Brown Memorial Fountain

The Brown Memorial Fountain sits in Hawick's town centre, a Victorian monument that's easy to walk past if you're not paying attention. It's a proper bit of local pride - a sandstone structure commemorating those who shaped the town's textile heritage. You won't spend hours here, but it's worth a five-minute detour to appreciate the craftsmanship and read the inscriptions that tell you something about 19th-century Hawick's sense of self-importance.

Historians and locals will get more from it than casual visitors, to be honest. The fountain speaks to the town's industrial golden age, which is the story of the whole Borders if you're interested in how communities built themselves around mills and trade. Kids might find it mildly interesting for two minutes before wanting to crack on.

It's free to look at, accessible in the heart of town - no opening hours to worry about since it's outdoor and public. If you're staying at Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm Glamping just outside Hawick, you could easily pop into town for a coffee and take in the fountain while you're at it. It's not a destination in itself, but it's the kind of thing that adds texture to a Borders trip if you're the type who notices how towns remember themselves. Worth the walk if you're already there, but don't make it your reason to visit Hawick.