Living in Kelso
Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Borders where the River Tweed meets the River Teviot, Kelso is a charming market town that’s full of character. With its cobbled square, historic architecture, stunning countryside and a family-friendly atmosphere, this rural town offers prospective residents with so much. If you love riverside walks, historic houses, quirky independent shops and a warm, friendly vibe, Kelso might just be your perfect match.
Is Kelso a good place to live?
Kelso is often described as one of the most beautiful towns in Scotland, and for good reason. Its elegant Georgian buildings, thriving market square and glorious rural setting make it a dream for those who love peace, charm and easy access to nature.
But don’t let its laid-back pace fool you. Kelso has a vibrant community, excellent amenities and plenty of things to see and do. There are great schools, local shops, cosy pubs, and delicious eateries, plus events like the famous Kelso Races and Border Union Show that bring everyone together.
If you’re after a slower, more scenic lifestyle - without giving up essential conveniences - Kelso is a fantastic place to live.
What is the transport in Kelso like?
While Kelso doesn’t have its own train station, it’s still well connected by road and bus, making it easy to explore the Borders or head into Edinburgh for work or play.
Kelso by rail
The nearest train station to Kelso is Tweedbank, around 15 miles away, which sits on the Borders Railway line. From there, you can hop on a direct service to Edinburgh Waverley in about 55 minutes. A short drive or bus ride to Tweedbank, and you’re all set for stress-free train travel.
Kelso by bus
Kelso is served by several local and regional bus services, providing links to Galashiels, Jedburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Edinburgh. The Borders Buses network is the main operator here, and it offers regular services, including the 67 to Galashiels. From there, you can jump on the X62 to Edinburgh, making commuting or day-tripping a breeze.
Kelso by car
Driving is a popular option for locals, and Kelso’s road connections make it easy to get around. The A698 runs through town, connecting you to Hawick and Berwick-upon-Tweed, while the A68 and A7 open up routes to Edinburgh, Newcastle and the rest of the Borders.
What are the schools in Kelso like?
Kelso has a great reputation for education, with a strong choice of schools for families.
For primary education, you’ve got options like Broomlands Primary School and Edenside Primary School, both well-regarded by local parents. For secondary education, Kelso High School serves the town and surrounding area and is known for its modern facilities and wide range of extracurricular activities.
Early years provision is also available through local nurseries, and for higher education, Borders College has campuses nearby in Galashiels.
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What are the best things to do in Kelso
Kelso might be small, but it’s bursting with things to do and see. At the heart of the town is the cobbled square, one of the largest in Scotland, surrounded by independent shops, cafés and pubs perfect for a lazy weekend stroll.
History buffs will love Kelso Abbey, a striking ruin with a fascinating past, and Floors Castle, Scotland’s largest inhabited castle, complete with gorgeous gardens and scenic walks.
The great outdoors is right on your doorstep too... the River Tweed is famous for salmon fishing, and there are endless walking and cycling routes through rolling countryside. If you’re a horse racing fan, Kelso Racecourse offers an unforgettable day out.
Throughout the year, the town hosts fantastic events like the Borders Book Festival and Border Union Show, which celebrate local culture, food and farming heritage.
Types of property in Kelso
Whether you dream of a character-filled Georgian townhouse, a cosy cottage, or a modern family home, Kelso has plenty of property options. Expect handsome stone-built properties, spacious detached homes with countryside views, and stylish new-builds perfect for first-time buyers. Flats, bungalows and traditional terraces are also available, so there’s something for every lifestyle and budget.
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FAQs about living in Kelso
Kelso is well-regarded for its strong educational offerings, providing a range of options for families.There are several respected primary schools in the area, and the local secondary school is noted for its modern facilities and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Early years care is available through local nurseries, and higher education can be accessed nearby through regional college campuses. For more details on the best schools in Kelso, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Kelso on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Kelso, please refer to the Scottish Borders Council's website.
The average price of homes in Kelso is £203,407. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/07/2025.
There are a couple of new housing developments in the town, both by M&J Ballantyne. East Broomlands is a spacious development offering the choice of traditionally styled 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedroom houses and bungalows on the rural boundaries of Kelso. Located in the Old Kelso High School grounds, another development will bring a series of 2 and 3 bedroom bungalows to the town.
For details on council tax bands and charges in the Scottish Borders, please refer to the Scottish Borders Council website.
Kelso offers a delightful mix of family-friendly attractions. Floors Castle features child-friendly guided tours, a fun playground in the Walled Garden with swings, a flying fox, and woodland or riverside walking trails, plus a café for relaxing while little ones play. Nearby, Kelso Abbey stands as an evocative historic ruin with free access, ideal for curious young minds. Great outdoor experiences also include scenic walks along the Borders Abbeys Way, such as the Kelso-to-Roxburgh trail, which meanders through riverside landscapes, historical landmarks, and abundant wildlife. These activities make Kelso perfect for families who love history and nature.
Kelso boasts rich cultural and recreational offerings. Floors Castle, designed by William Adam, not only provides historic charm but also immersive gardens and trails. The ruined Kelso Abbey, preserved for visitors, showcases medieval architecture with striking Romanesque features. For leisure and sport, the town prides itself on Kelso Racecourse, known as “Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse,” offering National Hunt racing and an on-site 18-hole golf course. The town centre’s Town Hall, a Baroque-Revival building, is another landmark reflecting Kelso’s civic heritage. Combined with scenic walking routes and local eateries, these facilities ensure a vibrant cultural and recreational experience for residents and visitors alike.
Kelso’s community calendar is bustling with traditional and social events. Every July, Kelso Civic Week, a Common Riding festival, celebrates Borders heritage with horse-riding processions led by the "Kelsae Laddie" and culminates in the festive Yetholm Ride. In early September, the Kelso Fair brings together dancing, street entertainment, live music, stalls, and a free concert, drawing thousands of visitors. Sports fans enjoy the Kelso Sevens rugby tournament, a long-standing annual event dating from 1920. Local groups and community organizations frequently share updates on family activities, from seasonal fairs to hobby clubs, creating a warm and inclusive environment for families.
Kelso at a glance*
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