Sweetheart Abbey
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Overview
Lady Devorgilla of Galloway founded Balliol College, Oxford in memory of her husband John Balliol; she also founded this abbey in his memory in 1273. When she died in 1289 she was buried in front of the high altar with the heart of her husband resting on her bosom; hence the name 'Sweetheart Abbey'. The abbey features an unusual precinct wall of enormous boulders.
Ratings & awards
Green Tourism Silver
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily 9.30-5.30; Oct, daily 10-4; Nov-Mar, Sat-Wed 10-4 (last admission 30mins before closing). Closed 25-26 Dec & 1-2 Jan. Check website for unexpected closures
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
Dumfries and Galloway is a wonderfully undiscovered corner of Scotland – a romantic land of wooded glens, high hills and exposed moorland, haunted by its colourful past and the ghosts of those who fell in fierce and bloody battles. Heading west from Gretna Green you soon reach Dumfries, straddling the River Nith, where you may see red-breasted mergansers in summer.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
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