Kelso is beautifully located in a loop of the river Tweed, and serves a large, mainly agricultural surrounding area. The town centre is cobbled and has a wide variety of shops. The town square is the largest in Scotland and hosts regular open–air farmers’ and antiques markets. The outstanding features of the town are the abbey ruins, Floors Castle, home of the Dukes of Roxburghe, and the Junction Pool on the river Tweed, the centre of the universe for salmon fishermen and - women!

There are plenty of events and activities throughout the year in the town and surrounding area. Below follows a selection, with web links if available:

.: Activities :.

Fishing:
The rivers Tweed, Teviot and Eden and various fishing lakes.
www.tweedguide.com
www.fishtweed.co.uk

Golf:
There are 21 courses in the Borders which can be played through the
Visit Scotland "Freedom of the Fairways" package, including Kelso, The Hirsel, Roxburghe, Duns, Minto and Cardrona near Peebles.

Cycling:
Four Abbeys Cycle Route, Coast & Castles Cycle Route, Tweed Cycleway, Borderloop,
Glentress Forest near Peebles, Traquair Forest

Walking:
St Cuthbert’s Way, Borders Abbeys Way, The Hirsel, Harestanes, Kelso Town Trail,
Roxburghe Castle, St Abb’s Head.
Maps can be downloaded from this site.

Riding:
Langlee Riding Stables, Jedburgh, Mill Farm Riding Stables, Chirnside near Duns,
St Foin Riding Stables, Birgham near Coldstream

Swimming:
Kelso Swimming Pool, beaches at Berwick and Seahouses, St Mary’s Loch

Curling/Skating:

Kelso Ice Rink (September – May)

Family history research:
Records Office, The Heritage Hub, Hawick

Shopping:
Kelso Pottery, craft shops at Harestanes, Kinsman Blake Ceramics in Smailholm,
Lochcarron Weavers and Andrew Elliott Weavers in Selkirk, Jedburgh Woollen Mill,
Teviot Smokery, Engineering in Wood in Roxburgh, several excellent shops for clothes, bags,
shoes and sports equipment in Kelso, antique shops in Melrose, Jedburgh and Hawick.

.: Events :.

May: Jim Clarke Rally

Tweed Angling Fair

Floors Castle Horse Trials

June: Border Union Dog Show, Melrose Literary Festival

July: Kelso Ridings and Civic Week

August: Border Union Agricultural Show

September: St James’ Fair, Ram Sales

October – May: Racing at Kelso Racecourse, Point-to-Point Races