Pluscarden Abbey image

Pluscarden Abbey

Tourist attraction Monastery Abbey

One of the Best Places To Visits in Moray


Address

Pluscarden, Elgin IV30 8UA, United Kingdom

Website

www.pluscardenabbey.org

Contact

+44 1343 890257

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (313 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), 4:30 am to 8:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), 4:30 am to 8:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 4:30 am to 8:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm
  • Thursday: 4:30 am to 8:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (14) beautiful (14) peaceful (8) monks (8) Abbey (6) grounds (6) peace (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Chris R. 1 year ago on Google
    Another item ticked off our places to visit list. Still as beautiful as I remember. Such a peaceful place set in stunning surroundings. Inhabited by Benedictine monks, this is a working Abbey. There are plenty of wildlife to see in the grounds so keep your eyes and ears peeled. There looks to be renovations planned to the site. There is plenty of parking and picnic tables available. Entry and parking is free but I am sure they would appreciate any donations to help them with day yo day and the renovation costs. Fully recommend a visit to see something a little different.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paweł A. 3 years ago on Google
    Simply fantastic abbey located in the middle of nowhere, so silent around it. You can easily feel God around the place. Shame it is still closed for visitors because of covid.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave F. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the most special places in the world. An absolute must see if you are in Moray or if you are curious about the life of benedictine monks.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane K. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved my visit to the abbey. I'm not a religious person but there's definitely a calm and contemplative vibe both inside and out. Worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark R. 1 year ago on Google
    I have never been anywhere that the peace is so palpable. As the oldest working monetary in the UK still in use by the order who founded it, God's presence has seeped into the very walls of this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne Marie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful well kept grounds with benches to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. The abbey is stunning with services that can be attended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charles N. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful quiet place, the graveyard is very unusual, with wooden crosses with a sort of roof over each one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug T. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely quiet and peaceful place, little bit out of the way but definitely worth the visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Esther A. 9 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful, tranquil place of peace. Interesting display boards around tth free grounds and inside the vestibule, giving the history of the Abbey and detailing some of the daily life and work of the present monks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pirkko K. 6 months ago on Google
    It was a most lovely experience. I miss this place.

  • 5/5 Fabian S. 9 months ago on Google
    A very special place for all faiths but especially if you're Catholic. The Latin mass was beautiful and touching. The monks were friendly and very welcoming. A serene place to reflect in peace and harmony. A beautiful place to visit. A definite must.

  • 4/5 Alison M. 7 months ago on Google
    The Abbey is beautiful ., peaceful and an oppertunity for some quiet reflection. Nice wee shop to buy some fresh honey and a few religious souvenirs, but also some artwork. We missed the services but looking forward to a return visit.

  • 4/5 Marthinus R. 8 months ago on Google
    A beautiful building from tje 13th century, partly destroyed during the Reformation, partly restored in the 20th century. It is an active monastry with monks living on the grounds. You can visit parts of the buildings, and attend the services. There is a small shop that sells some local produce and some religious items. The Abby lies in a valley surrounded by forests. Well worth a visit

  • 4/5 angela w. 7 months ago on Google
    A very quite and peaceful place, where people can stay and contemplate life. Monks live and work there & hold regular services in the church, which has been rebuilt after falling into disrepair. The church has lovely stained glass windows & although plain, is atmospheric. It has a car park and well worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Brian H. 11 months ago on Google
    Of all the places to visit in Scotland, this is my favourite. Most Scots are unaware of this delightfully holy place but it really is worth visiting. The peace and tranquility you find at the services in the Church is reflected in the surrounding countryside. Catholic or non Catholic or even non Christian there is something to be found in this place.

  • 5/5 Jill C. 10 months ago on Google
    Pluscarden holds many special memories for me and my family. A very tranquil and beautiful abbey surrounded by breathtaking scenery. A very happy place for me

  • 5/5 Brian L. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most peaceful places I've ever visited and very beautiful

  • 5/5 C. G. B. 1 year ago on Google
    Simply stunning stained glass windows and beautiful building set within very peaceful grounds.

  • 5/5 Patsy G. 1 year ago on Google
    Time any visit to experience one of their Gregorian chants. Uplifting experience. Beautiful place of serenity.

  • 5/5 Antony M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a peaceful place that I even felt a little detached from the bustle of normal life while I sat there looking slowly round me. It was good to see renovation work being carried out, the stonemason clearly has skill and the patience to work to precision. Entering is almost like stepping back in time. The only thing I was a little disappointed about was visitors are limited to the main entrance hall and a side part of the Chappel. For someone like myself with an interest in our history, it was a shame I was unable to enjoy more of the stonework and design of the building and contents. However I can understand that the monks need some private areas and they need to protect their work and artifacts from over enthusiastic visitors and those who would covet what they see. It is the society they are trying to separate themselves from, though I have no doubt the taxman will still not leave them alone. I wish the monks the best and hope they can find their inner peace here. I have found mine in my family, but we all need to cope in our own way.

  • 4/5 Mike D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting historic place ...beautiful building and lovely applejuice.

  • 5/5 Theresa K S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful but the Abbey was closed due to Covid. We still had a lovely time walking in the grounds and visiting the gift shop.

  • 5/5 C W. 1 year ago on Google
    A very tranquil place to relax or simply join the chanting worship led by the monks.

  • 5/5 Pat W. 1 year ago on Google
    I visit The Abbey for the firstIt was so beautiful I will definitely be going backSoonI stayed from us it was absolutely beautiful thy song like angels in heaven It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever beeni feel so at peaceAmen

  • 4/5 Alan N. 1 year ago on Google
    little to see and do, kids would get easily bored, but the Abbey itself is excellent and do plan your visit to attend a service, the chanting is amazing and the whole ambience is very peaceful and calm.


Call +44 1343 890257 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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