Melrose Abbey is known as one of Scotland's most famous ruins, It nestles below the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Border town of Melrose.
The Abbey is in the centre of Melrose, there is a car park directly opposite the Abbey. The car park has designated disabled car parking bays.
The ticket office for the Abbey is within the shop which you walk through then down some steps to access the Abbey Grounds. For disabled visitors level access can be gained by using the cemetery gates. You need to visit the shop and staff will take you to the gates (there is a key to get in).
The admission fees when I visited were £5.50 with concessions – seniors and students being admitted for £4.40.If there is a disabled person within your party who requires a carer the carer is admitted free of charge.
I was given a free audio tour handset which proved to be very informative.
The Abbey was founded by David l in 1136, but was mostly destroyed by the English Army in 1385. The ruins today are mainly early 15th century. It is thought that the heart of Robert Bruce is buried here. Today it is managed by Historic Scotland.
As soon as I saw the Abbey I was struck by the magnificent architecture lavishly adorned with unusual sculptures such as a Bagpipe playing Pig, Goblins, Ladies, Cooks!!!.
There is a picnic area in the grounds, the grounds have plenty of seating so you can look at this magnificent Abbey. The paths are a mixture of gravel and slate and are wheelchair accessible.
The small museum is housed in the Commendators House and contains a remarkable display of 15th century excavated objects. The museum is separated from the Abbey by Cloisters Road. The museum has a staircase to the first floor (there is no lift).
A visit to this magnificent ruin is well worth it!.
Although there is a well stocked shop and W.C. facilities, there are no onsite café facilities. However, just opposite the Abbey adjoining the car park is The Abbey Coffee Shop where we enjoyed a light lunch followed by some rather nice Victoria Sponge Cake.
There are several other attractions alongside the Abbey within a very short walk. These include the Harmony Garden, The Priorwood Dried flower Garden, The Roman Museum and The Abbey Mill and tea room.
