What about one day trip to Scottish Borders? I can highly recommend a Melrose Abbey one day trip – a XIIth Century magnificent ruins, where the heart of Robert The Bruce is resting in peace. It’s only 45 km from Edinburgh!
Beautiful and charming Melrose town is situated in the south – east Scotland, upon river Tweed.
Visiting Abbey was a part of my one day trip to Scottish Borders, it’s one of the most touristic places in Scotland.
How to get to Melrose Abbey?
Melrose Abbey
Abbey Street
Melrose
Roxburghshire
TD6 9LG
National Grid reference: NT 548 341
Telephone: 01896 822 562
Parking
There’s a public car parking space 75 m from the Abbey / extra paid.
Audio tour
I think it’s a must – you wander around the Abbey with atmospheric monks chorals in your ears.
Handsets are available to borrow free of charge. Audio tours include a version for visitors with learning difficulties.
Short history of Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey was built in 650 AD by monks (it was called The Abbey of Old Melrose or Mailros) – they came here from St Columba’s monstery on Iona (A Scottish island). You’ve probably heard about St Cuthbert – he became Prior of Melrose Abbey in 664 AD. In 839 AD Melrose Abbey was destroyed by Kenneth McAlpine (a King of Scots). In 1136 it was rebuilt by Kind David I and Cistercian monks from Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire. Twelve monks were working to rebuilt this beautiful place. In 1385 AD Abbey was burnt by king Richard II, last devastation came in 1544 AD because of Henry VIII who married two years old Maria Stuart. He destroyed everything on his way. Last monks died in Melrose Abbey in 1600 AD.
What kind of view can you see here?
Highlights of the visit:
A bagpipe pig – look around you, you will find it easily!
The Commendators House + Museum
A resting place of Robert The Bruce’s heart – his body is in Dumfermline Abbey.
Opening hours:
1 April to 30 September:
Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October to 31 March:
Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Closed
25 and 26 December
1 and 2 January
Admission
Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE
Adult: £5.50
Child aged 5–15: £3.30
Child under 5: FREE
Concession: £4.40
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 60+ or unemployed.
More about Melrose Abbey
Visit Scotland page
Undiscovered Scotland
COMPANIES PROVIDING TOURS TO MELROSE ABBEY & SCOTTISH BORDERS
- you can find their office on Royal Mile
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