Arbroath Abbey, Medieval abbey ruins in Arbroath, Scotland
Arbroath Abbey is a ruined monastery on the Scottish coast built from honey-colored sandstone. The remains reveal the layout of the church, sacristy, and chapter house where monks once carried out their daily lives and religious duties.
King William the Lion founded this religious center in 1178 and dedicated it to Saint Thomas Becket. The site later became a symbol of Scottish independence when a major declaration was signed there in 1320.
The abbey served as a center for Scottish independence movements and remains tied to the nation's quest for freedom. Visitors sense the weight of important political moments throughout the grounds.
The site is open year-round, with extended hours during warmer months. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and wear sturdy footwear, as parts of the terrain are gravelly and the coastal location makes it windier.
Hidden beneath the ruins lies a sophisticated network of stone tunnels that monks used to move water and supplies throughout the grounds. This concealed system reveals the practical ingenuity of how the monastery managed its daily operations.
Location: Angus
Location: Arbroath and St Vigeans
Inception: 1178
Founders: William, king of Scotland (William the Lion)
Fee: Yes
Opening Hours: March 29-September 30 10:00-12:30,13:30-16:30; October 01-March 28 10:00-12:30,13:30-16:00
Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/arbroath-abbey
GPS coordinates: 56.56250,-2.58222
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30
St Andrew's Parish Church, Arbroath
125 m
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath
422 m
The Corn Exchange
446 m
St. John's Methodist Church, Arbroath
337 m
Arbroath, 88 High Street, Town House
423 m
Arbroath, Dens Road, Baltic Works
396 m
Arbroath, West Abbey Street, Abbey Parish Church
115 m
Erskine Church, 6B Commerce Street, Arbroath
483 m
Arbroath, Old Parish Church
293 m
The Ship Inn, 21 Marketgate, Arbroath
620 m
Arbroath, James Street, Inverbrothock Parish Church
216 m
35, 37, 39, 41, 43 Marketgate, Arbroath
551 m
Ye Lorne Bar, 17 Commerce Street, Arbroath
454 m
Webster Memorial Theatre
506 m
Arbroath, Howard Street, Knox's Church
566 m
Arbroath Guide, 19 Market Place, Arbroath
405 m
Bank, 115-117 High Street, Arbroath
410 m
Nos. 90, 92 and 94 (Former Guildry Buildings), High Street, Arbroath
407 m
Arbroath, Hill Place, Arbroath Academy
324 m
Arbroath Abbey, Churchyard
67 m
Arbroath, Hill Road, Grant's Shoe Factory
612 m
Arbroath, Kirk Square, Telephone Call Box
299 m
Arbroath, 12-18 Keptie Street
608 m
Arbroath, 76 High Street, Bank Of Scotland
469 m
Arbroath, Abbey Street, Abbey Lodge
97 m
Arbroath Abbey, Regality Tower
110 m
Arbroath Abbey, Pend
82 m
Arbroath, 89-91 High Street
450 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes