Explore The River
The mighty river Tweed traces the border between Scotland and England for much of its length. You can get on the water at Paxton House by booking a boat trip or stroll beside it on our riverside walks. Learn about the river’s historic salmon netting station, Victorian boathouse, Europe’s first fishing club and the Union Chain Bridge.
Boat Trips
The Paxton House boat trips are a memorable excursion for all the family to enjoy. Take a relaxing ride up the idyllic River Tweed whilst learning about the wildlife and local history from one of our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer skippers along the way. Boat trips are operated by volunteers on about 15 days each month all summer – check the downloadable schedule for times since boats only go when the tide allows.
Trips take approximately 45 minutes and cost £14 for adults; £7.50 for children under 16; £7.50 for dogs.
Salmon Net Fishing
Netting salmon on the river Tweed dates back centuries. Paxton House is one of the last remaining netting stations on the river Tweed and still uses the traditional method of netting using a coble or small rowing boat to drop a net in a semi-circle which is then pulled in by hand.
The Tweed Foundation working in partnership with the Paxton Fishery now run a research station where salmon are tagged and released back into the river. Visitors are welcome to discover the conservation programme.
The Ellem Fishing Club
Paxton House is host to a museum dedicated to the oldest fishing club in the world. Founded in 1829, the members of the Ellem Fishing Club fish for trout in the river Whiteadder which runs into the river Tweed just east of Paxton. The museum has interactive displays where you can explore everything from the life cycle of the trout to the history of mills on the river or watch underwater footage of fish travelling upstream.
The Boathouse
The Victorian Boat House has now been carefully restored from original plans and is a charming venue for private hire for up to 30 people.
Union Chain Bridge
Beyond Paxton, you can walk along the riverbank to the Union Chain Bridge or travel through it on one of our boat trips. When the bridge opened in 1820 it was the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world. The bridge used pioneering technology invented by Newcastle naval captain Sam Brown, whose company supplied the Royal Navy with cables for a century. The bridge is currently undergoing a multi-million pound restoration that will ensure the survival of this iconic structure.
