'Perfect' autumn day out in stunning magical 'most beautiful' village

During September and October, when the leaves turn gold and you start to feel a chill in the air, Scotland really comes alive. Kelso is a market town that is as interesting as it is scenic

The "most beautiful village" in Scotland is historic and charming - and the "perfect" autumn day out for the family.

During September and October, when the leaves turn gold and you start to feel a chill in the air, Scotland really comes alive. While summer benefits from warmer temperatures, autumn is arguably the prettier season. It is for that reason that the Daily Record has chosen a place once called the "most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland" by legendary Scots writer Sir Walter Scott as their latest Town of the Week. Situated at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot, Kelso is a market town that is as interesting as it is scenic. Around just an hour out of Edinburgh by car, it is the perfect spot for an autumn day out.

Autumn is an amazing time of the year to visit Kelso, with the town being home to a wide variety of parks and walking trails to venture out on. There is nothing quite like the sound of leaves crunching under your feet - especially with your little ones who will be able to make the most of the stunning scenery. Kelso is framed around a cobbled town square that is the largest in Scotland. Surrounded by stunning Georgian and Victorian buildings, there are plenty of independent shops to peruse selling everything from ice cream to fashionable clothes, the Daily Record reported.

The real star of the show, though, is the wealth of beauty spots and historic sites located around and near the town. Amongst the standouts are the lavish Floors Castle and the ancient Kelso Abbey. Kelso is centred around a historic and picturesque town square, and so it only makes sense to make it your first stop. Around the perimeter, you will find an abundance of independent shops that you could easily spend hours browsing — while the town also features a popular ice cream parlour if you feel like a sweet treat. Whether you are a history buff or just love some gorgeous scenery and architecture, Kelso Abbey is a definite must-visit. The ruined abbey, believed to date back to the 12th century, was at one time one of the country's biggest and wealthiest religious centres.

Elsewhere, the opulent Floors Castle dates back to 1721 and is the biggest inhabited house in Scotland. Its gorgeous gardens and grounds are ideal for a family walk, while you can also venture inside and check out the castle's lavish interiors if the weather turns rainy. If you don't mind a bit of a walk, the 15th-century Smailholm Tower just outside of Kelso is a great place for a hike. Once a favourite of Sir Walter Scott, the four-storey towrer is in remarkably good condition — and can even be explored.