Johnstons of Elgin

The mill buildings of Johnstons of Elgin sit right on the edge of Hawick, a working textile factory that's been churning out cashmere and wool for over two centuries. You can actually wander round the visitor experience here - watch the looms going, see the dyers at work, handle the materials. It's the sort of place that makes you understand why the Scottish Borders became famous for its fabrics.

The shop is excellent if you're after a proper cashmere jumper or tartan throw, though fair warning: prices reflect what you're getting. Families find it engaging enough for an hour, especially if the kids are old enough to appreciate how cloth gets made rather than just wanting to run about. Textile enthusiasts will spend twice that time.

It's free to walk around the visitor areas and the shop, though I'd ring ahead to check current opening hours before making the trip. The whole visit works brilliantly as part of a broader Borders textile trail - Hawick's got several mills worth seeing if you've got a genuine interest in the industry.

Stouslie Snugs, the luxury glamping spot just down the road, makes a solid base if you're planning to explore this part of the region. Johnstons sits comfortably into a day that includes some walking in the hills around Hawick or a visit to the nearby abbeys. Don't expect a theme park experience - it's a proper factory with a shop attached. But if you appreciate craft and quality manufacture, it's absolutely worth the stop.