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Cambuskenneth Abbey

1 mile east of Stirling off the A907
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Visit the resting place of King James III and his wife Queen Margaret in the shadow of the mighty Stirling Castle.

Cambuskenneth Abbey was founded in about 1140 by King David I to serve Stirling Castle, which stands a short distance to the west. It was the scene of Robert the Bruce’s parliaments in 1314 and 1326, and the burial place of James III and Margaret of Denmark in the 1480s.

The abbey’s chief delight is the bell tower – there are no parallels for this structure in Scotland. It’s an excellent example of 1200s architecture, with good lancet windows and ornamental arcades.

A row of medieval carved stone fragments displayed indoors, each decorated with intricate floral and foliage patterns. The carvings include stylised leaves, stems, and ornamental motifs, illuminated by natural light from nearby windows.
A close-up of a carved stone fragment showing a small, rounded human-like face emerging from sculpted folds of stone. The surface is worn and textured, highlighting the age of the medieval carving.
A close-up of carved stone figures at the corner of Cambuskenneth Abbey’s tower. One projecting gargoyle figure, covered in green moss, leans outward with hands clasped. Several other carved heads are embedded in the stonework, surrounded by weathered blocks and medieval masonry details.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
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Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
Buy now View details