Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, Scotland

Dunfermline Abbey has a history stretching back to the 11th century. David I, son of King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret raised the little priory to the lofty status of abbey. He endowed it richly. The great nave of the abbey still stands largely complete, the most visually stunning example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland.

The abbey church is also famous as the resting place of some of Scotland’s great kings and queens. They include Queen Margaret (canonised as St Margaret), David I and King Robert Bruce. Late on in its history, the abbey cloister became a royal palace. Charles I was born here, in 1600.

Dunfermline Palace is connected to the former monastic residential quarters of the abbey via a gatehouse. The building occupies what was originally the guest house of the abbey. However, its remains largely reflect the form in which the building was developed by James IV in a refabrication around 1500. Throughout the sixteenth century, Scotland's monarchs and royal family members were frequently in residence.

The last monarch to occupy the palace was Charles II who stayed at Dunfermline in 1650 just before the Battle of Pitreavie. Soon afterwards, during the Cromwellian occupation of Scotland, the building was abandoned and by 1708 it had been unroofed.

All that remains of the palace today is the kitchen, its cellars, and the impressive south wall.

Opening Times

In the summer months the Abbey Church is open:
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 2.00pm - 4.30pm

(Closed during wedding and funeral services)

The adjoining ancient nave, palace and gatehouse are open the following period:
April-September:
Monday-Sunday 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30

October:
Monday-Sunday 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30

Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

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Ticket Prices

Adult £4.00
Child £2.40
Concession £3.20

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Disabled Facilities

Anyone who may be experiencing difficulty entering the Abbey Church from the Nave, on account of frailty or infirmity, is asked to speak to the Minister direct (Tel: 01383 721022) in order that access might be provided.

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More Information

Telephone: 01383 739 026

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