Smailholm Tower

SMAILHOLM is not only a tower to look at, no, it also comes with it’s surrounding hills, walkways and amazing views towards Kelso, Northumberland and much more. On a good sunny day the views are clear and breathtaking. Fresh air, hummingbirds and solace are your companions.
Best way is down the A68. It’s not far from Kelso in the Borders.
The 20 meter high tower is still in tact, and although some of the outbuildings might be destroyed, you can still feel its strength. The lands were once held by the powerful Pringle family of which a few family members gave their lives in the nearby battle of Flodden. On occasion the lands and tower were subject to raids from the English. Smailholm is also linked to Sir Walter Scott and his connection and inspirations are presented in various rooms in the castle.
On the ground floor there is a small Historic Scotland shop and the admission is £4.50 for an adult. Commissions apply. No toilets. Open summer only.
There is a little walk up the hill towards the castle, such not really ideal for wheelchairs.
Don’t miss out on the fantastic views from the roof top!

This looks small from the outside
It is a short walk up to the tower from the car park
Inside it has a suprising amount there is a gift shop in the first room and an exhibition on the castle
It was built as a 15^th century pele towers to protect against the maurding english and steal the cattle and there are some interesting stories about the raids
Throughout the rooms over the four storeys are figures in cases represeting the lift of walter scott
His poem Marmion mentions smailhom
The roof gives a lovely view of the surronding area but be careful as the steps up are very steep