Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Edinburgh Is A Small Town With Tasty Eats, Cute Shops, And River Views

Scotland's wee border towns have seen millennia of history as the land was claimed and reclaimed by a variety of different peoples and cultures. Among the proud Scottish towns still standing today is the quaint community of Hawick, which locals pronounce "Hoyk." A great many of its lovely shops offer high-quality knitwear, made locally since the late 1700s. Straddling the River Teviot, one can find these shops, along with inventive and delicious cuisine, while strolling and taking in the splendid riverine scenery.

From the eclectic Victorian city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, visitors can drive through the stunning natural expanse of Northumberland National Park for about an hour-and-a-half to reach Hawick. Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is roughly the same distance away. Getting to Hawick by bus and train is also possible, but the journey is over four hours long. Alternatively, land at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and drive for roughly an hour and 20 minutes, or travel by bus and train for two-and-a-half hours.

With a population of less than 11,000 residents, Hawick may be small, but it is the big brother to the other little towns in the Scottish Borders region, like Peebles, Galashiels, and Jedburgh. Historic textile mills along the river have long been a part of this charming burg. While many have been repurposed, the quality of the goods remains the same, thanks to the beautiful River Teviot, a soft water river that is as easy on the fabric as it is on the eyes. Its mixture of minerals also lends a distinct feel to the local whisky at The Borders Distillery.

Much like Galashiels, another bustling town along the English border, Hawick's textile history dates back centuries. It's no surprise that one will find the finest of woven and knitted goods in Hawick's quaint boutiques, like the charming local shop known simply as Scottish Knitwear. With everything from sensible and stylish scarves to whimsical winter wear, affordable woolen garments of all kinds may be found here to wear while strolling alongside the River Teviot. For something more upscale, William Lockie has been around since the 1870s and remains a prominent manufacturer of classy knitwear. Its products can be found at the local shop of Teviotdale Mills, where one can find fine Hawick tweed jackets and cozy woolen jumpers.

Those in search of nostalgic goods need look no further than Viv's Vintage, with a fun storefront featuring Betty Boop beckoning shoppers from the window. Shop for retro garments fit for a 1970s dance club, playful decorations, and standout accessories to catch the eye. For charming gifts and decor, head to Dorward's, where lovely odds and ends would fit on a mantle to add a darling detail to the home.

Crafts, jewelry, and accessories can be found at No. 3 Gifts. The selection includes ceramic figurines, decorative mugs, stuffed plushies, and scented candles for your loved ones back home. While walking along High Street and browsing all the quaint shops, one is only a single block away from photogenic riverside. Stop for a postcard-worthy picture on the old Victoria Bridge and watch the pristine waters flowing underneath. Such a stroll would certainly work up the appetite for a scrumptious meal at one of Hawick's standout restaurants.

Many quaint communities in the U.K., like England's ex-mining city with tasty eats known as Wakefield, have a surprisingly good culinary scene that's big on flavor, and Hawick is certainly among them. Indulge in tasty Scottish dishes made with local ingredients at Adam's Kitchen, which offers classic fare with a creative twist. With hefty portion sizes and an average 4.8-star rating on Google, it's well worth it to experience a meal here.

Boasting equally high rankings, The Night Safe serves multi-course set meals and exceptional service. "From the beginning to end we were treated like Kings and Queens," one diner raved on Google. "We cannot recommend this place more, a true gem in the heart of the Borders." The snazzy decor features stag heads, antler designs, and a gorgeous mural of stags in a forest scene behind the bar.

In a historic town like Hawick, visitors mustn't pass up the chance to sup on Roman cuisine right by the river. La Locanda Romana brings surprising touches, like serving meat pots in black braziers, providing a balance of rustic Rome and modern flair. The stone walls and red checkerboard tablecloths make for a cozy ambiance. No trip to a Scottish village would be complete without going to a proper takeaway chippy. The Cairry Oot is as apt as a place can get, with favorites like fish, chicken, kebabs, curries, burgers, and more. Locals rave about it, with one saying on Google, "Everything is fresh, delicious, and full of flavour. The desserts especially are a must-try."