Bowhill for thrills: Free entry to grounds of historic home as it celebrates two special events

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 3rd Jun 2026

A Borders visitor attraction is opening its to the public this weekend - as it hosts two special events.

The Selkirk Silver Arrow competition will be held at Bowhill on Saturday.

And the Estate is taking part in Open Farm Sunday the following day.

Visitors can enjoy free entry to the grounds on both days - June 6th and 7th - although the Open Farm event itself is now fully booked.

Bowhill House, near Selkirk

The archery competition, with origins dating back to 1660, is traditionally organised by the Ettrick Forest Archers and remains a fiercely contested event.

The Duke of Buccleuch holds the hereditary role of Captain-General of the Royal Company of Archers.

Visitors will be able to watch the ceremonial procession along the Lochs Road to the Vista at approximately 1pm, with competitors returning to Bowhill House around 5pm.

Throughout the day, spectators can also view the competition from the upper end of South Bowhill Field by following the Silver Arrow signage.

While visiting Bowhill, guests can enjoy the popular adventure playground, waymarked walks, small soft play area and the Old Kitchen Café.

Sion Williams, Farms Manager at Bowhill.

Tractor-trailer tours, led by members of the farming team, will take visitors through the Estate's working farm areas on Sunday.

It's part of a nationwide initiative that invites the public to go behind the farm gate and learn more about farming, food production and the countryside.

Families will also be able to explore the grounds through a self-guided sheep trail along the Bell o' the Woods Walk, using activity booklets to spot lettered sheep hidden around the route.

Sion Williams, Farms Manager at Bowhill, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome visitors and give them the opportunity to learn more about the farming operation at Bowhill.

“We’re delighted by the response to Open Farm Sunday and that the event is already fully booked.”

Children can enjoy the play area for free this weekend.

For more information about this weekend’s events and to book for Saturday, visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk/events

For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.