Sweetheart Abbey
The red sandstone ruin of a Cistercian abbey at New Abbey, founded by Lady Dervorguilla in memory of her husband John Balliol.
In the village of New Abbey, between the great bulk of Criffel and the shining Solway, stand the blood-red sandstone walls of Sweetheart Abbey, vivid against the green grass.
The abbey was founded in the thirteenth century by Lady Dervorguilla in memory of her husband, John Balliol. The monks named it Dulce Cor, sweet heart, in her memory. Its great abbey church, dedicated to St Mary, survives almost complete despite centuries of war and change, with its tall arches and the tracery of a great window still standing.
The abbey is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and opens most days of the week, from ten until four. Check before you go, and pair it with a walk up Criffel.
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10am to 4pm, closed Fridays and Saturdays; check Historic Environment Scotland before you go.
- Where
- New Abbey, near Dumfries, DG2 8BU.
- Founded
- By Lady Dervorguilla.
- Named
- Dulce Cor, sweet heart.
Opening hours
Their website- Monday
- 10am–4pm
- Tuesday
- 10am–4pm
- Wednesday
- 10am–4pm
- Thursday
- 10am–4pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 10am–4pm
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Add your reviewIn the village of New Abbey, south of Dumfries, DG2 8BU.
CriffelThe hill above the abbey.3 miles 6 min by road
Loch Arthur Creamery and Farm ShopA Camphill community that has been making its own cheese since 1985.6 miles 14 min by road
Kilnford Farm ShopA farm shop, butchery and café in restored barns on the edge of Dumfries, selling the farm's own Galloway beef and Blackface lamb.6 miles as the crow flies
Southerness LighthouseScotland's second-oldest lighthouse.9 miles 15 min by road
Sandyhills BeachA sandy bay on the Solway.11 miles 16 min by road
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What we have written about it, the collections it is in and more in Dumfries and Galloway.
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