Kelso Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders region, Kelso is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. With its picturesque location on the banks of the River Tweed, Kelso is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Kelso Abbey, a magnificent ruin dating back to the 12th century, is a must-visit for those interested in the town's rich heritage. Wander through the ancient arches and admire the intricate stonework that still stands tall today. The adjacent Kelso Square, with its cobbled streets and charming market stalls, is the heart of the town and a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

For nature lovers, Kelso boasts stunning landscapes that are perfect for exploring. The nearby Floors Castle and Gardens, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, offers a delightful combination of history and natural beauty. Take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The River Tweed, famous for its salmon fishing, provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Whether you fancy a peaceful riverside walk or an exhilarating day of fishing, Kelso has something to offer everyone. For a unique experience, why not try your hand at clay pigeon shooting or horse riding in the beautiful countryside?

Kelso also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The historic Tait Hall hosts regular concerts, plays, and exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists. The annual Kelso Civic Week, a week-long celebration of the town's heritage, brings the community together with a colorful parade, live music, and traditional Scottish games.

After a day of exploring, indulge in the local culinary delights. Kelso is home to a variety of charming cafes and traditional pubs, where you can sample hearty Scottish fare and unwind with a pint of local ale.

Alternative names: Population: 5.6 thous.Elevation: 131 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 55°35'55"N, 2°26'0"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Kelso Top Attractions

Kelso Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kelso offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Smailholm Tower, Floors Castle, Kelso Abbey, Mellerstain House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

15th-century hilltop stone tower
Smailholm Tower
Smailholm Tower is a peel tower at Smailholm, around five miles west of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Its dramatic situation, atop a crag of Lady Hill, commands wide views over the surrounding countryside.
Forts and castles • Historical place • Gothic Revival architecture
Floors Castle
Floors Castle, in Roxburghshire, south-east Scotland, is the seat of the Duke of Roxburghe. Despite its name it is an estate house rather than a fortress. It was built in the 1720s by the architect William Adam for Duke John, possibly incorporating an earlier tower house.
Architecture • Ruins • Monastery
Kelso Abbey
Kelso Abbey is a ruined Scottish abbey in Kelso, Scotland. It was founded in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks first brought to Scotland in the reign of Alexander I.

Historical place • Garden • Park
Mellerstain House
Mellerstain House is a stately home around 8 miles north of Kelso in the Borders, Scotland. It is currently the home of the 14th Earl of Haddington, and is a historical monument of Scotland.
Bridge
Kelso Bridge
The Kelso Bridge or Rennie's Bridge is a bridge across the River Tweed at Kelso, in the Scottish Borders.
Forts and castles • Ruins • Historical place
Roxburgh Castle
Roxburgh Castle is a ruined royal castle that overlooks the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot, in the Borders region of Scotland.
Monastery
Borders Abbeys Way
The Borders Abbeys Way is a long-distance footpath in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is a circular walkway and is 109 kilometres in length.
55°36'10"N • 2°26'33"W
Floors Castle
Forts and castles
55°35'54"N • 2°25'49"W
LCS Joinery
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55°35'52"N • 2°25'47"W
Galedin Veterinary- Livestock Services
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Day trips

Kelso – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kelso, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Alnwick Castle (Alnwick), Rosslyn Chapel (Roslin), Warkworth Castle (Alnwick).

31 milesSE
Medieval castle with state rooms
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
Alnwick Castle, often referred to as the "Windsor of the North," is a magnificent historical fortress nestled in the picturesque town of Alnwick, in the heart of Northumberland, England. This grand castle, which dates back to the Norman period, has been the seat of the...
33 milesNW
Elaborately carved 15th-century chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin
Rosslyn Chapel, nestled in the picturesque village of Roslin, Scotland, is a treasure trove of history, art, and mystery. Constructed in the mid-15th century, this unique chapel has captivated visitors from around the world with its intricate stonework and enigmatic...
37 milesSE
Ruined Medieval fortress
Warkworth Castle, Alnwick
Warkworth Castle is a quintessential medieval fortress nestled in the quaint village of Warkworth, in Northumberland, England. This imposing structure, originally built in a motte-and-bailey design, dates back to the late 12th century and is steeped in history and lore.
26 milesE
16th-century fortress with walled garden
Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne
Perched atop a high rocky crag on the picturesque Holy Island in Northumberland, England, Lindisfarne Castle presents a captivating spectacle for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. This 16th-century castle, with its unique blend of rugged charm and historical...
34 milesE
14th-century coastal castle ruins
Dunstanburgh Castle, Alnwick
Perched on a rugged coastal headland in Northumberland, Dunstanburgh Castle stands as a formidable fortification and an evocative piece of England's medieval history. The castle, now largely in ruins, was built in the 14th century by Earl Thomas of Lancaster and later...