Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dunfermline Abbey Free entry — which is great — and an absolute must for anyone interested in Scottish history and heritage. The Abbey offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s ancient past, and it’s incredible to stand at the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. The grounds and surrounding ruins are beautifully maintained, with stunning architecture and a real sense of reverence. Would I go back? Definitely. It’s one of the most beautiful and well-kept relics of Scotland’s architectural history. 💡 Tip: Don’t go on a Sunday, as the church is closed to visitors during services — plan around that so you can explore the interior properly.

A beautiful historic building. A very serene, peaceful place to be and walk around the grounds. Extremely well maintained and tended to. On-going additions like new monuments and pathways and seating. Car parks are very close and not far from the city centre. Also a stunning view of the Forth Bridge and Queensferry Crossing Bridge in the distance. A lovely place to be

I really enjoyed visiting this beautiful historic Abbey – the exhibitions and guidebook were excellent ( you have to purchase) I loved seeing the Mary of Guise and James V coat of arms door My favourite part was definitely the church – the stunning stained glass windows and the area dedicated to Robert the Bruce, including his resting place. Seeing the plaster cast of his skull from 1818 was fascinating, but the life-like facial reconstruction (right down to the eyelashes and skin) was incredible. A must-see! Parking is available but limited, however parking is available around the location.

I was genuinely impressed by the rich history of Dunfermline, and I was particularly surprised to discover the tomb of Robert the Bruce. The abbey proved to be a great experience, and the staff members we met were really welcoming and enthusiastic in providing a range of info. This location offers a convenient experience for visitors of all types, as the abbey and palace are situated in close proximity to the town center, allowing for easy dining and shopping during a visit.

Stunning abbey with a ton of history, this one is worth the stop, if anything just for a few pictures. But to see the entombed Robert the Bruce here, and all the historical genealogy, we were glad we stopped by. They have a small visitor center in the ruined section, with not much there but a few souvenirs, but it provided a way down to the ruins. There is also an historic Scotland employee in the chapel willing to answer any questions we had, and plenty of walkways through the grounds among the tombstones. Our only issue was the parking, but we managed.

Breathtaking XII century abbey in Fife. Built in Romanesque style, the combination of lights and shadows and the amazing stained glasses turn your visit into a mystical journey to Scottish religious soul. The remains of 7 Scottish Kings including the legendary Robert the Bruce rest in this sacred ground.

Very interesting ruins of palace, some very tight spiral staircases to negotiate and the Abbey is magnificent and the brass plaque over the remains of Robert the Bruce is stunning. Very enjoyable visit and it's free

one of the most amazing Abbeys we visited ..lots of history and the burial site of Robert the Bruce...it was pretty emotional standing in front of the Bruce's site knowing that one of Scotland's most legendary figures are laid to rest in front of you ...this was a must see for me on our visit to Scotland

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is an architectural heaven and she's 1,000 years old. Founded in 1128 by King David I, The site has served various roles throughout the centuries, from a place of worship and royal residence to a burial ground. The Abbey itself is an architectural marvel, featuring intricate Medieval, Romanesque and Gothic designs. The Abbey Church, which is a current place of worship, is home to the tomb of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland's most celebrated kings. Robert the Bruce successfully led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. He restored Scotland to an independent kingdom and is regarded in Scotland as a national hero. Wonderful visit.

This Abbey was surely a highlight on our Road Trip through the UK. Firstly the architecture and secondly the history: Robert The Bruce is laid to rest here! Dunfermline's story stretches back to the 11th century - the time of Malcolm III and his queen, Margaret. Their son, David I, raised the status of the little priory to abbey in the 12th century. It started as a priory back in 1070. The Romanesque pillars are surely a sight to behold. The whole abbey is such an impressive masterpiece. The Abbey Nave is managed by the Historic Environment Scotland, while the abbey itself is not in care of the HES and is free to enter. And be sure to enter the abbey: Robert I was interred before the high altar in 1329. His heart was taken on crusade before eventually being buried at Melrose Abbey. If you're interested even the slightest in (scottish) history, then Robert The Bruce's resting place is an absolute must-do. A fantastic visit, we've spent a lot more time than planned. Surely worth it. Highly recommended. And make sure to check out the lovely parklands as well - just across the street.

Wow. I didn't know much about the historic former capital of Scotland. The Abbey and church here are fascinating and well worth a visit. We spent several hours hours here taking pictures and learning some history. The Abbey is really part of the Palace/Abbey experience- and isn't part of the (free) church experience. You pay 5 pound for an adult and 3 pound for a child (15 and under) to tour the ruins. I thought it was well worth it- but if you are disabled, the piecrust steps on the spiral staircases are going to be a real problem for you! Steep! And they might give a problem to the claustrophobic as well. The ruins are dramatic, and you can learn a lot from what's left. I also loved the gift shop. There are some very nice souvenirs to be had here. Make sure you also go in the church- as well as going in the Abbey (which backs up to the church). There was the nicest lady who walked us through the history of the Abbey and church- a lovely volunteer- she told us about the accidental finding of Robert the Bruce (whose skull casting is on display!)- as well as filling us in on Margaret and Malcolm- and their children who ended up being 3 kings of Scotland and one Queen of England! (what a family!) If you like Scottish history, you can't miss this place. See all the parts- they work together in a synergistic way. I wouldn't have missed this for anything. If you don't like Scottish history, and you're not interested in the older kings and queens- you won't enjoy this at all.

An awesome way to finish the day of castle hopping around the Kings of Fife. Leave plenty of time to explore this one, it is epic. When you enter the Palace, you'll go down a narrow set of stairs to get onto the grounds. From there, you can walk the grounds and explore the ruins. There are amazing arches and snippets of Palace history dotted on the grounds which are an interesting read. The Abbey, a short walk across from the Palace, is a truly stunning form. The Romanesque architecture inside is well preserved and the stained glass windows are beautiful. The Abbey church is also the last resting place of many Scottish Kings and Queens. There are grave sites scattered throughout the grounds and the area is surrounded by luscious greenery which I sadly did not have the time to explore. I would totally come back for the chance to explore further and reccomend this destination as a must-see.

Being less than 20 miles drive from Edinburgh I decided to visit Dunfermline one weekend. It's a fascinating and historic town and for me the main attraction is the Abbey. The building itself is beautiful inside and out with lovely stone work and stained glass windows. It also has a long and rich history that's intertwined with many of Scotland's most famous historic figures and royalty. The staff were all friendly and very keen to share their knowledge on the Abbey and it's history. All in all a great place to visit and spend a few hours. I popped back after sunset to take some photos as the gates to the grounds are open all the time. Don / www.edinburghphotowalks.com

A really stunning part of Dunfermline! I love visiting the Abbey and find it very photogenic. The woman that runs the shop is always really friendly and chatty. The location is very central to all Dunfermlines attractions.

Amazing glass windows and romanesque architecture! Firs time I heard about this place was when I was walking along the Main street in South Queensferry. Apparently Queen Margaret crossed the waters to get to a praying place in Dunfermline in the 11th century. King David I of Scotland then build a Benedictine Abbey in the 12th Century on top of an earlier monastic establishment in memory of his mother Queen Margaret who became a Saint in 1250. The abbey is/was connected to Dunfermline Palace, which is now a ruin. When walking along the pathway up to the church entrance on the East side you can feel the power the place once radiated and still does today. I particularly liked the half arches on the side of the abbey. It gave the place a mystic touch. Inside the abbey is split into two. One part is open to the public (tickets required) and the other part is for the church goers. Its the church of Scotland. The windows in that place are mesmerizing. I can imagine that they cost a lot of money whoever sponsored them in previous centuries. If you look closely they are telling a story of the last supper (in the centre) and of Queen Margaret and King Malcolm Canmore. Another thing so amazing (not for all people I gather) is that your are walking on grounds that hold the remains of a few Kings and Queens of Scotland, like Robert de Bruce, Alexander I, Alexander III, David I and of course Saint Margaret and her husband Malcolm. On top of the main tower the name Bruce is clearly visible to any visitor. I will certainly go back and take more time to walk the grounds and the park nearby!

This beautiful and historic abbey is a must if you're in the area - most entry is free, and when it's not, it's not particularly expensive. There are many great views from around the abbey as well. Overall, if you happen to be in Dunfermline and it's a nice day, I would put this at the top of your to-see list!

It's easy to get complacent about history on your own doorstep so I took time out during a recent treasure hunt to have a good look around and I was impressed. A popular venue for weddings and wedding spotters, the Abbey deserve a few hours of anyone's time. A pleasant day out.

i grew up in the shadow of this abbey so i guess i'm biased, but it really is beautiful! ancient and interesting graveyard to wander around and inside, if you can, get through to the main church and have a look at the wonderful carvings, magnificent windows and inlaid plaques on the floor. just across the road is the ruin of Dunfermline palace, where Robert the Bruce,Queen Margaret and King Malcolm once lived. The massive park ajoining was gifted from Andrew Carnegie to the people of dunfermline, locally known as 'the glen' its a day out in itself (that review to follow). Take a trip and walk around, the town isn't much to look at but the historic side is very picturesque.