Sweetheart Abbey

Dumfries & Galloway


The shattered red-sandstone remnants of this 13th-century Cistercian abbey stand in stark contrast to the manicured lawns surrounding them. The abbey, the last of Scotland's major monasteries to be established, was founded by Devorgilla of Galloway in 1273 in honour of her dead husband John Balliol. On his death, she had his heart embalmed and carried it with her until she died 22 years later. She and the heart were buried by the altar: hence the name.

The couple founded Balliol College, Oxford.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dumfries & Galloway attractions

1. New Abbey Corn Mill

0.18 MILES

This 18th-century watermill in the centre of the village is very well preserved. A video sets it in context, and cordial guides will show you the workings…

2. Mabie Farm Park

3.16 MILES

If your kids are complaining about historic sights and Robert Burns, pack up the clan and get down to this spot, between Dumfries and New Abbey off the…

3. Caerlaverock Castle

3.78 MILES

The ruins of Caerlaverock Castle, by Glencaple on a beautiful stretch of the Solway coast, are among the loveliest in Britain. Surrounded by a moat, lawns…

4. Caerlaverock Wetland Centre

5.36 MILES

This protects 546 hectares of salt marsh and mudflats, the habitat for numerous birds, including barnacle geese. There are various activities, including…

5. Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura

5.88 MILES

This museum covers local history and prehistory with a wide range of displays from fossils to farm implements. In the tower is a camera obscura, built in…

6. St Michael's Kirk

5.89 MILES

When visiting Robert Burns' mausoleum in the cemetery, it's worth ducking into the squarish 18th-century church, where he used to worship, to admire the…

7. Robert Burns Mausoleum

5.9 MILES

Burns' mausoleum is in the graveyard at St Michael's Kirk. It's in the far corner (ie eastern corner) from the entrance. There’s a grisly account of his…

8. Burns House

5.96 MILES

This is a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts. It's here that the poet spent the last years of his life, and there are various possessions of his in…