Springtime In Kelso & The Scottish Borders

Staying at The Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso

5 DAYS | 6th April 2026

We head north to the beautiful Border region of Scotland for its Springtime countryside of emerald hills and lush landscapes. The wildflowers carpet the fields and coastline, daffodils are still in bloom and often you can see newborn lambs and calves in the fields. The Borders’ rich history means there’s a superb selection of magnificent abbey ruins, ancient castles, grand country houses and bountiful gardens to visit, and spring is often the best time of year to do so. This is Sir Walter Scott’s adopted region and he often drew on its landscapes and history as inspiration for his poetry and novels. During our tour we visit Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott’s home, together with a excellent selection of historic towns, gardens and stunning coastline.

The Cross Keys Hotel is superbly situated in the heart of Kelso’s picturesque cobbled square. The present hotel was built in 1769, but in other forms a Cross Keys hotel has occupied this site since the earliest days of Scottish coaching inns, and it is an ideal base to enjoy all that the Borders has to offer. Boasting the Saddlers restaurant, bar and lounge, all guest rooms have a TV, tea and coffee facilities and en-suite bathroom.

MONDAY

We depart Macclesfield heading north calling for coffee en-route to the historic town of Hawick. You will have free time for lunch and to visit one of the local textile or social history museums (free entry). Mid-afternoon we continue on to Kelso and our base for the next four nights.

TUESDAY

Enjoy a free morning in Kelso, why not take a stroll around the old abbey or visit the shops? This afternoon we visit Floors Castle, one of the most iconic country houses in Scotland. This magnificent family seat is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, and has been home to eleven generations of the Duke’s of Roxburghe. We visit the Castle and explore the collection of fine art, porcelain, tapestries, grand rooms and superb views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills. Wander the grounds and the Victorian Walled Gardens and Glasshouses, and why not complete the day with a visit to the tea rooms before we return to the hotel.

WEDNESDAY

Today we take the scenic route to Hirsel Arts and Craft Centre in Coldstream where we stop for coffee. We then continue on to the historic town of Eyemouth, which boasts a natural harbour and fine coastal scenery. Fishing at Eyemouth dates back to the 13th century and the harbour is still active with its colourful fleet. You will have free time for lunch and then time to stroll around the historic town and harbour before we head back to Kelso.

THURSDAY

This morning we visit the pretty town of Melrose with its gardens, magnificent Abbey ruins and delightful town centre. There will be ample time to meander at leisure and have an early lunch. Our afternoon visit takes us to the historic house and gardens at Abbotsford and Sir Walter Scott’s extraordinary home. The 19th century novelist, who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The ticket allows you to wander at leisure through the house and gardens.

FRIDAY

This morning we say farewell to Kelso and make our morning coffee stop at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. We then continue our journey south to Kendal where we call for lunch and a browse. We rejoin the motorway network south and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening.