Did you know
The glen of cabbages.
The old name of the valley, the Kail Glen, is the Scots for Val des Choux, the monks' mother house in Burgundy.
Morayshire
Pluscarden Abbey
A medieval monastery in a quiet glen near Elgin, founded in 1230 and home to Benedictine monks who sing the daily office in Gregorian chant.
Welcome
In a quiet, wooded glen six miles south-west of Elgin, the great sandstone church of Pluscarden Abbey rises from its lawns.
Visited and photographed by Simon Hird
It is the only medieval monastery in Britain still used for the purpose it was built for, and a community of Benedictine monks lives, works and prays here today.
King Alexander the Second founded it in 1230 for the Valliscaulians, a small order from Burgundy found in only three places in Britain. The valley's old name, the Kail Glen, is simply the Scots for their mother house, the Val des Choux.
Visitors are welcome every day from early morning until evening, and there is no charge. Parts of the church and grounds are open, an exhibition tells the story of the abbey and its monks, and there is a gift shop. Best of all, you can join the monks at Mass or one of the daily offices, sung in Gregorian chant.
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Before you go
Open every day, 4.30am to 8.30pm, and free.
- Where
- Six miles south-west of Elgin, IV30 8UA.
- Founded
- 1230.
- Entry
- Free.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Tuesday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Wednesday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Thursday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Friday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Saturday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
- Sunday
- 4.30am–8.30pm
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Did you know
Still doing its first job.
Pluscarden is the only medieval monastery in Britain still used for its original purpose.
Ben Lerwill
From our guide to Moray
It was the thirteenth century when a community of monks first came to this quiet glen, and the historic Pluscarden Abbey now stands as the only medieval British monastery still being used for its original purpose. Its monks still use Gregorian chant at Mass every day in the abbey church, and guests are welcome to experience its unique atmosphere on retreats or shorter visits.
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What is new across Morayshire, day by day.
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What is on in MorayshireWhere it is
In a quiet glen six miles south-west of Elgin, easily reached by road from the town, IV30 8UA.
Close byElgin.
Thorabella Farm5 miles as the crow flies
Dandy Lion StatueElgin's most talked-about statue: a top-hatted lion with a mermaid's tail on the Plainstones, every part of him a piece of the town's story.7 miles 23 min by road
Orrin RestaurantA modern Scottish restaurant in Elgin, cooking seasonal produce for an à la carte menu and an eight-course tasting menu with wines.7 miles 23 min by road
ElginThe county town six miles away.7 miles 25 min by road
Elgin CathedralThe cathedral Alexander the Second also founded.7 miles 24 min by road
Roseisle ForestPinewoods and a long beach on the coast.12 miles 31 min by road
Stay nearby
Places to stay near the abbey, and when each is next free.
Callie Bothy- Sleeps 2
- In Pluscarden
- A mile from Pluscarden Abbey
The Gatehouse- Sleeps 4
- In Elgin
- 10 miles from Pluscarden Abbey
Innes House- Sleeps 38
- In Elgin
- 10 miles from Pluscarden Abbey
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Viewfield Farmhouse- Sleeps 8
- In Elgin
- 10 miles from Pluscarden Abbey
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What we have written about it, the collections it is in and more in Morayshire.
Find out more
For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .