Just 23 miles south of Edinburgh, Peebles is a charming riverside town in the Scottish Borders that feels like a well-kept secret. It’s got hills, history, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re craving cake, castles, or countryside rambles, here are some of the best things to do in Peebles for solo travellers.

A riverside path with trees, leading to a town with a prominent church tower in Peebles, Scotland. Green fields and cloudy sky in the background.
Peebles, Scottish Borders
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I’m Hazel, a London-and-Scotland-hopping travel blogger who loves cosy towns, hidden gems, and a good Scottish pie. Peebles is one of those places that makes you slow down (in the best way).

Here’s my hand-picked solo-friendly guide to Peebles – complete with sweet treats, nature walks, and a few local secrets.

1. Treat Yourself at Cocoa Black ☕️🍫

Peebles is home to one of the UK’s best chocolate shops. Cocoa Black is a dessert café run by a former UK Chocolate Master, and the creations are just wow.

A display case in Peebles is filled with various cakes and pastries, each tagged with a price. Delightful flavors like chocolate, almond, and raspberry are elegantly arranged on the glass shelves.
A slice of layered cake with chocolate glaze, decorated with chocolate pieces and a banana slice on top, sits on a white plate beside a spoon.

Think rich mousses, dreamy hot chocolate, and the prettiest cakes you’ve ever seen.

There is also a large drinks menu featuring all the varieties of hot chocolate you could wish for.

Stone building facade with a glass door. Sign reads "Chocolate & Pastry School by Ruth Hinks" above. A plaque is mounted on the stone wall beside the door.
Display case with assorted desserts, including cheesecakes and cakes, labeled with prices in euros.

It’s perfect for a solo sit-down with something indulgent. Takeaway options are available if you want to picnic by the river.

2. Go Bridge Spotting ☂️

Peebles has a lot of bridges, and walking across them is basically a local pastime.

A large tree and a pavilion stand near a stone bridge over a river, with a grassy area and a path in the foreground under a cloudy sky.
A white suspension footbridge crosses a river, surrounded by green grass and trees under a cloudy sky. A small sign reads "Dumfries.

Start at the 19th-century Tweed Bridge in the town centre, then wander west to find the 15th-century Neidpath Bridge (very photogenic).

There’s also the Kirkburn Bridge (aka Cuddy Bridge), which has a charming, storybook feel.

A person in a light coat stands on a stone bridge with trees and buildings in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.

Pack your walking shoes and enjoy the riverside paths.

s and beyond. I saw several Edinburgh-based pieces too (as you can see in my photos above). 

3. Try a Proper Scottish Pie 🍽️

Don’t miss Forsyth’s the Butchers on Eastgate. Their Balmoral Pie (chicken and haggis) is a Borders classic, but I’m also partial to the lasagne pie.

A hand holding a meat pie in front of a bakery window with shopping bags on display and people inside.
People stand outside Forsyths in Peebles, a building with quality butcher and baker shops on the ground floor. Two cars are parked on the street in front.

Grab one to go and find a bench by the River Tweed for a solo lunch with a view.

👉 Still hungry? Read more about Traditional Scottish Food and Drinks.

4. Hike or Bike in Glentress Forest 🌳

This one’s for the adventurers. Glentress Forest is just a short hop from Peebles and offers top-notch mountain biking and forest trails. You can rent a bike or just go for a woodland wander.

Sunlight streams through dense forest trees, illuminating a wooden fence and casting shadows on the leaf-covered ground.
Glentress Forest

Bonus: you might spot red squirrels or deer if you go early.

5. Visit Neidpath Castle 🏰

A proper 14th-century castle perched dramatically above the Tweed.

The historic Neidpath Castle with a flag atop, surrounded by trees, sits under a cloudy sky. A gravel path leads to the entrance.
Neidpath Castle

It’s rugged, romantic, and very atmospheric. You can tour the Great Hall, check out the tapestries, and learn about the castle’s noble (and occasionally bloody) past.

It’s a short walk from town and feels wonderfully remote.

6. Discover Cross Kirk Church ⛪

Now a peaceful ruin, Cross Kirk dates back to the 13th century and was once a major pilgrimage site. Today, it’s a beautiful place for a quiet wander among crumbling stone walls and ancient gravestones.

A tall, weathered stone tower in Peebles, Scotland with a large archway stands on a grassy field, surrounded by trees.
Cross Kirk Church, Peebles

It’s tucked away off the main road – peaceful, scenic, and totally uncrowded.

7. Browse Peebles High Street 🏫

Peebles has one of the cutest high streets in Scotland. It’s lined with independent shops, galleries, and bookshops, plus plenty of cafes for solo coffee stops.

