What to do on Rainy Days in Scottish Borders

These community leisure centres are fantastic “back-up” options, especially if you have energetic children and the weather takes a turn for the worse. They are easy to combine with the larger attractions in the same towns.

Teviotdale Leisure Centre

County: Roxburghshire
Postcode: TD9 8AG
Best for: Families with young children, rainy days, and multi-activity afternoons
Average visit time: 2 to 3 hours

This is the “flagship” leisure centre for the area and is perfect for a full family afternoon when it’s pouring outside. It features a large “lagoon-style” pool that is warmer than average, making it great for toddlers and younger children. There is also a proper flume (water slide) that is a big hit, though it usually only opens at weekends and during school holidays.

Aside from the water, there is a large, pirate-themed soft play area called “Treasure Land” for children aged 12 and under. It has slides, rope bridges, and a separate space for toddlers. It’s an ideal place for parents to sit with a coffee while the kids burn off some steam.

Good to know: There is a decent cafe on-site and plenty of free parking. It’s located right next to Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick, so you can easily switch between the outdoor playground and the indoor pool depending on the clouds!

Eyemouth Leisure Centre

County: Berwickshire
Postcode: TD14 5ET
Best for: Families, swimmers who like a view, and rainy coastal days
Average visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours

This centre has one of the best views of any pool in Scotland, looking right out over the sea. It has a main 25-metre pool and a smaller, shallower learner pool which often has toys and goals for kids to play with.

For a bit of extra fun, they frequently run “inflatable sessions” where a large obstacle course is put out on the water. It’s a very modern, clean facility and is a great alternative if the beach at Eyemouth is a bit too windy or wet.

Good to know: There is free parking on-site and a spectator area with vending machines. It’s just a short walk from the harbour, so you can go for fish and chips immediately after your swim.

Peebles Swimming Pool

County: Peeblesshire
Postcode: EH45 8JB
Best for: Families and active swimmers
Average visit time: 1 to 1.5 hours

This is a bright, friendly pool right in the centre of Peebles. Like the pool in Eyemouth, it has large windows so you can look out at the River Tweed while you swim. There is a main pool and a smaller “toddler” pool which is usually kept at a very comfortable temperature.

It’s a very popular spot for local families, especially during “inflatable fun” sessions. Because it is so central, it’s the perfect place to drop in for an hour to let the kids splash around after you’ve finished shopping on the High Street or walking near Neidpath Castle.

Good to know: There is a viewing area if some of the group doesn’t want to get in the water. Parking is available nearby, though it can get busy on Saturday mornings.

Tweedbank Bowling Centre & Sports Complex

County: Selkirkshire
Postcode: TD1 3RS
Best for: Groups of friends, families, and sports fans
Average visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Located just outside Galashiels, this is a great hub for something a bit different. The indoor bowling green is one of the best in the region and is a fun, social activity for all ages—from kids to seniors. It’s a very relaxed environment and a great way to spend a couple of hours out of the rain.

The surrounding sports complex also has outdoor tracks and pitches, but the indoor bowling is the main draw for visitors looking for a structured activity.

Good to know: It is very close to the Tweedbank railway station (the end of the line from Edinburgh), making it extremely easy to reach without a car. There is also a cafe on-site for snacks and drinks.

Gytes Leisure Centre (Peebles)

County: Peeblesshire
Postcode: EH45 8GL
Best for: Families with very young children (soft play) and sports enthusiasts
Average visit time: 1 hour

While this centre doesn’t have a pool (it’s nearby at the Peebles Swimming Pool), it is home to “Tumbliboo,” a dedicated soft play area for smaller children. It’s smaller and quieter than the one in Hawick, making it a very good choice for toddlers.

Good to know: It is situated right by the river and the main town park, so it’s a handy indoor “emergency” option if you are enjoying a walk and the weather turns. [1]