Top Things to do in Kelso
The 10 Best Things to Do in Kelso, United Kingdom (UK)
Discover the best top things to do in Kelso, United Kingdom (UK) including Smailholm Tower, Floors Castle, Kelso Abbey, The Teviot Smokery and Water Gardens, Kelso Races, The Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery, Kinsman-Blake Gallery, Kelso War Memorial, St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church, Roxburgh Castle.
Restaurants in Kelso
1. Smailholm Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Sited high on a rocky outcrop, Smailholm is a small rectangular tower set within a stone barmkin wall. This 65 ft towerhouse was built by a well-known Scottish Borders family in the first half of the 15th century, and today you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from Smailholm Tower’s battlements. Inside the tower is a model of this Pringle residence and a charming collection of costume figures and tapestries relating to Sir Walter Scott's Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders. It was the sight of Smailholm that fired Walter Scott's imagination when, as a young boy, he was brought up by his grandparents at the nearby farm of Sandyknowe.
Reviewed By og84 - Los Angeles, California
If you like Scottish history, Northumbrian history or Sir Walter Scott....then this is a plae to come and visit. It is not a huge attraction and the signage to get here is not the best. The road is small, narrow and bumpy and you pass through some farms to get here. The view that awaits is a good reward for your efforts, however. There is a very small parking area, with space for only a few cars, and there is a small historical tablet. It is a short hike up to the actual tower. You will get a good idea what life was like in the border region, where there was a lot of raiding back and forth in the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, so having a fortified manor house/tower was a good investment. The surrounding landscape does not look that different from what it was like centuries ago, and therefore it is easy to imagine what life was like at the time. The Panorama is impressive and when the weather is good, you can see quite a distance. The actual is small and has not been overly commercialized, which also means that there is not a lot to see once you hike to the front door. The views are great, however. This is not a huge castle, however, so be reasonable n your expectations. If you are in Kelso, you should visit Smailholm, its not the far...or if you are heading to/from Lindisfarne.
2. Floors Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 574 reviews
5 star visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders and the largest inhabited castle in Scotland.Built in 1721 in the historic town of Kelso, Floors Castle is home to the 10th Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Its spectacular state rooms display an outstanding collection of paintings, tapestries and furniture, enhanced with family photos. Within the grounds, there is much to see and do including riverside and woodland walks, adventure Playgrounds, two cafe's and gift shops . The Gardens include a woodland plantation, a french style parterre and a traditional walled Gardens renowned for its herbaceous borders together with a children's adventure playground.
Reviewed By Andrew D
This is a rather special (large) home. You proceed around at your own speed and there is a lot see inside the Castle
3. Kelso Abbey
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
This 12th-century abbey was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture.
Reviewed By sgphoto - Grand Junction, Colorado
It's hard to miss the Abbey if you head into Kelso. It's a difficult place to photograph because of the proximity of other buildings, but we enjoyed the details that are still there. The best place to photograph is from the back of the cemetery which allows one to place some of the headstones in the foreground while including the beautiful towers and arches.
4. The Teviot Smokery and Water Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 213 reviews
The Teviot Smokery & Watergardens This Scottish Borders 4* visitor attraction is a family run establishment set on the banks of the River Teviot. We are open 7 days a week 9.00am - 5.00pm including bank holidays and we look forward to welcoming you to our friendly, peaceful and picturesque rural oasis in the heart of the Borderlands. Free parking and free admission to our Watergardens Disabled access to the Restaurant, Shop and Garden Sales Area Free Wi-Fi We welcome coach parties for lunches, high teas etc with prior arrangement
Reviewed By isikelso - Kelso, United Kingdom
Lunch here was very nice. Good variety of items on menu from snacks to full meal. Combo deals with soup with Sandwich and coffee with cake. Soup I had was red pepper and tomato-very tasty. Sandwich was tuna mayo with good amount of filling and minimal mayo which I liked. Cake selection very good, coffee walnut was delicious. Staff quick service. Prices average for area and nearest other garden centres. Will return
5. Kelso Races
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Kelso Races is a National Hunt Racecourse staging jumps racing from September through until May in the beautiful Borders countryside and picturesque town of Kelso. We offer a variety of Raceday Tickets and Hospitality Packages including our Track 2 Track deal, which will give you return transport from Tweedbank Station to the racecourse allowing you to leave the car at home and make the most of our hospitality! Known as Britain's Frendliest Racecourse a very warm welcome awaits. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Reviewed By Mayweed3 - Bathgate, United Kingdom
There were four of us there for the racing , two couples. We had The Hamilton Gold package which we all said was worth every penny. Laura and her team were very professional in their duties and were there to make sure everyone had a...MoreMany thanks for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We are delighted you all enjoyed your day so much. We will pass on your comments to the caterers. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kelso Races very soon.
6. The Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery in Kelso is housed in a 1608 building but has a contemporary internal.We showcase the work of some of the best International, National and Local Artists. With 5 distinct galleries in the building there is something for everyone.Kids are very welcome and we have activities to keep their interest, allow the adults to browse.We always have a selection of work from Alex Millar, Tony Huggins-Haig, Doug Hyde and Lynn Rodgie to name but a few.
Reviewed By charlie c - Kelso, United Kingdom
We decided to visit this gallery while out walking with the dog one morning as we have been wanting to have a look around to check what artists are displayed. We barely got in the door when we were met by someone to be informed that we could not bring the dog in as the owner is allergic to dogs. So that was the end of that. You have to respect that. No problem.
7. Kinsman-Blake Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Kinsman-Blake Family Gallery has been established in the Scottish Borders since 1979. We exhibit ceramics, paintings, jewellery, screenprints, woodwork and other quality arts and crafts. Also meet the artists in the workshop beside the gallery.
Reviewed By Janalanb - Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Great affordable unique fine art, all beautifully hand made by this family of artists.They have pottery, sculptures, jewellery, plus interesting wood pieces and paintings. Well worth seeking out. It is 15 minutes from Melrose or Kelso. (two lovely tourist towns) even coming as far away as Canada as we have done.
8. Kelso War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By John W - London, United Kingdom
Between Kelso Abbey and the bridge over the Tweed the war memorial and Gardens are beautifully maintained and provide a lovely setting for quiet contemplation. Interesting tributes to locally based Polish forces from WW2. We forget the wartime contribution of our Polish friends at our peril.
9. St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Birkdale11 - Scottish Borders, United Kingdom
It's a beautiful Church inside and out. Lovely position tucked away round a wee courtyard area backing on the River Tweed. The Stained Glass windows are beautiful, the stonework impressive, this Church was built in the 1860s and the quality of workmanship really stands out. A few years back Prince William and Harry attended a Wedding here. A real sense of calm in our very busy world.
10. Roxburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
This 12th-century castle saw constant battle between the Scots and the English until it was destroyed in 1460.
Reviewed By ijdickson - Coldstream, United Kingdom
Knew where the castle was but was unable to actually find a way to climb up to the ruins. Having held a major part in Scotland history, a lot more could be done.
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