Kelso Abbey

About this place

Ruins of one of the four great Border abbeys, founded in the 12th century.

Once considered the grandest of the four great Border abbeys, Kelso Abbey suffered more destruction than its counterparts at Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh, and today only a fraction of the original 12th-century building survives. What remains still hints at the scale of the original structure, and its position right in the centre of Kelso makes it an easy stop rather than a destination requiring a special trip. Being the least intact of the four abbeys, it suits a shorter visit rather than extensive exploration. It's free to visit, and the uneven ground makes it less suitable for buggies.

Make a day of it — within 5km