Where the Borders two main rivers, the Tweed and the Teviot, meet you'll find the picturesque country town of Kelso. The Kelso Town Trail is a great way to learn about all the local buildings of architectural and historical interest, all already mapped out for you.
The spacious Kelso Square claims to be the largest in Scotland. At its centre is still the Bull Ring, a reminder of the traditional market days, now past, the square is now host to many fine specialist shops. The local Visitor Information Centre can be found in the elegant 19th century Town House in the centre of the town square. The graceful five-arched bridge you'll see spanning the Tweed at Kelso was the model for London's Waterloo Bridge. The 12th century Kelso Abbey, like so many others in the region, suffered in the Border war but is safe in the care of Historic Scotland.
Just outside the town you'll discover Floor's Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited house and home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. The magnificent Adam mansion of Mellerstain lies a little to the north of Kelso, as do the towers of Smailholm and Greenknowe. Six miles to the west of the town, Teviot Water Gardens offers riverside walks, a three-level water garden and its own Smokery and food hall.
Kelso continues to be a largely agricultural community, borne out by the town's lively and frequent programme of events such as agricultural shows, livestock sales, steeple chasing at the famous racecourse, point-to-point races and the Scottish Championship Dog Show.
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Experience Kelso through the ages, call in at the Visitor Information Centre for a free copy of a historic town trail, and view Kelso by foot.
Nearest Tourist Information Centres is in Kelso, Jedburgh or Melrose
Nearest Tourist Information Point located at Teviot Water Gardens near Kelso and the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm
Information Service Tel: 01835 863170
Email: bordersinfo@visitscotland.com
Opening Times: Click Here