Borders Textile Towerhouse
Borders Textile Towerhouse
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
At Borders Textile Towerhouse, visitors can discover the story of the region’s knitwear and tweed industries and learn how the Borders’ manufacturers attained the height of luxury and fashion. Garments, fabrics, objects, photographs, film and art reveal over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the Borders woollen industries. A vibrant programme of changing exhibitions and craft workshops means there is always something new to enjoy and our renowned gift-shop is well worth a visit. Set in the oldest building in Hawick you can also find out about the turbulent history of the building and its inhabitants.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles54 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
17
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Robert M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
A great place of historical value to the town of Hawick and the textile industry.
Free entry makes it better.
Donations are welcome.
Divided into 3 parts ,the history of the building itself which includes a video to watch as well as models and old photos.
On show too are the fabrics and tools of the trade of the textile industry.
Lastly the exhibition area changes to various things all year round.
Toilets on site.
Gift shop
Information on other local things to do.
Parking is on street ( limited) or large car park is free and only 5 minutes away.
Blue badge parking just round corner.
Lifts are available as the building is over 3 floors.
Definitely recommend
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very kind review. A great description of what we have to offer in the Borders Textile Towerhouse. We have two exhibition spaces that change throughout the year. We are very happy that you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again in the future.
Written August 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mcinallyn69
Stirling, UK10 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great place for all ages to learn about the historical past of Hawick and it’s contribution to the textile industry. And it’s free! Donations welcome. It’s housed in the oldest building in Hawick and there are temporary art exhibits and permanent art exhibits to enjoy. There is a shop too manned by a very friendly and informative member of staff called Diane.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very positive review. We appreciate you taking time out of your day to leave your comments. Emma Jolly's art exhibition is being very well received. We hope you are able to visit us again in the future.
Written October 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Iflett
Keith, UK204 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
Lovely building. This is for now a self walk tour. There is a video loop explaining the building. A few things to touch and feel. Tour won’t take long. But it is free. Well worth taking time out
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How kind of you to leave us a positive comment. We have changing exhibitions throughout the year and a craft fair in May 2022. It would be nice to see you again.
Written April 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MorayH
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
We spent a couple of hours in this terrific little museum. Great social history info about the textiles industry in the border towns as well as loads of artefacts and gen about the technicalities of the industry as well. And a fascinating introductory film about the history of the building, of which there is plenty. Really friendly staff as well. Loved it.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit us and leave such a lovely comment. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again in the future.
Written April 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emzyxo
16 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This used to be really good until it turned into a textile attraction, was really boring and kids weren't interested at all. When I went a few years back it was amazing with some scary parts for the kids. This is a waste of a building
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

helenjmoffat
24 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
This museum was well laid out to give a brief insight into the history of the mills in the area and how they became world renowned for their material. The processes involved in the manufacture was well explained and there is hands on to
Written April 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to leave a review for us. We're glad you had a good experience and hope to see you again!
Written May 6, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bunkry Loon
Stonehaven, UK299 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Family
Spread over 3 floors (with a lift) this museum delves into the history of the textile industry in Hawick. Modern interpretation, hands-on displays and plenty for children to do including find the soft sheep toys. Part of the building forms the Drumlanrig Tower, the oldest building in Hawick. There's a wee shop inside too. Like so many museums across Scotland, it's free to enter and relies on your donations towards its upkeep.
Written August 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JXX18
Carlisle, UK231 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Friends
The building has been skilfully rebuilt over the ages so the tower is incorporated in a much larger building. There is a well illustrated video which has lots of information in the barrel vaulted room. The model of the building is a great help! This is now the Border Textile Museum and Hawick's textile roots are seen upstairs. Of particular interest is the female undergarment - Hawick was and is famous for its fine knit and it was the first place to make shaped garments. Of course these were only affordable for the wealthy and Coco Chanel when working as a dressmaker in Deauville at the start of her career noticed the quality and came up with the idea of having the fine knit as outergarments. On the top floor are further examples of the development of knitwear.
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gannatus
Lancaster, UK165 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Friends
A quick visit - but worth calling in! At the end of the high street, it has some interesting galleries about the textile industry- some interactive sections will keep you amused. Worth dropping in.
Written August 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Divadarling
Wales, UK2,960 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2012 • Family
aka the Textile Tower House. This attraction matched its publicity. A renovated tower containing an exhibition about the town's past woollen industry. Some pleasant local water colours are on display and a nod at the 'reiver' history. Limited wheel chair access but there is a lift.
Written November 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Borders Textile Towerhouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Borders Textile Towerhouse

Borders Textile Towerhouse is open:
  • Mon - Mon 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


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