Things to do in Kelso

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic rock cliff at the end of the Royal Mile. For nearly a thousand years, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, bearing witness to Scotland's turbulent history. The castle brings together several iconic buildings and exhibition halls: St Margaret's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, is one of the earliest surviving stone structures in Edinburgh, and this Romanesque chapel still retains its medieval appearance; the One O'Clock Gun, in use since 1861, was originally fired to help calibrate time for ships in the Firth of Forth, a tradition that has continued for more than a hundred years and is one of the castle's most recognizable traditional features. In the Crown Room of the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland are displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny; this set of treasures, comprising a crown, a sceptre, and a sword of state, dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important symbol of Scottish sovereignty. The National War Museum on the west side of the castle uses uniforms, medals, and weapons to trace Scotland's centuries of military history. Looking north from the high ramparts of the castle, visitors can take in the magnificent sea views of the Firth of Forth; this is also an excellent spot for overlooking the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.

Floors Castle

Floors Castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, whilst it is a visitor attraction, first and foremost, it is a beloved family home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Just a short walk from the Castle, you will find the spectacular Victorian Walled Gardens with glasshouses, herbaceous borders and a formal Millennium Garden. There are also waymarked woodland and riverside walks to explore, along with a cycle trail suitable for the whole family, Floors has so much to discover.

Coldstream Holiday Park

Kelso Racecourse

Jedburgh Abbey

Jedburgh Abbey was founded in 1138, just 10 miles from the Scottish Borders, and was one of four large monasteries built on the Scottish-England border. Due to its location in a disputed area, the monastery was repeatedly damaged during the war. Today, however, the monastery is a more mature attraction in the town. There is a small shop selling souvenirs at the entrance of the monastery, followed by a very large exhibition hall. The transparent glass is spacious and bright, and the overall model of the monastery can be seen here. Passing through the exhibition hall is the main building of the monastery. Visitors can walk into the ruins of the church along the stairs built by the shelves. Although it is a ruin, the photos taken here still give people a very shocking feeling. The standing arches, walls, The stone pillars have a vicissitudes of beauty.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

TOURS & TASTINGS Silver Tour – ONE WHISKY – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Ideal for whisky first-timers & families Interactive & fun introduction to Scotch whisky Hosted in English with free audio guides in 21 languages A storytelling adventure for everyone, rich in visuals, aromas and sensory surprises. Discover the origins of whisky, art of whisky making and magic of maturation. Step inside the cask and experience its fiery creation – seen nowhere else in the world! Learn why the angels always take their share. Unlock the contrasting aromas and flavours of Scotland's five whisky regions. Journey across Scotland in our sweeping 180-degree cinema – from the mysterious Loch Ness to the ‘Harry Potter' steam train, past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, over castles and distilleries. You'll even see Highland cows! Delve into the history and alchemy of creating the perfect blend. Explore the glass-and-marble vault of the world's most popular whisky collection – one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world. Master the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Includes Tutored tasting of one single malt, blend or soft drink – you choose! Gift-boxed original Glencairn crystal whisky glass worth £7.00 to take home (adults only). Special whisky aroma card to take home. Digital tutorial on hosting your own tasting – includes the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Gold Tour – FIVE WHISKIES – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Get a REAL taste for Scotch whisky Ideal for whisky enthusiasts Includes Our SILVER TOUR with one whisky of your choice + all inclusions... PLUS Tutored nosing & tasting of four contrasting regional single malts. From the citrus notes of the Lowlands and fruitiness of Speyside to the heathery Highlands and unmistakable smokiness of Islay, our expert led nosing and tasting offers a complete journey across Scotland's whisky regions. One year membership of the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, with discounts in our award-winning specialist whisky bar and shop – home to 600 single malts, blends & Scotch whisky liqueurs.

Kelso Abbey

This is a historic monastery located in Kelso, surrounded by gardens, with impressive ancient arches.

Smailholm Tower