A picturesque country town, Kelso lies in a fine setting at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot. Kelso is full of architectural and historic interest. In 1128 David I granted monks permission to build an abbey across the water from his castle, Roxburgh. Even in its fragmented state, this is a superb piece of architecture. To the west, a grassy mound, deep ditch and a few ruined walls are all that remain of the once mighty Roxburgh Castle. James II was killed during a siege here in 1460, by an exploding cannon.
The spacious Kelso Square claims to be the largest in Scotland. At its centre is still the Bull Ring, a reminder of past market days. The square is now host to many specialist shops. The graceful five-arched bridge over the Tweed, built by John Rennie in 1803, was the model for London's Waterloo Bridge.
Floors Castle, home of the Innes Kerr family, and Scotland's largest inhabited house, stands in parkland overlooking the Tweed. It holds outstanding collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestry.
The lively programme of events in the town reflects the predominantly agricultural community, with the Border Union agricultural show, ram and horse sales, Kelso Races, point-to-point and the Scottish Championship dog show. Kelso Civic Week, held in summer, is the town's annual festival, adopting many of the features of the older Border Common Ridings.
Accommodation Nearby
Hermitage Lane, Shedden Park Road, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7AN
The Hermitage is a Scottish Tourist Board four-star rated bed and breakfast. The late Georgian house is set in a large garden in a central, yet quiet part of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. The guest accommodation spreads over two floors, with drawing room and dining room on the ground floor and three en-suite letting bedrooms on the first floor.
Roxburghe Country House Hotel, Heiton, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7SF
Owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, the Roxburghe hotel & Golf Course nestle amongst woodlands on the banks of the River Teviot, at the heart of the Scottish Borders. The 22 bedrooms, many of which have four- poster beds and log fires have all been individually designed by the Duchess. The excellent food is complemented by wines from the Duke’s own cellar.
Hendersyde Farm, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7QA
You're always welcome at Hendersyde! Our family farm which lies between the River Tweed and Eden Water, downstream from Kelso, in the heart of the Borders!The traditional farm cottages stand in a peaceful spot at the end of their own lane, surrounded by walks, wildlife and wonderful views.
Attractions Nearby
Floors Castle , Roxburghe Estates Office, Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 7SF
A few minutes’ walk from the pretty cobbled square town of Kelso lies the romantic Floors Castle, with its roof bristling with turrets, pinnacles and cupolas.
Market Square, Coldstream,, Scottish Borders, TD12 4BG
Displays on the history of Coldstream and its links with the Coldstream Guards from 1650 till the present. A permanent exhibition of the history of the burgh and a changing exhibition gallery.
Kelso, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7PG
Home to the Pringles and Scotts, Smailholm is a prominent landmark that proved inspirational to Sir Walter Scott who is buried at nearby Dryburgh Abbey.