Scottish market town with an old abbey and castle
Come visit this charming market town nestled along the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. In Kelso, you can expect to learn about Scotland’s rich heritage while being surrounded by lush natural scenery.
Kelso is mostly renowned for being home to the Kelso Abbey ruins. Dating back to the 12th century, the abbey offers vast grounds that you can explore (for free!). This is a great way to get an idea of how grand it once was.
The town centre is quaint, with cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cosy cafés. On a sunny day, sit in the main square between WoodMarket and Horsemarket streets to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a good viewpoint over the town, walk over to the historic Kelso Bridge. The setting by the River Tweed makes Kelso an ideal spot to take time for birdwatching.
Nearby you could also get a glimpse of Floors Castle. It is the largest inhabited house in Scotland and home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. It’s open to the public if you’d like to take in its opulent interiors or landscaped gardens.
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