Kelso was described by Sir Walter Scott as 'The most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland'. It has a glorious setting, nestling in the Cheviots, with the River Tweed sweeping round the backs of pretty Georgian cottages and the unusual octagonal parish church. The 18th century cobbled square and handsome townhouses give Kelso the elegant air of a French market town.
There are reminders of the towns magnificent medieval past in the ruins of its Romanesque Abbey, built for David I in 1128. It was one of the biggest abbeys in the area before it was razed to the ground in 1545 during Scotland’s rough wooing by Henry VIII. Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and you can wander through spectacular staterooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings.
Kelso has had a large amount of work done in 2014 and is aseptically pleasing to the eye.
It was lovely before but now it is dramatically improved. There is an enormous cobbled stone creatively designed by a local craftsman, Mr Harvey.It is a work of art. Local landmarks, villages and farms have carved their names including Cliftonhill . There are new flower pots and benches, cobbles re-laid, shops painted, parking is free.
The cobbled square has a wonderful collection of shops... Hawick cashmere, finest tweeds, kilts country clothes from Archie Hume, pottery, gift shops, pictures and material. Orvis are helpful for fishing and shooting and are a source of local knowledge also Tweed side Tackle. Wyllie’s, the butchers for really good beef and pies, the Delicatessen, Collins an amazing fish shop and there is a unique assortment of gift shops including Itzy Bitzy and Cloud nine, Gifted and Seasons in Roxburgh Street. The Art House for interesting paintings on Bridge Street. Eating places and coffee shops are numerous including The Hoot and Cat. Klondyke has been redesigned and also has a good coffee shop.
I am happy to give recommendations during your stay.