Arbroath Abbey

Abbey · Angus

Arbroath Abbey

Abbey · Angus

Abbey St, Arbroath DD11 1EG, United Kingdom

Highlights

Abbey ruins with Declaration of Arbroath history and museum

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

Bram Slijpen

Google

We visited the Abbey in july 2025. Beautiful old building and inside the information centre is an interesting exhibition. We were a bit disappointed though because, only after we purchased tickets, we were We were informed that maintenance work was being carried out on the premises. As a result, the buildings on the site could not be viewed and ugly construction fences were erected everywhere. Despite this, visitors were still charged the full admission price. Not very fair!

William Ruhlig

Google

Gorgeous old abbey with an important history to Scotland! The museum tells how Robert the Bruce and his dukes signed the declaration of Arbroath. Basically Scotland's declaration of independence! fascinating. a lovely reproduction of that is on display. Sadly much of the abbey and church are ruined as many of the catholic structures of the time are. But a lovely visit.sadly at the time of writing scaffolding and harriers are up so couldn't yet up onto the main abbey gate walkway.next time! Do note they take a lunch break 12:30 to 13:30 so the entry may be closed. free entry for historic Scotland members .

weewildadventure

Google

Using our newly purchased Historic environment Scotland membership cards we decided to visit the abbey. I am super curious to follow in the footsteps of steps of the stone of destiny. And of course the declaration of Arbroath. (My high school was Bannockburn). We get there with an hour to spare before the staff take their lunch break! Phew. The staff are lovely. Toilets clean and shiny. I expected a ruin and it is but what I don’t expect with the visitor experience. I loved it. The animated film (about 4 minutes). The dressing up. Plenty to read and learn about. And also within the grounds there are plenty of information boards. There was nearby parking which was sign posted (not free). We spent the designated hour inside and loved every minute of it. If you are interested in Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 history. This should be on your tourist trail.

Yuni MacDonald

Google

We went to Arbroath abbey,, the office closed for lunch. Should posted lunch hour on the website. We waited for an hour then we went back. The museum has lots of hidden history and lots of reading . The abbey itself is spectacular , it was sunny day and great day to visit on May. it was good day.

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.

Debra Wood

Google

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

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.

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.