Smailholm Tower
A 15th-century border tower standing alone on a rocky knoll, the place that inspired Walter Scott in his childhood. Very photogenic.
Smailholm Tower is a typical Border peel tower, built in the 15th century on a rocky knoll beside a small loch. Its open surroundings make it one of the most photographed landscapes in the Borders. Walter Scott stayed at his grandfather's farm nearby as a child to recover from illness, and the border ballads and legends he heard there shaped his writing. Inside the tower, exhibits explain Scott and border folk ballads. The exterior can be seen all year round. Entry to the interior costs about £7 and is open roughly from April to September. It is located between Melrose and Kelso.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; interior approx. 09:30–17:30 (Apr–Sep)
Nearby sights
- Mellerstain House
- Scott's View
- Dryburgh Abbey
- Leaderfoot Viaduct & Trimontium
- Floors Castle
- Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre
- Jedburgh Abbey
- Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum