📌 Arbroath, Angus
★★★
🛠️ Abbey closed for masonry work, but visitor centre / exhibition / grounds open with reduced admission fee (checked April 2024)
This 12th century monastery founded by William I is found close to the centre of Arbroath. Though extensively dismantled following the Reformation of 1560, the mixture of intact and ruined areas still make for an impressive sight, with highlights including the double-towered west entrance, south transept and abbot’s house. It has a particularly important place in Scottish history: in 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath was signed here, claiming and defending Scotland’s independence. The document can be explored further in the excellent visitor centre, which was extensively remodelled in 2020 (after the photos below were taken). We’re hoping to revisit soon.
🌍 Location
📌 Abbey Street, 5-min walk north of Arbroath town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NO 643413
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.562208,-2.582377
🚆🚌 Train / bus to Arbroath
🚗 Street parking
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 £10 adult / £6 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members
