The magnificent sandstone ruins of Sweetheart Abbey dominate the skyline as you approach the village of New Abbey. The Ciscercian Abbey was founded by Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway, as a place of personal devotion to her late husband Lord John Balliol who died in 1268. She had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket which she carried with her everywhere for her remaining 21 years. She named the abbey by its Latin name Dulce Cor, meaning Sweet Heart.
After many years of the Wars of Scottish Independence the abbey was in a dilapidated state when Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas (1328-1400), known as Archibald the Grim, became a major benefactor and financed considerable repairs to the abbey. The Scottish Reformation of the 16th century took a further toll on the abbey.
With a later endowment from her Ladyship, Balliol College, Oxford has become a more lasting memorial.
Opening Hours: Summer:
1 April - 30 September, Daily, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter:
1 October to 31 March:
Daily except Thursday and Friday, 10am to 4pm to 4.30 pm
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing.
Our aim is to serve good, honest food in a relaxed and informal envirornment, with most of our produce locally supplied. We use only free range organic eggs and farmhouse cheeses in our dishes while all our patés are homemade to our own recipes. After relaxing in our...
New Abbey Corn Mill, an 18th century water powered mill, springs to life in the summer months grinding the oats, barley, wheat and pease which would be used by local people as staple foods centuries ago.
You can join guided tours to discover how the mill worked and...
Criffel is the highest and most southerly hill of prominence in Scotland. The views can be well worth the three hour effort getting up and down comfortably. On a clear day it is possible to see England, Ireland and the Isle of Mann. From the car park there is a path...
Caerlaverock Castle is one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses. For 400 years it stood on the very edge of the kingdom playing an important role in the defence of the realm.
Caerlaverock’s triangular shape is unique among British castles. A walk around the...
Our aim is to serve good, honest food in a relaxed and informal envirornment, with most of our produce locally supplied. We use only free range organic eggs and farmhouse cheeses in our dishes while all our patés are homemade to our own recipes. After relaxing in our...
Caerlaverock Castle is one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses. For 400 years it stood on the very edge of the kingdom playing an important role in the defence of the realm.
Caerlaverock’s triangular shape is unique among British castles. A walk around the...
The Globe Inn was the favourite "howff" (Scots for public house, pub, haunt) of Robert Burns during his stay in Dumfries in the late 18th century. This is where the partying poet met his friends and of course the lassies.
First established in 1610, the Globe Inn is one...