Things To Do Near Kelso In The Scottish Borders
Kelso is one of the most popular towns to visit in the Scottish Borders, and it sits just a few miles north of the River Tweed. A market town surrounded by beautiful Scottish countryside, it’s a great place to stop if you’re heading through southern Scotland and further north, or to visit in its own right. Here’s some suggestions for things to do near Kelso.
These ideas will cover within the town itself, as well as the surrounding areas and nearby. Based on my experience visiting a couple of years ago, there is plenty of free car parking in the town and at the places outside.
Kelso Farmers Market
The traditional farmers market in Kelso market square has ran for over 20 years, and is held on the 4th Saturday of the month from 9:30-1:30pm. The stalls are filled with local traders, and sell a huge range of food and produce, gifts, wreaths and clothes to name a few.
The Kelso Farmers Market official Facebook page shares details of traders, and any updates to the event so is the best place to get the latest information if you’re planning on visiting.
Kelso Abbey
What is left of Kelso Abbey and the monastery is free to visit in Kelso, and can be found in the centre of town. It’s a very old building, dating back to the 1100’s, and was one of the biggest in Scotland at one point.
Find out more on Kelso Abbey here.
Kelso Market Square
The central market square of Kelso is surrounded by colourful buildings, shops and little cafes. In the centre you can still see the tiles that marked the old bull ring, where bulls were tethered in past market days.
Shop the delicatessen, gift shops, craft and photography shops, before grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the cafes or pubs. The Cobbles is a good pub just off the square that was once an old coaching inn, so it has a lot of character and is now the tap house for a local brewery. They have outside seating for sunny days too.
Kelso Racecourse
Kelso Racecourse may be small but it describes itself as the friendliest racecourse in Britain, and it can be found just on the edge of the town. Surrounded by beautiful Scottish Border countryside it makes a good afternoon out, and the original building from the 1820’s is still in use for visitors today. They offer a number of racing packages including hospitality for race days.
Get information and tickets for Kelso Racecourse here.
Parks & Walks in Kelso
There are a number of parks and riverside walks in Kelso that you can enjoy, taking in the River Tweed and the nature of the area. Two of these include Sheddon Park and The Cobby. Walk or cycle the trails of the area and enjoy the view.
You can get more details of the walks here.
Floors Castle and Gardens
In under a 10 minute drive from Kelso you can visit Floors Castle and Gardens. The castle itself is home to the Duke of Roxburghe and his family, and it opens for visitors in the summer – however check before you visit. You need to buy tickets, which you can do here.
The Floors Castle Gardens however are open for most of the year, and walking around them is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. The walled garden obviously looks different depending on the time of year, so you can enjoy it through the seasons. There is a terraced cafe on site too, which serves lunch using local produce. Dogs are welcome outside.
Free parking is available on site. For more information, tickets and to plan your visit take a look at the Floors Castle website.
Mellerstain House & Gardens
In about a 15 minute drive from Kelso you can visit Mellerstain House & Gardens, an impressive Georgian stately home open for visitors from May. You can take tours of the house, and enjoy the formal gardens and parkland, as well as the childrens play area, and picnic area.
There is also an on site cafe, as well as a sculpture park and music events. There’s a lot to see and do here especially for families, so plan your visit via the official Mellerstain House website.
Smailholm Tower
The famous novelist Walter Scott is one of the Scottish Borders most celebrated figures, and Smailholm Tower has links to the man himself. You can visit the 15th century building for £7 (adults), and on a clear day see as far as Bamburgh.
For more information on Smailholm Tower visit the website here.
Schloss Roxburghe
If you want a fabulous stay from which to enjoy Kelso, take a look at Schloss Roxburghe. This grand country estate, complete with acres of land and a Championship golf course isn’t far away, and is the epitome of Scottish luxury.
As well as golfing, they also offer a number of other outdoor pursuits such as salmon fishing and shooting. The food is phenomenal – seasonal and locally sourced, and th overall the hotel is an ideal place to relax after a day exploring Kelso and the Scottish Borders.
Read my review of Schloss Roxburghe here.
Whether you’re visiting Kelso as a trip in itself, passing through further into Scotland, or as part of a visit to the Scottish Border region, there are plenty of things to do near Kelso that makes it worth at least a one night stay to make the most of the area. Enjoy both the town and the surrounding countryside, both of which offer activities to enjoy.
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A luxury stay at Schloss Roxburghe
Things to do in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
4 Towns in the Scottish Borders worth visiting