Kersmains is 3 miles from the historic town of Kelso. Lying at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot Kelso was described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland." Today it retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent deli, butchers, fish monger and country sports shops. The monthly farmer's market is well worth a visit and there is a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets at the famous race course, the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries and the famous Borders Rugby 7s games. Also on the doorstep is Floors Castle, the majestic home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe.

Head to the stunning coastline for miles of golden sands and secluded rocky coves that remain almost deserted even in the summer months. Some of our favourite spots include the stunning beach at Bamburgh, miles of pristine sand, popular for walking, riding and surfing. The magnificent views from the cliff top walks at St Abb's Head and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.

Kersmains is just over an hour's drive to Edinburgh and provides a good base for Edinburgh events.

There is excellent cycling on farm tracks and the quiet lanes surrounding the cottage as well as on dedicated family cycle routes around the Kelso area. Information is provided in the cottage and there is ample secure storage for bicycles in the farm buildings. For those looking for more of a challenge, Kersmains is 32 miles from Glentress Forest, a 2,500 acre mountain biking mecca with miles of dedicated trails.

If you prefer four hooves to two wheels, there is a riding stable about 15 minute's drive from the cottage. For guests wishing to bring their own horses on holiday, Kermsains Farm offers excellent equestrian facilities including grazing in a paddock in front of the cottage, an all-weather arena and superb off road hacking from the doorstep.

The area is also a golfer's paradise with 22 courses within a 30 mile radius ranging from challenging PGA Championship courses, to picturesque links and parkland courses to suit all standards. The Roxburghe Championship Golf Course is about a ten minute drive from the cottage.

For lovers of country sports, the area is unrivalled. Salmon and sea trout fishing is available on the internationally renowned River Tweed which is just a few minutes from the cottage. There is also excellent value fishing available through the Jedforest Angling Association on the River Till which is within walking distance of the cottage. In conjunction with the owners, we can assist guests in booking driven and walked up shooting nearby as well as rough shooting and roe stalking on the farm. Clay pigeon shooting is also available on the farm for guests who hold a gun licence. Others are welcome at the clay pigeon shooting ground at the Roxburghe Hotel just down the road or at the dedicated clay shooting ground at Braidwood near Selkirk 12 miles from the cottage. Kersmains is well equipped for fishing and shooting guests including a drying room, rod and gun storage and kennels.

Kersmains is 3 miles from the historic town of Kelso. Lying at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot Kelso was described by Sir Walter Scott as "the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village in Scotland." Today it retains much of its original charm with an interesting range of independent shops including an excellent deli, butchers, fish monger and country sports shops. The monthly farmer's market is well worth a visit and there is a good selection of lively pubs and restaurants. Kelso plays host to a number of events throughout the year including regular National Hunt race meets at the famous race course, the ancient custom of the Common Ridings of the town boundaries and the famous Borders Rugby 7s games. Also on the doorstep is Floors Castle, the majestic home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe.

For non-sporting guests Kersmains is an ideal base for exploring all that the Borders has to offer. Explore ancient towns such as beguiling Melrose, home of rugby 7s, the magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey and pretty narrow streets offering some of the best shopping in the Borders. Just down the road, pay a visit to Abbotsford House, the fairytale home of Sir Walter Scott or take a drive up to the Scott's View, his favourite picnic spot commanding the most incredible views of the Tweed and Eildon Hills and where it is said his horse stopped out of habit during his own funeral procession.

Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Golf

There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.

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Horse riding

Horse riding is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of the area and goes right back to the 13th and 14th centuries where townspeople would ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands. Thankfully our riding pursuits today are not quite so dramatic!

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Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Shopping, arts and crafts

We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.

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Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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Spas and beauty treatments

Everyone needs a little time-out to relax and for many that may involve a little pampering, the chance to experience new therapies, or simply some dedicated ‘me time’ to enjoy or practise disciplines which bring a sense of well-being and good health.

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