Melrose Abbey

Much of the abbey and grounds are open to visitors. Wander through the majestic ruins of the abbey church, climb to the top of the bell tower for views over Melrose, and admire mediaval artifacts from the cloister in the Commendator's House Museum.

Some areas of the abbey will be closed while we carry out vital conservation work.

How we look after our sites

View Melrose Abbey on Google maps

Journey Planners

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.

There is a Pay and Display public car park 75m from the abbey and electric charging points are available (run by Scottish Borders Council) with two accessible bays, but this can be busy during summer months.

There is also on-road parking nearer to the site.

Carers tickets

In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate. Proof of disability is not required. We offer free entry for up to two accompanying carers. This can be added when making your booking.

Parking

There is a pay and display car park 75m from the abbey with two accessible bays. There is also on-road parking nearer to the site.

What to expect at the site

The abbey is approached along a level tarmac path. The shop has ramped access and a door which is 0.78m wide.

While high-level masonry inspections are taking place, alternative arrangements are in place for visitors requiring an accessible route. This will provide access to the cloister, foundations, cemetery (via a grassy incline) and the ground floor of the museum. Unfortunately, there is no accessible access to Robert the Bruce's heart. 

If you would like to use the accessible route, staff will accompany you from the shop to a level entrance approximately 100m away on Cloisters Road, which is 1.02m wide.

Audio guide

Print versions of the audio guide are available in both large print and Open Dyslexic large print. These are also available to download onto your own device.

Dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas. Visitors' dogs are allowed at Melrose Abbey, but are not permitted in roofed areas. 

Toilets

Toilets are at the east of the site via 6 stone steps with no handrails. The nearest adapted toilet is on Abbey Street, 170m away.

Melrose Abbey reviews on Euan's Guide

• Accessible by public transport
• Bicycle rack
• Coach parking
• Car parking
• Picnic area
• Shop
• Toilets
• Water bottle refill