You could spend the whole day here with kids -take a picnic. The boats from South Queensferry are frequent and you can return on any one you want, not just the next one. Tickets for the island are extra to the boat trip but bought on board. There are toilets at the visitor center.
Inchcolm Abbey, Edinburgh
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Inchcolm Abbey
Hawes Pier | South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
01383 823332
Website
Update attraction details
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
44 visitor photos
Ranked #8 of 175 attractions in Edinburgh
Type: Historic Sites
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description:
David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is...
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Owner description:
David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two World Wars.Inchcolm means ‘Columba’s Isle’, though the ‘Iona of the east’ has no known link with St Columba. The island is dominated by its dramatically located abbey complex, comprising the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Augustinian canons settled here in the early 12th century, enjoying the island’s isolation and tranquillity. However, its location in the Firth of Forth also made it a target for English naval raids throughout the wars with England from the 14th to the mid-16th century. The brethren increasingly spent more time ashore in Fife. After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island continued to serve in the defence of the country right up to the Second World War. The island’s remains testify to this history of conflict as well as the history of the medieval church in Scotland. The abbey must be reached by boat.
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Dunfermline
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See 2 more reviews by Slippery-Jim for Edinburgh
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
We had just arrived from summer at home and froze however wondering over the island at leisure was worth every moment of the cold .Wonderful day with wonderful scenery
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See 7 more reviews by mydollsue for Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Gorgeous day trip. Perfectly beautiful and well preserved. Nice place to sit and contemplate or walk.
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See 11 more reviews by Summrs for Edinburgh
UK
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Went on the maid of the forth. Boat trip lovely and the island is beautiful. Great day out. On a nice sunny day take a picnic and its a lovely place to just stop and admire the view. If your a historic Scotland member the island stop is free so only pay for the boat. We didn't and now I'm...
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See 2 more reviews by takerbabe for Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Just returned from a visit with my 6yr old son and we loved it. The experience far exceeded my expectations nd it is steeped in history and wildlife. Well worth a trip for all you explorers out there!!
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Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
Loved the boat trip to the island, it was a warm sunny day.we could see seals on the nearby islands. The abbey is a Well worth a visit.
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See 3 more reviews by Sillysal123456 for Edinburgh
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This is a beautiful little island in the Forth with a medieval abbey on it. The island is full of bird life and some old WWII defences but the main attraction is an almost complete early medieval monastery. Well worth the visit.
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Lymphada has 1 more review of Inchcolm Abbey
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Reviewed 3 February 2013
Winnipeg, Canada
Senior Reviewer
After taking a short boat ride, you arrive at the ruins of Inchcolm Abbey. It is quite peaceful hear - except for the seagulls in nesting season. Bring a picnic lunch with you, then enjoy a leisurely stroll around the ruins and the island.
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See 3 more reviews by 265HeatherM for Edinburgh
edinburgh
Senior Reviewer
The weather when I visited was a blessing. I loved the fact that there were information boards telling you about the sites historical significance and what used to happen there. It's definitely worth a visit to explore the barracks and for the view over the firth of forth from the bell tower!
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See 5 more reviews by travelling2014 for Edinburgh
Staffordshire
Senior Contributor
Highly recommended! Lovely boat trip - great little walk - and it is BEAUTIFUL - I recommend taking a little picnic/packed lunch and enjoying the view.
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