Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

  • St Margaret’s Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7PE

  • 01383 739 026
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Overview

Some of Scotland’s greatest medieval monarchs were laid to rest at Dunfermline Abbey. Founded as a priory, Dunfermline was made an abbey by David I and later became a royal mausoleum.

Following the Protestant Reformation of 1560, Queen Anna of Denmark created an imposing palace with the monastic guesthouse at its heart. Charles I was delivered here in 1600 – the last monarch to be born in Scotland.

What to see and do

  • Stand in awe of the hugely impressive nave, its Romanesque architecture strikingly similar to that of Durham Cathedral
  • Marvel at the monks’ refectory, a towering structure that spoke volumes about Robert I’s confidence in his kingdom
  • Search for the fossilised crustaceans in the marble plinth of St Margaret’s shrine
  • See the James Ballatine Window in the Nave showing portraits of Queen Margaret, Malcolm Canmore, William Wallace & Robert the Bruce, alongside a Tiffany Window designed for Andrew Carnegie.
  • Explore the only surviving Royal Guesthouse of the four built at religious houses
  • Visit Robert the Bruce’s burial place and see a reconstruction of his original tomb.
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the abbey

Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept: 
Daily except Sun, 10am to 4.30pm; Sun, 1pm to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm).

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily except Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.15pm).

The cathedral is a working church and opening hours may vary due to private services and events. Please check the 'Prices & times' tab for details or visit dunfermlineabbey.co.uk

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