Name: Wilton Lodge Park
Rating: 5.0

Wilton Lodge Park

1-90 Years

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Description

Wilton Lodge Park is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest scenic parks, spanning 107 acres along the banks of the River Teviot in Hawick. Often called "the jewel in the crown" of the Scottish Borders, it offers a premier day out for families, blending award-winning horticultural beauty with state-of-the-art play facilities. Whether you are exploring the heritage of Hawick Museum or racing around the bike pump track, the park provides an exceptional space for recreation and discovery.

A visit to the park and Hawick Museum is completely free, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Hawick on a budget. While the main grounds and museum entry cost nothing, donations are welcomed to help maintain the museum’s unique collections. The park is highly accessible, featuring level paved paths and modern inclusive facilities, including an adventure play park designed for all mobility levels.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers everything from formal sports to quiet riverside walks, Wilton Lodge Park is a top choice. With a dedicated "Park Gallery" for children and a vibrant summer music programme at the Elliot Bandstand, it serves as the beating heart of the community. It is an essential destination for anyone visiting the Borders who wants to experience the perfect mix of Victorian grandeur and modern family fun.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

Hawick Museum: Set in an 18th-century mansion, it is the oldest museum in the Borders, featuring local history, motorcycle racing champions, and interactive rooms for kids.
Adventure Play Park: A modern, state-of-the-art playground with various zones for different age groups and abilities.
Bike Pump Track: A high-quality circuit for bikes, scooters, and skateboards that is a major draw for older children and teens.
Walled Garden & Waterfall: Beautifully maintained formal gardens and a scenic waterfall that provide a peaceful contrast to the play areas.
Elliot Bandstand: A focal point for the park that hosts live music performances every Sunday during the summer months.
River Teviot Walks: Scenic tree-lined paths that bisect the park, offering nature trails and orienteering routes.

Top 5 Highlights

Jimmie Guthrie & Steve Hislop Exhibitions: Located in the museum, these permanent displays celebrate Hawick's legendary motorcycle champions—a must for motorcycling fans.
Park Gallery for Kids: An interactive space within Hawick Museum specifically designed to engage younger visitors with natural history and art.
The LED Glow Ride (March 2026): Look out for the "Light Up The Town" event on 20/03/2026, featuring a glowing bike ride from the Elliot Bandstand.
The Victorian Schoolroom: Step back in time within the museum to experience what school was like for children in the Victorian era.
The Wishing Well: A charming feature located near the formal gardens that is a perennial favourite for small children making a wish.

Detailed Inventory

43 Hectares of Parkland: Extensive green space for informal recreation, picnics, and ball games.
Sports Facilities: Tennis courts, rugby pitches, and a croquet green available for public use or hire.
Museum Galleries: Including Ancient Egypt, archaeology, and the moving War Memorial Room.
Wilton Lodge Park Cafe: On-site café serving hot drinks, snacks, and light meals.
Adventure Playground Equipment: Large-scale climbing frames, slides, and inclusive play pieces.
Orienteering Course: Maps available at Hawick Museum for families wanting to test their navigation skills.
Putting Green: A traditional seasonal attraction for family-friendly competition.

Facilities

Toilets: Public toilets are available on-site and are generally open during café hours.
Baby Changing: Located within the accessible toilet at Hawick Museum.
Food: The Wilton Lodge Park Cafe is the main on-site eatery, and there are numerous designated picnic areas throughout the grounds.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available, including dedicated disabled parking bays near the museum.
Accessibility: The park features level access and wide paths. The museum has a lift to the Scott Gallery and accessible facilities on the ground floor.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The "outstanding" adventure playground which many parents rank as one of the best in Scotland.
The high value of the museum being free, offering a great indoor backup if the weather turns.
The well-maintained and clean condition of the entire 107-acre estate.
The café's friendly service and its convenient location right next to the play area.

What Visitors Don't Like

The park can get extremely busy during sunny weekend afternoons, making parking a challenge.
Some of the higher-level museum galleries have restricted access for those with limited mobility.
Public toilets follow the café's opening hours, so they may close earlier than the park grounds.

Targeted FAQ

Are dogs allowed in Wilton Lodge Park?: Yes, the park is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds, though they should be on leads in formal garden areas and are only permitted in the museum if they are assistance dogs.
Is there a place to swim at the park?: There is no swimming in the park itself or the river, but the Teviotdale Leisure Centre is just a short walk away and features a large indoor pool and flume.
Can I hire sports equipment?: Equipment for tennis, putting, and croquet is typically available for hire during the summer season (March to October).

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Park Grounds: Open daily, all year round, from dawn until dusk.
Hawick Museum: Generally open daily from 10:00am – 4:30pm (check for seasonal winter closures).
Wilton Lodge Park Cafe: 9:30am – 4:30pm daily.

Address: Wilton Lodge Park

Post Code: TD9 7JL

Council: Hawick

County: Scottish Borders

By Car: Use postcode TD9 7JL. The park is located on the south side of Hawick, accessible via the A7.
By Bus: Local services from the town centre and regional buses stop within a 5-10 minute walk of the main gates.
By Rail: The nearest station is Galashiels (approx. 18 miles); connecting buses to Hawick run frequently.