Kelso was described by Sir Walter Scott as 'The most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland'. It has a glorious setting, nestling in the Cheviots, with the River Tweed sweeping round the backs of pretty Georgian cottages and the unusual octagonal parish church. The 18th century cobbled square and handsome townhouses give Kelso the elegant air of a French market town.

There are reminders of the towns magnificent medieval past in the ruins of its Romanesque Abbey, built for David I in 1128. It was one of the biggest abbeys in the area before it was razed to the ground in 1545 during Scotland’s rough wooing by Henry VIII. Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and you can wander through spectacular staterooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings.

There is an enormous cobbled stone creatively designed by a local craftsman, Mr Harvey. It is a work of art. Local landmarks, villages and farms have carved their names including Cliftonhill.  Kelso Square, with it's unique cobbles and free parking is a lovely place to relax and watch the world go by.

The cobbled square has a wonderful collection of shops... Hawico, finest tweeds, kilts country clothes from Humes, pottery,  pictures and gift shops. Finn & Game are helpful for fishing and are a source of local knowledge. Granny Jean, the butchers for really good beef and pies, the Delicatessen and there is a unique assortment of gift shops including The Mole House and Seasons. The Art House for interesting paintings on Bridge Street. Eating places and coffee shops are numerous including The Knowes, The Kitchen, The Cream Chimneys Cafe U. Klondyke Garden Centre has good cheese scones and cakes.

I am happy to give recommendations during your stay.

BIRDWATCHING AT ST ABBS HEAD

CYCLING IN THE BORDERS

FISHING THE RIVER TWEED

HORSE RIDING IN THE BORDERS (BORDERS FESTIVAL)

KELSO RACES

KELSO GOLF CLUB

WALKING ST CUTHBERTS WAY

BORDERS RUGBY

POYNDER PARK

HARESTANES

KELSO SKATE PARK

PADEL (COMING SOON)

ABBOTSFORD, HOME OF SIR WALTER SCOTT
ALNWICK CASTLE
ALNWICK GARDEN
DUNS CASTLE
FLOORS CASTLE
FORD AND ETAL ESTATES
THE HIRSEL COUNTRY PARK
MELLERSTAIN HOUSE
MANDERSTON HOUSE
PAXTON HOUSE
THIRLESTANE CASTLE
TRAQUAIR HOUSE

The cobbled square has a wonderful collection of shops... Hawico, finest tweeds, kilts country clothes from Humes, pottery, gift shops and art work. Fin & Game are helpful for fishing and shooting and are a source of local knowledge. Granny Jeans, the butchers for really good beef and pies, the Delicatessen and there is a unique assortment of gift shops including The Mole House and Seasons. The Art House for interesting paintings on Bridge Street.  Eating places and coffee shops are numerous including The Knowes and Klondyke Garden Centre.

Kelso Farmers' Market is on the 3rd Saturday of every month
from 9.30am till 1.30pm in Kelso Square.