About the Barniken

The Barniken House Hotel is a listed (c.1810) Georgian building situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac not far from the town centre of
Duns, in the beautiful Scottish Border country.

Berwickshire is one of Scotland's smallest counties. The largest towns are Duns, which was the county town of Berwickshire, where the Barniken is situated,
Coldstream, home of the famous regiment the Coldstream Guards
and Eyemouth which is of historical interest, the fishing fleet having been nearly wiped out during the disaster of 1881.

The former capital of Berwickshire, Berwick upon Tweed is now in England, having changed hands frequently in the past.
Berwick Rangers football team are the only English based team to play in a Scottish league (Division 2).

The area in front of the hotel was for centuries covered by a bog and the only way of crossing it was by way of a causeway.
Throughout all the turbulent times in the Borders, the causeway was protected by a barniken or fortified building, hence the name given to the hotel.

Facilities include a well stocked lounge bar with a formidable selection of malt whiskies (105 at last count)
and a cosy (non smoking) dining room where you and your partner can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with a favourite bottle of wine.
All our meals are home cooked using fresh local produce wherever possible.

There is also a beer garden to the rear where you can sample the delights of our well stocked bar and enjoy a relaxing time in the open air.

Berwickshire is very scenic, with the Lammermuir hills to the north, where you can partake of activities such as walking, fishing, (both loch and river) and shooting.
To the south there are beautiful views over the Cheviots in Northumberland.

Duns is not far inland from the east coast of Scotland, and the stunning cliffs of St.Abbs head with its marine reserve and bird sanctuary. The village of St.Abbs itself is popular with divers and others wishing to enjoy the peace of this quiet corner
Coldingham sands is a short cliff walk from St.Abbs, and is a sheltered beach with golden sand.

Further up the coast, in East Lothian, lies North Berwick which has links golf courses used regularly by all the professionals.
Offshore from North Berwick lies the Bass Rock, with another bird sanctuary famous for its Puffins.

A wide variety of golf courses are available, within easy reach of the Barniken, from links to countryside you can enjoy a round, either challenging or relaxing.

Edinburgh with its international festival is a mere one hour's drive from the hotel, and Newcastle one and a half hours in the other direction.