Smailholm Tower: A Majestic Border Peel House with Rich Heritage

Explore Smailholm Tower, a striking 15th-century border peel house with rich history, stunning views, and ties to Sir Walter Scott’s literary legacy.

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Smailholm Tower

Smailholm Tower, a well-preserved 15th-century tower house near Kelso in the Scottish Borders, stands on a rocky outcrop offering stunning panoramic views. Built by the Pringle family, it combines medieval defensive features with residential comfort. The tower is steeped in history, linked to border skirmishes and Sir Walter Scott’s literary inspiration, and features evocative displays that bring border ballads and life to the past.

A brief summary to Smailholm Tower

Sandyknowe Farm, Kelso, TD5 7PG, GB
+441573460365
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekdays or early mornings during the open season (April to September) to avoid crowds.
Wear sturdy footwear as the approach involves uphill walking over rough terrain.
Bring your own refreshments as there are no food or drink facilities on site.
Use an Explorer Pass if planning to visit multiple Historic Environment Scotland sites for savings.
Check weather forecasts before visiting, as the tower can close unexpectedly due to adverse conditions.

Getting There

Car

Driving from Kelso, the journey takes about 15-20 minutes via the B6404 westbound. Parking is limited near the tower, with a small car park accessible after passing through a working farm. There are no coach parking facilities on site; minibuses can access the car park with prior arrangement. Parking is free.
Bicycle

Cycling from Kelso to Smailholm Tower takes approximately 30-40 minutes along quiet rural roads, including the B6404. The route passes through scenic countryside but includes some uphill sections. Bicycle parking is available at the site.
Public Transport

Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stops are in Kelso town center, about 7 miles away. From there, taxis are recommended for the 15-minute drive to the tower. Visitors should plan accordingly as there are no direct bus services to the site.
Walking

For the adventurous, walking from Kelso is possible but challenging due to the distance (over 11 km) and rural terrain. The final approach to the tower involves uphill walking on rough ground, making this suitable only for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Smailholm Tower location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Rain / Wet Weather
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Smailholm Tower

Architectural Strength and Strategic Location

Smailholm Tower is a compact, rectangular tower house rising five storeys high, with walls over two metres thick made from black volcanic rock and accented with red sandstone around its openings. Built in the mid-15th century by the Pringle family, it was designed as a border peel house to withstand frequent raids and skirmishes typical of the Scottish Borders region. The tower’s elevated position on a rocky outcrop provided a commanding defensive advantage, with battlements and gun loops added in the 1500s enhancing its fortifications.

Life Within the Tower Walls

Inside, the tower’s lower floors served as vaulted storage, while the upper levels housed living quarters including a main hall and bedrooms. The rooms were sparsely furnished but would have been plastered and decorated with wall hangings in their time. A narrow spiral staircase connects the floors, leading visitors through the historic spaces where massive stone fireplaces and small, grilled windows evoke medieval life. The tower’s design balances security with domestic comfort, offering insight into the daily existence of a border family.

Historical Significance and Cultural Legacy

Smailholm Tower played a role in the Covenanters’ resistance against royal forces, successfully defending itself during a notable assault. Its cultural importance is further enriched by its connection to Sir Walter Scott, who visited the tower and drew inspiration from it for his works preserving border ballads and traditions. Today, the tower houses models and displays that celebrate this literary heritage alongside medieval border life, deepening visitors’ understanding of the area’s turbulent past.

Visitor Experience and Surroundings

Set amidst the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders, the tower offers breathtaking views stretching as far as Edinburgh Castle on clear days. Visitors can explore the tower’s interior and battlements, absorbing the atmosphere of a bygone era. The site is accessed via a track through a working farm, adding to its remote charm. While there are no on-site restrooms or refreshments, informative displays and knowledgeable staff provide an engaging and educational visit.

Seasonal Access and Practical Information

Smailholm Tower is open to visitors from April through September, daily except Fridays and Saturdays, with entry from 10am to 4pm and a lunch closure from noon to 1pm. Admission fees apply, with discounts for concessions and families, and free entry for Historic Environment Scotland members. The site’s rural location means parking is limited and the approach involves uphill walking over rough ground, making it less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Preservation and Educational Role

Under the stewardship of Historic Environment Scotland, Smailholm Tower is maintained as one of the best-preserved examples of a Scottish border tower house. It serves as a vital educational resource, illustrating medieval architecture, border history, and cultural heritage. The tower’s enduring presence invites visitors to reflect on the resilience and traditions of the Scottish Borders communities across centuries.

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Scott's View

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Mellerstain House & Gardens

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Roxburgh Castle

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Scott/Douglas Mausoleum

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Roxburgh Mains

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Waterloo Monument

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The Royal British Legion

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Lilliardsedge Tavern Bar & Restaurant

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Cross Keys Hotel

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The Cobbles - Freehouse & Dining

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The Ship Inn Melrose

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Salt’N’Fire

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The Contented Vine

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The Kings Arms Hotel

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The Waggon

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Provender Restaurant & Bar

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The Hoebridge

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Seasons

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Ancrum Cross Keys

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The Belter's Bar

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Niki's Lounge Bar

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The Town Arms Inn

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Philipburn House Hotel

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The Exchange Bar

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Cabaret Voltaire

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Smailholm Tower: A Majestic Border Peel House with Rich Heritage

A brief summary to Smailholm Tower

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car

Bicycle

Public Transport

Walking

Smailholm Tower location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Smailholm Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Smailholm Tower

Architectural Strength and Strategic Location

Life Within the Tower Walls

Historical Significance and Cultural Legacy

Visitor Experience and Surroundings

Seasonal Access and Practical Information

Preservation and Educational Role

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Schloss Roxburghe - Destination by Hyatt

Kelso

Over Ancrum

Jean's Wood

Scottish Borders Rocks

Southern Reporter

Tress Of The Kings

Border Memories

Raecleugh Head Prehistoric Fort

Marjoribanks Monument

Berwickshire High School

Aikwood Tower

Byrecleugh Burn

Edin's Hall Broch

Etal Castle

Unmissable attractions to see

Littledean Tower

Scott's View

Mellerstain House & Gardens

Dryburgh Abbey

Floors Castle

Rhymers Stone

Roxburgh Castle

Scott/Douglas Mausoleum

Roxburgh Mains

Greenknowe Tower

Waterloo Monument

The Royal British Legion

Off the Square

Melrose Abbey

Kelso Abbey

Essential places to dine

Hunters Stables Bar & Bistro

Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells

Terrace Cafe

Lilliardsedge Tavern Bar & Restaurant

Sultans of kelso

Cross Keys Hotel

The Cobbles - Freehouse & Dining

The Ship Inn Melrose

Salt’N’Fire

The Contented Vine

The Kings Arms Hotel

The Waggon

Provender Restaurant & Bar

The Hoebridge

Seasons

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Original Factory Shop (Kelso)

Threads Of Kelso

Catherine & Company

Sparkle Gift & D I Y

20 Storey

The Mole House

Humes Outfitters | Menswear

Zantik

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Hawico Scotland