Jedburgh Abbey Scotland is one fo the most impressive religious buildings in the area. In the heart of the Borders town, its 3 levels of arches still standing are remarkable. Do not miss it!
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Jedburgh Abbey Scotland - Video
Let's start with a short video exploring Jedburgh Abbey Scotland:
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Jedburgh Abbey Scotland
Sure, Jedburgh Abbey does not have the atmosphere of Melrose Abbey but it is one of the most impressive buildings in Scotland. The ruins are in great condition as you can still admire the full structure of the church.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
How to get to Jedburgh Abbey Location
- In the heart of Jedburgh, along Road A68
- Jedburgh Abbey from Edinburgh: 1h15 min drive on A68
- 20min drive South from Melrose Abbey or Dryburgh Abbey
- 20 min drive South West from Kelso Abbey
The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available on both Travel Guide eBooks: The Road Trip Guide Scotland and The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye
Visiting Jedburgh Abbey Scotland
- Jedburgh Abbey opening times: 9:30 to 5:30 from Apr to Sept - 10am to 4pm in Winter (last entry 30min before closure)
- Picnic tables inside and outside with views of the Abbey
- Parking is down the road from the abbey
- Toilets in the entry building
- Steps to walk around and 34 narrow steps to the platform view
- Museum and costumes for kids
- Plan 30min to 1h30 to visit depending on your interests
Jedburgh Abbey entrance
Jedburgh abbey is better set up than all the other abbeys. As you enter the entrance building you get upstairs in a room where you can:
- read about the History of the Abbey
- admire the miniature version of what it may have looked like in 1510 when the rose window was inserted
- play with costumes (but children only...)
- just sit and admire the ruins
Jedburgh Abbey history
Here are a few background facts about the Jedburgh Abbey history:
- It is an Augustinian Abbey founded in the 12th century, built close to an important political center
- The apse was rebuilt in the 13th century making the church complete
- A rose window was inserted on the West facade in the 15th century
- Located 16km from the border with England (10miles) so it was frequently targeted by the invading armies
- It was abandoned in 1560
- It was built over more than 70 years
- Its architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic
There is a small building behind the church was you can learn more about the hisotry and construction of Jedburg Abbey:
Jedburgh Abbey Ruins
Although most of the buildings fell and disappeared the church remains in very good condition. You can still admire the whole structure:
On the whole site you can still well made explanation with representations of what used to be there:
Inside Jedburgh Abbey Scotland
After admiring the exterior, get inside. Look closer at the doors and their carvings.
Once inside the arches are even more impressive and in very good conditions:
Perspective from East End
As you walk towards the east you pass under the high tower. Compared to the rest of the Jedburgh Abbey Scotland it is very square. The perspective from the end is remarkable.
Artefacts and tombs
Excavations have unearthed artefacts: an ivory comb, a shirne...
The church is also home to the a 12th century tomb cover that may be from John, Bishop of Gasgow and the tomb of William Schomberg.
West End of Melrose Abbey Scotland
As the West end of the church, under the rosace, is another beautiful door. You can aslo find the entrance to a staircase taking you to the first level.
The staircase is very narrow but there are only 34 steps and there is a different one to get down so you don't have to cross anyone.
Do not miss this entrance as you will get a magnificent view of the building and a great perspective on the arches.
Look at the size of people to realize the sheer size of the building:
More Jebdburgh Abbey photos
You can also walk in the garden at the back. I did not have enough space to capture to whole abbey and missed my panoramic. But you still get an idea...
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
Impressive that it is still standing, isn't it?
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