Kelso
is said to be the most architecturally attractive of the Border Towns, and it is easy to see why. The town is set within a bend in the River Tweed, and opposite its confluence with the River Teviot. At its heart lies the largest Market Square in Scotland, a large cobbled area that gives Kelso a distinctly continental feel.
At the centre of the Square is the marking in the cobbles showing the Bullring, where bulls were tethered during during cattle markets. The importance of early Kelso as a centre for commerce is confirmed by the names of the parallel streets running north east from the Square: Woodmarket and Horsemarket.
Contacts (information courtesy of http://www.undiscoveredscotland.com )
Things to Do
Salmon fishing on the River Tweed. FishTweed offers guidance on when and where to fish and can book fishing beats for individuals and groups. Stichill House, Kelso. Tel: 01573 470612. WWW: www.fishtweed.co.uk.
Floors Castle & Gardens. The largest inhabited castle in Scotland, home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Roxburghe Estates Office, Kelso, TD5 7SF. Tel: 01573 223333. WWW: www.floorscastle.com. Email: marketing@floorscastle.com. Opening Hours. Daily: 10.00am to 4.30pm, April to October. Walled Garden, Garden Centre, Coffee Shop and Adventure Playground open all year. Admission: Adults £5.75, Children £3.25, OAP/Concessions £4.75, Families £15.00. Gardens: £3.
The Horseshoe Gallery. Featuring affordable 19th and 20th Century oils, watercolours and prints plus gifts and traditional toys. 22 Horsemarket, Kelso, TD5 7HD. Tel: 01573 224542. Open all year. Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm.Admission: Free.
The Kelso Pottery. Manufacturing a range of domestic pottery plus items fired in the traditional Kelso Pit-Kiln. The Knowes, Kelso, TD5 8BH. Tel: 01573 224027. Opening Hours. Monday to Saturday: 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm, 3 January to 31 December. Admission: Free.
Kelso Races Ltd. National Hunt racing over hurdles and fences. Kelso Race Course, Kelso. Tel: 01668 281611. WWW: www.kelso-races.co.uk. Email: trish@kelso-races.co.uk. See website for racing calendar and prices.
Teviot Smokery, Coffee Shop and Water Gardens. Water garden on three levels above the river, includes riverside walks and bird hide. Coffee Shop and Smokehouse on site.Kirkbank House, Kelso, TD5 8LE. Tel: 01835 850253. Water Garden open daily: 10.00am to 5.00pm, 1 April to 30 September. Coffee Shop and Teviot Smokery open daily all year. Admission: Free.
Eating Out
Black Swan Hotel. For bar food and fine ales. 7 Horsemarket, Kelso, TD5 7HE. Tel: 01573 223548. Open daily: 12.00 noon to 2.00pm and 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
Cobbles Inn. Family friendly coaching inn serving an extensive menu with a range of vegetarian options. 7 Bowmont Street, Kelso, TD5 7JH. Tel: 01573 223548. Open Monday to Saturday: 11.00am to 2.30pm and 6.00pm to 11.00pm.
Cottage Garden Tea Room. Family friendly, offering home baking and light lunches. Vegetarian and healthy options available. 7 Abbey Court, Kelso, TD5 7AJ. Tel: 01573 225889. Open Daily: 10am to 5.00pm. Closed Sunday and Wednesday from November to Easter, also Mondays in January and February.
Cross Keys Hotel. Specialising in dishes combining the best local produce. 36-37 The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HL. Tel: 01573 223303. WWW: www.cross-keys-hotel.co.uk. Open Daily: 10.00am to 9.15pm.
Ednam House Hotel. Specialising in dishes combining the best local produce. Bridge Street, Kelso, TD5 7HT. Tel: 01573 224168. WWW: www.ednamhouse.com. Email: contact@ednamhouse.com. Open Daily: 10.00am to 2.30pm and 3.00pm to 9.00pm.
Le Jardin. Offering a varied continental menu including gluten free options. Disabled access and toilets. 54 The Knowes, The Butts, Kelso, TD5 7BH. Tel: 01573 228288. Open Tuesday and Wednesday: 10.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10.00am to 9.00pm and Sunday: 11.30am to 4.15pm.
Oscar's. Wine Bar and Restaurant. 35-37 Horsemarket, Kelso, TD5 7HE. Tel: 01573 224008. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 12.00 noon to 2.30pm and from 5.00pm.
The Queens Head Hotel. Offering a range of menu options to suit all tastes. Bridge Street, Kelso, TD5 7JD. Tel: 01573 224636. Open Daily: 11.00am to 12.00 noon and from 6.00pm.
Golf Courses
Kelso Golf Club. Parkland course contained within Kelso Racecourse. Golf Course Road, Kelso TD5 7SL. Tel: 01573 223009. Visitors welcome when booked in advance. Green fees from £14 per round.
The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course. Woodland championship course. Kelso TD5 8JZ. Tel: 01573 450333. Off A698 near village of Heiton two miles south west of Kelso. WWW: www.roxburghe.net. Email: hotel@roxburghe.net. Visitors should book in advance. Green fees from £50 per round.
for accommodation in the Kelso area, please visit http://www.unique-cottages.co.uk
