Arbroath Abbey

Abbey · Angus

Arbroath Abbey

Abbey · Angus

Abbey St, Arbroath DD11 1EG, United Kingdom

Highlights

Explore the stunning ruins of Arbroath Abbey, steeped in Scottish history with a striking twin-towered facade and a fascinating museum on-site.

Abbey St, Arbroath DD11 1EG, United Kingdom Get directions

historicenvironment.scot

@histenvscot

@afar

"If Scotland has an equivalent of the Magna Carta or the U.S. Declaration of Independence, it’s the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath—a letter sent by nobles to the pope swearing their independence from England. The document was signed here in this magnificent abbey, founded by William the Lion in 1178 in memory of the martyr Thomas Becket. Complete with a stunning, twin-towered church facade, the abbey remained one of Scotland’s grandest monasteries for nearly 400 years. Today, travelers can visit to soak up the atmosphere of a site long associated with Scotland’s sense of independence. Step inside one of the most complete abbot’s residences in Britain, then gaze up at local landmark the “Round O,” a circular window that was lit nightly to guide mariners home. Also keep an eye out for the impressive marble effigy, thought to depict William the Lion."

The Essential Guide to Fife and Angus

View Postcard for Arbroath Abbey

Debra Wood

Google

Lovely place, good little museum, lovely lady working here who was very helpful. Reasonable price and dog friendly too 😁

Richard Wilson

Google

Interesting abbey with lots of history. Very nice information building with information and displays. The abbey is mostly ruins and unfortunately some areas were closed off during our visit for restoration. Worth the visit if you are interested in Scottish history. Parking close by.

Tork Mackenzie

Google

A fascinating area to visit if you have the slightest bit of interest in Sottish history or ancient ruins , the abbey ruins are well spaced out with plenty of info boards, there are some areas that are fenced off due to safety concerns at time of visit hence the 4* rating not 5 . The star of the show though is the modern museum next to the abbey that details the entire history of the building and has an entire section for the Declaration of Independance manuscript that was written up by lords of the land to declare freedom from English rule, all very interesting and beautifully laid out

Vicki Taylor-Wright

Google

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.

M Gallichan

Google

Worth a visit if you're in the area as not much to see. There are some exhibits on show though I didn't find them particularly interesting.

Anne Marie Stagg

Google

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.

Lyn Bostock

Google

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.

Waalbrug

Google

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!

Brian S.

Yelp

Was only able to view from outside the fence, as the place was closed, but the ruins are really nice, and worth a quick stop if you're in the area for a smokie! I have heard there is an interesting history provided inside, so if you can, go when it's open and learn something about the area's history. I'm not sure what the stone used in the building is, but I really like the colour.

@afar

The Essential Guide to Fife and Angus

View Postcard for Arbroath Abbey

Debra Wood

Google

Lovely place, good little museum, lovely lady working here who was very helpful. Reasonable price and dog friendly too 😁

Richard Wilson

Google

Tork Mackenzie

Google

Vicki Taylor-Wright

Google

M Gallichan

Google

Worth a visit if you're in the area as not much to see. There are some exhibits on show though I didn't find them particularly interesting.

Anne Marie Stagg

Google

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.

Lyn Bostock

Google

Waalbrug

Google

Brian S.

Yelp

Arbroath Abbey

Arbroath Abbey

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Highlights

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