What to do in The Scottish Borders

Looking for something to occupy your time?

The Scottish Borders offers so many activities from walking, fishing and golfing to events such as festivals, markets and shows to historic homes and visitor attractions, we would be hard pressed to include everything on our site. For a full calendar of events in the town please see Visit Kelso. For the wider Borders, download the Scotland Starts Here app from your app store. Here are one or two ideas:

Things to do

Exploring

For private driver led tours contact Stewart Wilson – Tweed Valley Blogger.  Stewart has expert local knowledge on the history, culture and landscape of Southern Scotland.

Walking

It’s free, it’s green and great for your health! We have so many books, maps and trails for you to use, the possibilities are endless. We love walking this area so don’t be shy – ask us for recommendations. Alternatively go to Scottish Borders Council for downloadable walks around towns.

Cycling
Kelso is on the Coast & Castles route. We have quieter roads in the Borders and the area is great for those looking for the chance to pedal, pedal, pedal! Cycle Scottish Borders website for cycling routes.

Golf

Kelso has it’s own course which is reasonably flat and therefore easy to walk. If you need more of a challenge Schloss Roxburghe offers an 18 hole championship course in stunning surroundings just short drive away. For more information on Borders courses Borders Golfer’s Association

The Races
Kelso has it’s own Race Course which is just over 1 mile from our door. Meetings take place from September to May.

Curling/Ice skating/Roller skating
Give it a try at our Ice Rink.

Beirhope Alpaca Trekking
Something a little different ? Why not take an alpaca for a stroll? Great fun and set amongst some breathtaking scenery.

Traditional Outdoor Country pursuits
Including Deer Stalking, Fly Fishing, Game Shooting, plus Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Tomahawk Throwing and Air Rifle Shooting at Roxburghe Shooting School.

Country and Western Festival
May & October

The Great Tapestry of Scotland
5 star purpose-built visitor attraction in Galashiels. The tapestry tells the story of Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations and culture.

Border Event Centre
A full programme of events at Springwood Park, Border Events Centre.

Castle, country houses and parks
We have so many to choose from. Floors Castle is around a 1 mile walk from our door. A little further away is Mellerstain, Abbotsford, Traquair, Bowhill, Thirlestane Castle and Smailholm Tower to name just a few.

The Border Abbeys
Kelso Abbey is free to visit and just 2 minutes walk from our front door. The other Abbeys are located at Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh.

Summer Festivals
During the summer months the Border Towns host week long festivals. These begin in June and continue until August. Our local town festival is known as Kelso Civic Week and it takes place in July. There are many sights to see in the town during this week including ‘Ride Outs’, Pipers, Parades and the inauguration of the Kelso Laddie.