Overview
Discover a place so beloved by Robert the Bruce, he chose it as the final resting place for his heart. Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale, and it was a highly desirable place to be buried.
David I founded Scotland’s first Cistercian monastery in 1136. Being so close to the border, Melrose Abbey suffered at English hands during the Middle Ages. Rebuilt in the 1380s, it was used as an abbey until the Protestant Reformation of 1560. Afterwards, the existing monks were allowed to stay on: the last died in 1590.
What to see and do
- Admire the graceful architecture of the abbey church, among Britain’s finest church architecture of the late 1300s
- Take in the charming sculpture – look out for the famous bagpipe-playing Melrose pig
- Step inside the chapter house, where a heart believed to be that of Robert the Bruce is buried
- Visit the Commendator’s House Museum to see a rich collection of medieval objects found in the abbey cloister
- Download a map of the abbey to discover the highlights
- Take our fun fact-finding quiz or give our wordsearch a try.
- Audio guide: tour through the abbey with our audio guide using your own mobile phone or one of our devices - included in ticket price.
- Talks: join us, Tuesday to Saturday at 2.30pm & 3.30pm. Learn more about the abbeys connections to Robert the Bruce, Old Melrose, St Cuthbert, King David I, King Alexander II and The Black Douglases. Talks are approximately 20 minutes and are included in admission price. Please note, availability of guides and the topics of the talks vary from day to day so please call ahead to confirm details.
- Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June: join us for a family fun weekend in partnership with the borders book festival, free entry all weekend.
Holiday Let
A unique opportunity to stay in the Cloister House, with direct views of the magnificent Melrose Abbey, it's perfect for history and country lovers to enjoy a time of relaxation.
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