Sweetheart Abbey

what a beautiful setting

Okay I wouldnt want to carry my husbands heart with me but it is a romantic place Parts of it are in good condition and its historic scotland so free for the members of there or historic scotland. Threre is quite a lot left to this place so give yourself half an hour to walk around
I am sure that it is here where we went last time and they had turned the toilets into 20p a go so carry some on you in case
Have a read of the gravestones as some are quite touching

stunning place, really needs to be seen to be believed.

nicer than the similar dunfermline abbey, and just as historic!

Sweetheart Abbey is situated in the lovely little village of New Abbey in Dumfries and Galloway. The abbey was founded in 1273 by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway, in memory of her late husband, John Balliol. When she died in 1289, her body was laid to rest before the high altar and a casket containing her husband’s embalmed heart was placed beside her. Hence the name 'Sweetheart Abbey’.

The last of the monks left the abbey in the early 1600’s and it was left to perish until locals acquired it in the 19th century. It has been taken well care of since and various parts are still standing and in good condition including; the nave, the choir, bell tower and the stonework of the great east window. Plus, there is an effigy of Devorgilla, holding the casket with the embalmed heart of her husband.

The abbey is surrounded by a large wall which it’s claimed is the most complete precinct walls surviving round a Scottish medieval monastery.

As a visitors attraction I would recommend the abbey if you are in the Dumfries and Galloway area. There is a lovely little traditional tearoom just footsteps away from it. On a nice day, it is lovely to sit in the garden with a cup of tea and the spectacular backdrop of the abbey walls. There is also an extremely old graveyard which is fascinating to walk round. Plus, the surrounding village is very picturesque.

The last time I visited the abbey there was a couple getting married amongst the ruin and it was one the most beautiful scenes.