Kelso & Coldstream Tourist Informartion

Kelso Town Attractions

The town of Kelso grew up around its Reformed Benedictine abbey which dates from 1128 and was founded by David I conveniently near the nearby castle of Roxburgh. A powerhouse in the Borders Abbeys network, Kelso was ravaged several times by the English, the most damaging of which was the raid in 1544-55 led by Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford. Find Kelso's Abbey ruins near the 5 arch bridge across the Tweed. As for Roxburgh Castle, once known as the huge fortress of Marchidun with four towers and a church. After changing hands several times it was finally destroyed in 1550, with today only a few of the walls remaining.

Floors Castle couldn't be more different. Dating from 1721 to 1725 and built by William Adam for the 1st Duke of Roxburgh, Floors Castle couldn't command a more stunning setting than here overlooking the Tweed. Extensively worked on by William Playfair who transformed it into a feudal style mansion, there's some impressive collections of furniture, paintings (including Raeburn, Hogarth, Matisse and Gainsborough) here at Floors. Catering well too for family days out, walled gardens, a playground and garden centre are all on-site. (see the Floors Castle weblink right for details).

Smailholm Tower just to the West of Kelso (just over 5 miles via the B6404) is one of the best preserved of the Borders defence towers and dates from the 16th century. Walter Scott fans will want to view Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border exhibition inside the tower. Its based on various legends Scott picked up as a child from his grandparents who owned nearby Sandyknowe Farm. (see opening times for both Kelso Abbey and Smailholm Tower on the Historic Scotland weblink right).

Kelso Tourist Information Centre, Town House, The Square, Kelso TD5 7HF.

Coldstream & Kelso Things To Do

Coldstream Museum (extensive section on the historic Coldstream Guards regiment), 12 Market Square, Coldstream, TD12 4BD. Tel. 01890 882630. Open from late March to September. Admission is Free.

Hirsel Country Park, Hirsel Estate Office, Coldstream TD12 4LP. Tel. 01573 224144. (weblink right for details). Hirsel sits on the western edge of Coldstream. The famous Douglas Highland cattle are bred here in the grounds. On-site is a tearoom, craft house gallery and a rural museum of country life.

Mellerstain Georgian House, The Mellerstain Trust, Gordon, TD3 6LG. Tel. 01573 410225 (weblink right for details). Mellerstain was completed in 1778 and represents a fine example of a Georgian stately home.

Scottish Borders Festival of Walking hosted in Kelso

Kelso comes alive particularly during the Scottish Borders Festival of Walking held in early September annually during the famous Kelso St James' Fair. (see the Kelso local history & town guide weblink right for details on this year's festival).

A booklet for the Borders walking festival is published annually and available from all the tourist information centres. Alongside a number of arranged guided walks around Kelso and the Borders, an entertainment programme involving Ceilidhs, concerts, ghost walks and more is also laid on.