Things to do in Kelso
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Kelso
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on the volcanic cliffs above the Royal Mile, guarding Scotland for centuries—it once served as a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. Today, you can stand at the exact spot where the One O'Clock Gun fires, stroll through St. Margaret's Chapel, and explore the National War Museum on the west side, which showcases centuries of Scottish military history through uniforms, medals, and weapons, alongside the Crown Jewels displayed beside the Stone of Destiny. The castle esplanade echoes with the sound of bagpipes, the Crown's history predates the Act of Union, and the breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth stretch out before you. This historic British landmark still commands awe from people across the island.Edinburgh · 61.7km from Kelso
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.Edinburgh · 61.2km from Kelso
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.Kelso · 1.8km from downtown
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.Edinburgh · 60.7km from Kelso
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.Jedburgh · 15.7km from Kelso
Kelso Abbey
Kelso · 312m from downtown
Smailholm Tower
Kelso · 9km from downtown
Hume Castle
Kelso · 7.6km from downtown
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.Edinburgh · 61.3km from Kelso
Melrose Abbey
Melrose · 18km from Kelso
Experiences you can't miss in Kelso
Featured Cultural experiences in Kelso
View all Cultural experiences![Alnwick Castle (Harry Potter filming location) + Northumberland coast [departs from Edinburgh + bookable for one person]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350a12000sat8wz92104_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
FromAU$ 152.14
113 booked
Free cancellation
84 travellers saved
FromAU$ 141.76
4.4/5
· 1.1k reviews· 54 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAU$ 39.06
5.0/5
· 1 review· 23 bookedBook now for tomorrow
FromAU$ 21.08
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 8.40AU$ 10.51
Featured Food & drink in Kelso
View all Food & drink
FromAU$ 90.20
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 89.36AU$ 94.07
4.9/5
· 714 reviews· 34 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
99% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 45.49AU$ 47.89
4.9/5
· 52 reviewsFree cancellation
52 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 83.89AU$ 88.31
Featured Day tours in Kelso
View all Day tours
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsFree cancellation
FromAU$ 185.51
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 114.63AU$ 120.67
4.7/5
· 107 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
91.6% of travelers recommend
FromAU$ 126.42
FromAU$ 125.81
Featured Outdoor experiences in Kelso
View all Outdoor experiences
5.0/5
· 3 reviewsFree cancellation
FromAU$ 125.81
FromAU$ 166.32
4.1/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
Book now for today
FromAU$ 105.55
Free things to do in Kelso
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh · 61.7km from KelsoEdinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh · 61.2km from KelsoFloors Castle
Kelso · 1.8km from downtownPalace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh · 60.7km from KelsoBook now for tomorrowJedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh · 15.7km from KelsoKelso Abbey
Kelso · 312m from downtownSmailholm Tower
Kelso · 9km from downtownHume Castle
Kelso · 7.6km from downtownCalton Hill
Edinburgh · 61.3km from KelsoMelrose Abbey
Melrose · 18km from Kelso
What travellers say about Kelso
M54***718 October 2026
5.0
The magnificent castle embodies the history, culture, and glory of Scotland. The visitor pathways and signage were well-organized, and there was even an audio guide in Mandarin, which allowed tourists like us who don't speak English to gain a deeper understanding of the castle. The staff at the visitor center were warm and attentive, and the police officers in the square outside the castle were friendly and responsible, helping me find my lost wife.
Edinburgh Castle
M Ahem3 May 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!
Edinburgh Old Town
Anonymous user24 September 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
m35***2419 September 2019
4.0
Jedburgh Abbey was built in 1138. Because it is only 10 miles from the Scottish border, it has always been a target of invasion by invaders entering Scotland and has been destroyed many times in wars with England.
Jedburgh Abbey
苏河家园14 July 2025
5.0
卡尔顿山是爱丁堡标志性景点，其以新古典主义建筑群、360度城市全景和丰富的文化活动而闻名。设计灵感以雅典帕特农神庙为蓝本，山顶上希腊式立柱恢宏雄伟，像一座被时光凝固的神庙骨架，静静守护着爱丁堡。
Calton Hill
