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Inchcolm Abbey and Island, South Queensferry

4.8
#11 of 74 in Historic Sites in Edinburgh
Historic Site · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
Inchcolm Abbey and Island has the most whole surviving remains of any Scottish monastic house. The cloisters, chapter house, warming house, and refectory are all complete, and most of the remaining cloistral buildings survive in a largely complete state. The least well-preserved part of the medieval abbey is the monastic church. While you explore, be on the lookout for an inscription carved above the entrance: "May this house stand until an ant drains the flowing sea, and a tortoise walks around the whole world." The ruins are cared for by Historic Scotland, which also maintains a visitor center near the landing pier where you can get plenty of information on the attraction and surrounding areas. See Inchcolm Abbey and Island and all Edinburgh has to offer by arranging your trip with our Edinburgh trip maker site.
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Inchcolm Abbey and Island reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
938 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By sagard725
    Chose this as an activity during a stop over in Edinburgh. We booked a tour on Fourth Boat Tours. The tour allows 1.5 hours on the island which is ample time to visit the ruins of the monastery and...  more »
  • By Scottish-Hidden-Gems
    This island is known as iona of the east but it doesn't even compare! The abbey is dark and dingy with bird poo everywhere. There is no lights inside so take a torch, the layout is VERY confusing...  more »
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Google
  • By Sal Munur
    The abbey is the perfect place for a game of hide and seek! So many little stairways and secret rooms. Fun to explore with the family
  • By VISHWAS A
    Inchcolm is very properly maintained by Scottish historical society authorities. You can take ferry to go to this place from Queensferry. Ferry will left you on this island for 1.5 hours. This is very scenic place and of historic importance. Building is very properly maintained. Scottish historic society staff is available to assist you. You can roam around and see the beauty of this island.
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