A town street with parked cars, shops, and a pointed church steeple in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Pop into the art galleries and pick up some local crafts or Border-made treats.

I always love the art on display here in Peebles – it is mostly locally inspired, with a nod to the big cities too.

Gallery corner displaying multiple paintings with sea landscapes and abstract cityscapes on a light wooden floor.
Window display featuring framed paintings, including cityscapes and sunflowers, on easels and shelves. Reflections of nearby buildings seen in the glass.

8. Explore Dawyck Botanic Garden 🌿

Just a 15-minute drive (or taxi ride) away, Dawyck is a stunning hillside garden known for its seasonal colour, ancient trees, and peaceful vibes.

A winding path through a lush garden with diverse trees and shrubs under a clear blue sky.
Dawyck Gardens

It’s part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and makes a great half-day trip if you fancy some quiet time surrounded by flowers.

9. Chill in the Tweed Valley 🌊

There are plenty of spots along the River Tweed to just sit, think, and watch the world drift by.

A pathway lined with autumn leaves leads past a large tree with green foliage, next to a building on the left, and a bench further along the path.

If you like sketching, journalling, or just having a quiet moment, you’ll love the Tweed Valley walks.

Benches, birdsong, and zero pressure to do anything but be.

10. Sip Something Scottish at The Bridge Inn 🍻

The Bridge Inn is a cosy, classic pub by the river with a brilliant whisky selection and solid pub food. Great for a solo pint or supper after a walk.

A small, black-and-white Tudor-style building with steep stone steps leading up to it. A sign shows "James' Bar." The sky is partly cloudy.

The vibe is friendly, warm, and very Scottish. Pop in even just for a wee dram.

11. Visit Kailzie Gardens 🌸

Another beautiful garden option just outside of town.

Kailzie is smaller than Dawyck but equally lovely, with a fishery, wildflower meadows, and a sweet little café.

A neatly trimmed grass path runs between two tall hedges, surrounded by lush green gardens, trees, and hills in the background.
Kailzie Gardens.

It’s ideal if you’re into low-key nature spots.

12. Take the Peebles-to-Innerleithen Path 🌽

Want a longer walk or cycle? This scenic trail follows the old railway line between Peebles and Innerleithen.

A person walks a dog along a tree-lined path on a sunny day.
Haystoun Burn area

Expect quiet woods, open fields, river views, and the occasional Highland cow. It’s flat, well-marked, and perfect solo adventure territory.


Map of things to do in Peebles.

This Google Map shows all of the things to do in Peebles as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.

Where to Stay in Peebles 🏨

If you’re planning an overnight stay, here are some great options for solo travellers:

Cringletie House Hotel ✨ – For a countryside escape just outside Peebles, Cringletie House is elegant, peaceful, and full of charm. A great spot if you want a little luxury and garden views.

Peebles Hydro 🏋️ – Set on a hill with sweeping valley views, Peebles Hydro has a spa, comfy rooms, and a relaxed vibe. It’s ideal if you want on-site facilities and space to unwind.

The Tontine Hotel 🏥 – Right in the heart of Peebles, The Tontin is a solid choice for solo travellers who want to explore on foot. Friendly staff and a cosy pub make it extra inviting.

Or browse all Peebles hotels here.

FAQs About Peebles 📝

Is Peebles easy to reach from Edinburgh?

Yes! It’s about an hour by car or bus (look for Borders Buses X62). Super doable as a day trip, or even better for a weekend.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

April to October is ideal – you’ll get milder weather, blooming gardens, and great hiking/biking conditions.

Is Peebles good for solo travel?

Absolutely. It’s safe, friendly, and easy to explore. Lots of cafes and scenic spots make it perfect for solo wandering.

Can I do mountain biking or walking trails as a beginner?

Yes. Glentress has beginner-friendly trails, and most walks in and around Peebles are well-marked and manageable.

Are there events in Peebles?

Yep! The Beltane Festival in June is the big one. There’s also TweedLove Bike Festival in May and smaller arts and craft markets throughout the year.

Final Thoughts on Peebles ✨

Peebles is small, soulful, and full of surprises – the perfect solo escape just outside of Edinburgh. Whether you’re up for mountain biking or just want to eat cake by the river, there’s something here that’ll steal your heart. I’ll definitely be back.

Related Reading 📖

🌍 Things to Do in North Berwick, Scotland.
🌳 Things to Do in Dunkeld, Scotland.
🗽 Perfect Day Trips from Edinburgh.
✨ Harry Potter Locations in Scotland.

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