Description
Last entry 4pm. The grounds and visitor centre, including the exhibition, shop and toilets, are open. The abbey remains closed while high-level conservation works take place. Arbroath Abbey shows how Scotland's medieval monarchs mixed piety and politics. William I - also known as William the Lion - founded the abbey in 1178. He asked the Tironensian monks from Kelso Abbey to establish the monastery.
Service options
On-site services
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Reviews
4
Stunning abbey ruins and a good education centre and gift shop. Friendly staff. Reasonable entry fee was good value. A lot of the abbey is cordoned off for repairs but didn't detract from the experience.
5
We visited Arbroath Abbey with our family and had a wonderful time. The site is beautiful, and it was fascinating to learn about its rich history. It was also exciting to discover the connection to the film "Braveheart." A highly recommended stop for anyone interested in Scottish history!
5
A very impressive building which really stands out. We didn't go inside-not sure if it was actually open on the day we visited Arbroath. With more time I would like to have a more detailed visit.
4
Knowledgeable staff who were happy to chat. The museum itself is good, with the beautiful tapestry and the replica of the declaration, but it was a shame that the Abbey itself was scaffolded off for restoration work. Some parts are accessible for photos, as is the gravestone of William I.
4
The Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William I of Scotland and consecrated in 1197, dedicated to St Thomas Beckett who had been an Archbishop of Canterbury. Williams grave is here though he doesn't sound like much of a Scottish hero. After trying to invade England he got captured and then exchanged his freedom for acknowleding King Henry II as his superior and even agreed to pay for the English occupation by taxing the Scots. There is a lot of scaffolding but it's still worth a wander around the ruins. The exhibition rooms and artefacts on display are very good. There is a replica of the Stone of Scone, the original of which was left at the Abbey in 1951 after being stolen and broken by students. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable and said that it's rumoured that the stone is merely the lid of a medieval toilet! I hope not. A lot is made of what is now being called The declaration of Arbroath. What a load of nonsense that is. It was just a letter to the Pope to try and get the excommunication of the murderer Robert Bruce reversed. It was never called a declaration until hundreds of years later probably for a bit of a publicity. The letter even boasts of completely destroying the Picts which is not something to be proud of. Definitely worth a visit if in the area.
5
Majestic red stone ruined Abbey. Only able to walk around the outside of the ruins as it is all fenced off. Priced accordingly. Great history in the visitors centre and interesting graveyard. Was enhanced by being a foggy day.