage, and development as a centre of textile production. The adjoining Scott Gallery showcases works by local and national artists, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Borders Textile Towerhouse

Situated in the heart of town, this museum celebrates Hawick’s world-renowned knitwear and textile industries. Housed in a restored 16th-century tower, it offers interactive exhibits, historical garments, and insights into how Hawick became synonymous with quality cashmere and tweed. There's also a shop selling locally made products.

Common Riding Festival

Held in early June, Hawick’s Common Riding is one of the most important and passionate festivals in the Borders. It commemorates the town’s historical defence against English raiders in 1514. Expect a week of parades, horse rides, concerts, and ceremonies, culminating in a moving and vibrant community celebration. If you can visit during this time, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Teviothead and the Borders Countryside

Hawick is surrounded by open hills, moorland, and river valleys, perfect for walking, cycling, and photography. The surrounding area includes scenic spots like the Hermitage Valley and Rubers Law. Short walks from the town lead into rolling countryside, with longer trails such as the Borders Abbeys Way and Roman Heritage Way nearby.

Drumlanrig Tower and Tower Knowe

The remains of Drumlanrig Tower (not to be confused with the castle of the same name near Thornhill) lie near the town centre and offer a glimpse into Hawick’s medieval history. The adjacent Tower Knowe visitor centre is the place to pick up maps, guides, and local information.

Hawick Knitwear Shopping

Several local brands still produce luxury knitwear in Hawick, and factory shops offer great deals on cashmere and woollens. Shops such as Johnstons of Elgin, Lovat Mill, and Hawico showcase the town’s enduring reputation for quality clothing. It’s an ideal spot to pick up something unique and authentically Scottish.

Hawick Heritage Trail

A self-guided tour through the town’s historic sites, including old mills, bridges, churches, and public buildings. Pick up a leaflet at the visitor centre or museum and follow the trail through Hawick’s past, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or browse a shop.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Hawick is located on the A7, making it accessible by road from Edinburgh (about 1.5 hours) and Carlisle (just over an hour). Although it no longer has a train station, bus services connect Hawick to Galashiels, Edinburgh, and other Borders towns. Driving is the easiest way to access surrounding attractions and countryside.

Parking

There are several car parks in the town centre, including at Wilton Lodge Park, the Heritage Hub, and near the museum. Parking is generally free or low-cost and widely available.

Dining

Hawick has a growing food scene with plenty of cafés, bistros, and traditional pubs. The Night Safe Bistro is popular for refined meals and local ingredients. Damascus Drum offers coffee, home baking, and vegetarian options in a relaxed setting. The Exchange Brasserie and Adam’s Kitchen serve modern Scottish cuisine with a focus on fresh, local produce.

Pubs such as The Horse and Hound or The Bourtree provide classic pub meals in welcoming settings, and takeaways offer everything from fish and chips to Indian cuisine.

Shopping

Beyond knitwear, Hawick has a variety of independent shops, galleries, and boutiques. You’ll find books, antiques, art, and local crafts, particularly along the high street and around Tower Knowe. There are also supermarkets and essential services for those staying in the area for longer.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hawick is from spring through autumn (April to October), when the countryside is at its most beautiful and the town hosts regular events. June is particularly vibrant thanks to the Common Riding, while autumn brings golden landscapes and quiet walking conditions.

Winter is quieter but can be atmospheric—especially around Christmas, when the town centre is decorated and local shops offer seasonal goods.

Local Events

• Hawick Common Riding (June) – The town’s flagship festival with parades, music, and equestrian events.

• Borders Art Fair (Spring) – While based nearby, it draws artists and visitors from across the region.

• Hawick Reivers Festival (March) – Celebrates the Border Reivers with historical reenactments and talks.

• Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On (December) – Festive stalls and events in the town centre.

Exploring Beyond Hawick

From Hawick, you’re well-placed to explore:

• Jedburgh – A historic abbey town with beautiful ruins and a castle jail museum.

• Melrose – Home of Melrose Abbey and great independent shops.

• Selkirk – Another key Borders town with rich history and walking routes.

• Hermitage Castle – A forbidding medieval fortress in a remote valley, associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Hawick is a town with a big heart and a rich story. From its roots in wool and weaving to its vibrant community traditions and scenic location, it’s a place that rewards curiosity and lingers in the memory. Whether you’re seeking luxury knitwear, historic festivals, or peaceful walks in the hills, Hawick offers a true taste of the Scottish Borders—unpolished, proud, and full of character. It’s the perfect base for exploring the southern lowlands, with its own strong identity and a warm welcome.