Kelso is Bordering on Brilliant! If you are searching for a holiday destination that is rich in natural beauty with a fascinating history, plenty of places to eat and drink, and a wide choice of places to stay then look no further than Kelso. This beautiful town in the Scottish Borders has been welcoming visitors for centuries with today's holidaymakers having an enormous variety of cottages to rent ranging from traditional stone dwellings to architect-designed contemporary timber lodges. Kelso sits on the bank of one of the most famous of all the rivers in Britain, the mighty Tweed, right where it intersects with the Teviot, making it a paradise for nature lovers while offering plenty for visitors who prefer the town to country pursuits. Read more
Set in a peaceful corner of an organic farm and only two miles from Kelso, Eden Hideaway is a wonderful holiday chalet for up to four people, with beautiful views of the Eden Valley and the Cheviot Hills. The owner has taken great care to ensure guests can relax and enjoy themselves from the moment they arrive, whether it is by lighting the cosy log burner or heating the wood-fired outdoor spa to sit under the stars and let the warm water soothe tired muscles. There are fantastic footpaths and mountain bike routes nearby, as well as favourite attractions including Roxburgh Castle, Floors Castle and Kelso Abbey.
Tucked away between Coldstream and Kelso, this dog-friendly cottage has everything families and friends need for a relaxing Borders holiday. Bartlehill Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms, two of which can have super-king or twin single beds to suit guests needs. Kelso is six miles away, Coldstream is five miles away, and the River Tweed and English border are just two miles from the door. There are stunning walks and bike rides locally, including trails to the beautiful Cheviot Hills, which are so clearly visible from the house and garden. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne are under an hour's drive for relaxing days at the coast. Licence No: SB00044F
Garden Bank Cottage sits in a pretty tranquil setting on the Scottish Borders near to the popular town of Kelso. Great walking and fishing, superb places for a meal out, plenty of historic sites to visit and wonderful shopping are just some of the reasons to visit (along with the use of a tennis court!). Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Eden Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Borders and this contemporary chalet, just two miles from Kelso, is ideally positioned to enjoy the view. There is space for four people in two bedrooms, and it is as popular with couples who want a romantic escape as it is with active families. The private log-fired outdoor hot tub is a luxurious touch, and the owners have taken care to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay as they explore the beautiful landscape and famous attractions such as Floors Castle.
Bowmont Cottage is a stone's throw from the Scottish border and within easy reach of the Northumberland National Park, Kelso and Wooler. It's the perfect holiday rental whether you're with family or friends, having excellent access to footpaths and cycling trails, and being close to favourite attractions. Berwick-Upon-Tweed is around 20 minutes away, while Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle are well under an hour's drive. The single-storey holiday cottage is on a working farm. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has far-reaching views of the Cheviot Hills.
The Scottish Borders are spectacular. Plum Braes Barn is an organic farm four miles from Kelso, offering a superb selection of self-catering accommodation, including Orchard Hideaway. Sleeping four people in two bedrooms, the newly built property was designed to make the most of the views and is perfect for couples or families. Being close to Kelso gives easy access to all the best Borders attractions such as Floor Castle and Kelso Racecourse, and the area is fantastic for golf, bird watching, cycling, fishing and horseriding. There are no end of footpaths on which to explore whether you want to climb a steep hill or just wander along the banks of the Tweed River. It is an incredible holiday destination whatever time of year you visit.
Plum Tree Cottage is a romantic retreat ideal for couples in a stunning setting with views over rolling farmland. Close to the popular Scottish Border town of Kelso with superb shopping and great places to enjoy a meal out, Plum Tree Cottage is perfect for exploring the Border towns, historic sights and many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
With the vibrant Scottish Borders town of Kelso within easy reach, Cockle Kitty holiday cottage affords a peaceful and tranquil setting to return home to at the end of an exciting day browsing the superb shops, visiting the historic sights or walking until your heart is content. Guests have the use of a fantastic tennis court. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Providing a warm Scottish welcome, this self-catering barn affords wonderful views over the glorious countryside of the Scottish borders and offers lovely walks and a rural, peaceful setting to relax and unwind. It is within easy reach of the areas many attractions and six miles from the Northumberland Border.
A converted stone barn with great views across the heart of the Scottish borders. Within easy reach of castles, gardens, ancient abbeys and just six miles from the Northumberland Border, Thairn holiday cottage provides a good base for exploring the beautiful Scottish Borders. Explore walks from the cottage and enjoy the peace of Burnbrae.
Unwind in the peace and tranquility of Mungo’s Well in the glorious Scottish Borders, watching wildlife from your patio and enjoying riverside walks. Just six miles from Northumberland, this light and airy cottage for two is well placed for relaxing and exploring the areas many attractions.
Audrey’s is a beautiful self-catering property located in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. A family friendly, walkers paradise.
Popular towns in and around Scottish Borders:
EyemouthHawickKelsoLauderWest LintonSearch within South East Scotland
Town vs Country - There is no reason to compromise when you stay in Kelso. The vibrant town has everything visitors need for a relaxing self-catering holiday including lots of places to shop for supplies as well as an excellent variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants for those who enjoy dining out. Any townie will tell you that an excellent way to build an appetite is not with a lengthy walk through the countryside but with a gentle stroll around Kelso's enormous market square. Once the place to buy cattle and other livestock, it is now lined with independent specialist shops carrying an enticing variety of goods.
If you do fancy stretching your legs through mile after mile of countryside, then you will be impressed with the footpaths and cycling routes leading from the town and through the spectacular scenery for which the Scottish Borders is famed. The Borderloop, Tweed Cycle Route, and the Coast and Castles route are just three of many ways to explore by bicycle. Way-marked footpaths include the Kelso Town Trail, Sprouston Circular, Borders Abbey Way, and the Kelso Tweed Riverside and Abbey walk. Mountain bikers can make good use of the trails at 7Stanes in Innerleithen, and the Northumberland National Park is also close.
Field pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting are readily accessible, as are horse riding and deerstalking. Naturally, being so close to the Tweed and the Teviot Rivers makes fishing a very popular past time, with salmon and wild trout.
History - You don't have to know much about British history to appreciate that the area where Scotland joins England is one with a mixed history. Kelso is rich in architectural interest from the ruins of Kelso Abbey constructed in 1128, an elegant bridge with five graceful arches that acted as a prototype for Waterloo Bridge in London, and the magnificence of Floors Castle with its opulent interiors, world-class art collection, and extensive parkland. There are recognised battle sites at Philiphaugh, Darnick, and on Ancrum Moor, or drive half an hour to Jedburgh to see the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre and the beautiful abbey ruins.
Days Out - Edinburgh is just over an hour's drive from Kelso so a day in the nation's capital, with its plentiful attractions and distractions, is easy to arrange. Alternatively, head south over the border and explore ancient Hadrian's Wall. If it's sunny and you feel like a day at the seaside, then Bamburgh on the Northumberland Coast is only 35 miles from the centre of Kelso. There is something to appeal to everyone in every season.
Reasons to Visit - Any of the above details are enough to tempt visitors to Kelso. Still, just in case you need further convincing, their calendar of events will have you packing your bags as you book tickets for the Kelso Races, Borders Art Fair or the Kelso Folk Festival. Also in the Borders are the Hawick Reivers Festival, Common Ridings, and the Borders Walking and Book Festivals.
Scotland is a vast nation with a wonderfully diverse landscape, rich heritage and beautiful culture. Kelso encapsulates everything wonderful about Scotland in one very attractive package.
