Arbroath Abbey

Arbroath Abbey which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and interior views
Arbroath Abbey featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements
Arbroath Abbey showing heritage architecture and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Arbroath Abbey which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
Arbroath Abbey featuring building ruins and heritage elements


Wander around the magnificent red sandstone ruins of a medieval monastery signifying Arbroath’s eminence in the historic Scottish kingdom.

Arbroath Abbey, with crumbling arcades and towering transept, has endured as an icon in the town since its foundation in 1178. See it on grassy grounds at the northern end of Arbroath’s charming High Street. Arbroath Abbey once functioned as a beacon for homecoming sailors and offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval Scottish history.

As you approach the abbey, notice the warm tones of the locally quarried red sandstone. This was once the wealthiest abbey in Scotland, but its connections to royalty run deeper than riches. It is thought that the momentous 1320 Declaration of Arbroath and its pronouncement of Scottish independence were drafted here.

Head to the Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre, a subtly designed interpretive centre where you can learn about the site’s heritage and discover a collection of informative exhibits. See fine examples of carved stonework as well as a scale model of the complex. Pick up an audio-visual device and embark on a walk-through tour of the abbey.

Check out the late Norman and early English architecture of the abbey and try to imagine what it would have looked like when the Tironensian monks walked the cloisters. Wander along the abbey’s paths to trace the remnants of the sacristy, transepts, presbytery and nave. Signposts offer information about each building. On the southern transept, note the circular window high on the wall. Mariners used the light shining through this window as a beacon when navigating this part of the North Sea. North of the crumbling towers of the nave, you’ll find a small cemetery.

Arbroath Abbey is located north of central Arbroath. It is a few minutes’ walk from Arbroath Train Station. The abbey is wheelchair accessible. Disabled parking is available at the complex’s parking lot. The abbey and visitor centre are open daily, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2. The admission fee includes access to the visitor centre and audio-visual guides. Concession tickets are available.

For more Arbroath history, be sure to visit the harbour district and the Signal Tower Museum.

Popular places to visit


Top Arbroath Abbey Hotel Deals

Carnoustie Golf Hotel
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
4 out of 5
The Links, Carnoustie, Scotland
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
19th Hole Hotel
19th Hole Hotel
3.5 out of 5
8 Ferrier Street, Carnoustie, Scotland
19th Hole Hotel
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee, Scotland
Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
3 out of 5
2 South Union Street, Dundee, Scotland
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
Fisherman's Tavern Hotel - Inn by Greene King Inns
Fisherman's Tavern Hotel - Inn by Greene King Inns
3 out of 5
10-16 Fort Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland
Fisherman's Tavern Hotel - Inn by Greene King Inns
Malmaison Dundee
Malmaison Dundee
4 out of 5
44 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee, Scotland
Malmaison Dundee
Old Course Hotel
Old Course Hotel
5 out of 5
Old Station Road, St. Andrews, Scotland
Old Course Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.