Kelso Abbey

Literary activities

Your tour begins by following the road that connected Caledonia with Roman Britannia. You stop in Kelso where you explore this handsome town and what is thought to be Scotland’s largest market square. You also see the ruins of Kelso Abbey, a reminder of the many ancient conflicts between Scotland and England. Continuing south, you cross the border and travel to Alnwick Castle, an immense fortification that has stood strong for nearly a millennium. It was originally built to assert Norman rule over newly conquered lands. But more recently Alnwick Castle has found fame as one of the settings for the fictional Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter movie series. Book lovers can also take the opportunity here to explore one of the largest and most impressive second-hand book shops in Britain. After around three hours at Alnwick, you travel north along the Northumberland Coast. You stop on your way back to Edinburgh at one of the beautiful historic villages or castles that pepper the rolling landscapes of Southern Scotland.

This online travel guidebook helps you create a bespoke road trip to help with planning your break before you travel and when you are on your break. Experience a diverse journey: scenic coast, untamed countryside, city culture, and rich history. Explore historic homes, and ancient abbeys, plus trace Sir Walter Scott's path on a captivating road trip through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. - Edinburgh Heritage & Culture: Dive into Edinburgh's rich history at landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. - Beyond Edinburgh: Explore surrounding hills, parks, and gardens beyond the city's limits. - Festival Delight: Plan your visit during festivals like Edinburgh International, Fringe, or Hogmanay for a vibrant experience. - Romantic Borders: Discover the picturesque Scottish Borders, known for rolling hills and serene countryside, perfect for romantic moments. - Inspiring Landscape: Artists and writers like Walter Scott found inspiration in the Borders' beauty and history. - Ancient Sites: Explore historic abbeys like Melrose and castles such as Abbotsford House for tales of old. - Scenic Walks: Traverse scenic paths through forests, riversides, and villages, ideal for romantic strolls. - Local Delicacies: Relish fresh produce and local whisky, savouring the region's finest food and drink offerings. Edinburgh & Scottish Borders Highlights: • The suggested mapped route on the online guidebook is fully flexible meaning it will help you plan your trip with places to go and things to see and do, whether from 3 to 14 days • Circular Route: Begins and ends in Edinburgh, adaptable starting points, spanning 153 miles (247km) with a 5-hour drive time. • Recommended duration: 5 to 8 days, allowing exploration in Edinburgh, Abbey visits, country estates, and ruins en route. • Cultural Immersion: Delve into Scottish culture, exploring coastal towns, nature reserves, and Gothic architecture. • Borders Exploration: Traverse countryside, discovering the heart of Scottish Borders, royal footsteps, and historic chapels. • Historical Journey: Unveil Scottish Borders' history, highlighting dramatic scenery and heritage sites. • Comprehensive Guide: Covers 13 destinations with visitor info, numerous links, local experiences, and activities for booking. • Stay Options: Tailored for motorhomes, campervans, caravans, featuring campsites. Options for car travellers include B&Bs or hotels. Online & Interactive Destinations Guidebook: - Guides you through 13 destinations. - Overnight Stays: Discover hotels, B&Bs, campsites, etc - Over 100 attractions, activities, and experiences through embedded links and references. Uncover More Edinburgh & Scottish Borders map: 25+ Scottish Borders Viewpoints 60+ Places of interest 20+ Borders Hidden gems 10 Wild swim spots Overnight Stays map: 45 campsites 20+ motorhome stops, pub stops & almost wild spots 50+ Borders hotels 65+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges