Melrose Abbey

Abbey Street
Melrose
Scottish Borders
TD6 9LG


Arguably the finest of Scotland's four great Border Abbeys, Melrose Abbey is a magnificent Ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry.

The original abbey was founded during David Is reorganisation of the Scottish Church in 1136 for the Cistercian order which, while dedicated to poverty, contrived to create unprecedented wealth.

Burned down by the English army following the Scots 1385 raid south, the abbey was rebuilt in the 15th century. In stark contrast with the original's simplicity, the elegant new edifice featured stunning ornamentation befitting what was one of the wealthiest monasteries in Scotland.

Melrose abbey is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.

The Commendator's House contains a large collection of objects found during excavation.

Audio guide available.

This property is managed by Historic Scotland.

 

Opening Times
(2008 times)
21st March to 30th September:
Daily 9.30am - 5.30pm.

1st October to 31st March 2009:
Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing.
Closed 25th & 26th December and 1st & 2nd January.

Admission Charges
(2008 prices)
Adult £5.20; Child £2.60; Concession £4.20.

Directions
In Melrose off the A7 or A68.
Show map of Melrose Abbey...

Nearby Attractions
Priorwood Gardens (< 1 Mile)*
Priorwood is a specialist garden where the plants grown are selected for their suitability for drying.
Harmony Garden (< 1 Mile)*
A delightfully tranquil walled garden comprising lawns, herbaceous and mixed borders, vegetable and fruit areas, and a rich display of spring bulbs.
Abbotsford House (1 Mile)*
Abbotsford is the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist, and author of timeless classics such as Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club (17 Miles)*
Set in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, just 23 miles from Edinburgh, this 100 bedroom hotel features an 18 hole par 72 championship golf course designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas and state-of-the-art Leisure facilities including...
Peebles Hotel Hydro (18 Miles)*
Situated in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders, Peebles Hotel Hydro is a complete resort in its own right. All bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, trouser press, TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
De Vere Venue Barony Castle (20 Miles)*
De Vere Venue Barony Castle, an imposing Scottish Manor House, located just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh on the edge of the Scottish Borders.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Garden Cottage (5 Miles)*
Maxton is a wonderful area for ramblers (a path through the grounds joins St Cuthberts Way walk), archeologists - the region is full of reminders of the areas turbulent past with ruined Abbeys, Castles, Towers and Forts.
Parkhouse Cottage (5 Miles)*
A really welcoming dwelling in all seasons. Just enjoy the peace of the surrounding countryside, or visit the many castles, country houses, gardens and visitor attractions. As well as extensive walking opportunities
Thirlestane Castle (8 Miles)*
The State Apartment is located within the Castle’s south wing, with private access and exceptional views of the parkland to the front of the Castle. Nestling in the gentle Border Hills.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Popular Pages

Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

 Copyright © 1999-2008 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map