Balmerino Abbey (National Trust for Scotland)

One of the Best Places To Visits in Balmerino Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. An abbey, mills & farm all from 12 men arriving on foot nearly 800 years ago. The winter aconites (beautiful & toxic) had just started to emerge on 2nd January 2025. The ruins of a Cisterian monastery founded in the 13th century by monks from Melrose Abbey on the invitation of Queen Ermengarde, the widow of King William I. She was buried in front of the high alter in 1233. After several attacks, the badly damaged buildings became the home of Lird Balmerino in 1603 which helped to preserve the remains. In the grounds is one of Scotlands oldest trees, a chestnut from the 1500's. There is a useful information board. Perfect picnic spot . Made a simple circular walk by parking at the cemetery then to the abbey then the beach along a bit and back up up to the cemetery. Perfect day out. Stunning area. I was in the area so decided to stop and have a look-see. What is left is in ruins but you get the general idea of what it looked like all those years ago. Fencing around what is left so keep out as tge roof is held up on support. The trees are the same with support under the heavy branches. A quiet spot, but not a great deal to explore as most of the interesting bits are fenced off. There are the odd bit of 13thC masonry, but quite a lot of later building from when it was converted, first into a Manor House and later into a farm. If you have the time check out the 400 year old sweet chestnut. Parking is rather a squeeze, with a large farm entrance on the opposite side of the narrow lane. Not a huge amount to see but the info board and ground signage greatly assist in giving one a pretty good picture of what existed so long ago. Great bit of history and a nice wee walk around. Not much left but still has a presence. The 400 odd year old chestnut tree in the grounds is worth seeing. Abbey is literally a minute walk from the fife coastal path so a great little diversion when out walking the coastal path. There is plenty parking on the street just outside the abbey if you come by car. Numerous benches scattered around the site to allow you to sit and take in the ruins or to just listen to the birds. What an incredible spot! Built in 1229 this landmark Abbey is a place unto itself. The structure teaches a preview of what life would have been like back in the 1200's. Absolutely awe inspiring, highly recommended... Peaceful location. Parking at roadside, access by a couple of steps. An illustrated information board is at the entrance, and ground-level markers inform you of what is/was there. Free entry, with donation box. Was excited to go see this Abbey, climb the steps and take a pic or two from the upper level, unfortunately the building has been fenced off and I did not want to climb over it and possibly hurt myself just for a picture. Still worth a visit but you cannot properly explore the still standing section of the Abbey. Also there is a bit round the back where you should have been able to go in but there is a door here which has been locked. Peaceful ruins with a beautiful ancient tree and a nature trail that's great for dogs (and kids!) There's very little left standing except a few foundations, the chapter house and a vaulted cellar. Unfortunately it's not in a great state and looks on the verge of collapse. The site is managed by NTS so I'm surprised they haven't done anything about consolidating what remains. The chapter house is fenced off as a result. Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. See how the number of reviews and average review scores have changed over time.