Kelso
A picturesque country town, Kelso lies in a fine setting at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot. A frequent winner of National Flora awards, the town is full of architectural and historical interest that can be explored by following the town trail.
The abbey, founded in 1128, like others, suffered in the border wars. The elegant Town House, built in 1816 now houses the Tourist Information Centre, and is situated in the centre of the Spacious Square, whilst the graceful five-arched bridge over the Tweed dates from 1803. Built by John Rennie, it was the model for Waterloo Bridge.
In parkland overlooking the Tweed stands Floors Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited house, with outstanding collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestry.
To the North of Kelso is the magnificent Adam Mansion of Mellerstain and the towers of Smailholm and Greenknowe, dating back to the 16th century.
Kelso Civic Week is the town's annual festival, adopting many of the features of the older Border Common Ridings.
The popular Kelso Race Course attracts national hunt racing enthusiasts from far and near from October till May each year.
A Sunday Market and Car Boot Sale take place every week throughout the year.