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Historical places #1 in Kelso, Scottish Borders

Floors Castle

4.6 · 1,349 reviews
Grand and historically layered.
Floors Castle, Roxburghe Estates Office, Floors Castle, Kelso TD5 7SF, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The estate was the filming location for the 1984 film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.

2

A holly tree on the grounds marks the spot where King James II of Scotland was killed in 1460 during the Siege of Roxburgh Castle.

3

The castle houses an extensive collection of Meissen porcelain.

4

The current structure stands on the site of a medieval stronghold that predates the 18th-century design.

5

The Duke of Roxburghe's family has maintained the estate for over 300 years.

6

The grounds include a significant collection of specimen trees, including a rare Japanese maple.

7

The central block of the castle retains the original William Adam design, hidden beneath the later Victorian stylistic additions.

Overview

Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, serving as the seat of the Duke of Roxburghe. Architect William Adam designed the original Georgian structure in 1721, which was later modified in the 1840s by William Playfair to include the prominent roofline of turrets and pinnacles. The interior features a collection of fine art, including porcelain, tapestries, and works by artists such as Gainsborough and Matisse. The estate grounds span significant acreage alongside the River Tweed, incorporating a Victorian walled garden and a woodland millennium garden. Visitors can access specific ground-floor rooms that retain period furnishings and ancestral portraits. The property remains a private family home, though large portions are open to the public for seasonal tourism. It sits within a landscape designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The site is a Grade A listed building reflecting the architectural evolution of Scottish baronial style.

Photo spot

The north lawn, providing a clear view of the castle's turreted silhouette against the sky.

Insider tips

Allocate extra time to walk to the walled garden, as it is located a short distance from the main castle building.

Check the official website for private event closures before traveling, as the castle occasionally closes for estate functions.

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for gravel paths and grassy estate grounds.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk from Kelso town center without verifying current pedestrian access routes, as the main entrance is set back significantly from the public road.

Good to know

Closed during the winter months; open to the public from spring through early autumn.

Etiquette

Photography is generally permitted in the gardens, but restricted in specific interior rooms; follow all signage regarding flash and video.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to view the formal gardens in full bloom.
Address
Floors Castle, Roxburghe Estates Office, Floors Castle, Kelso TD5 7SF, United Kingdom
55.605, -2.460
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits18th-century porcelain collection, Gainsborough portraits, and William Playfair architectural features.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to view the formal gardens in full bloom..

The north lawn, providing a clear view of the castle's turreted silhouette against the sky.

Close by you'll find Shedden Park, Roxburgh Castle, Smailholm Tower.