We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 345 Edinburgh Attractions »

Inchcolm Abbey

Hawes Pier | South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
01383 823332
Ranked #9 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 44 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Fee: Yes
Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is...... more » Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two World Wars.Inchcolm means ‘Columba’s Isle’, though the ‘Iona of the east’ has no known link with St Columba. The island is dominated by its dramatically located abbey complex, comprising the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Augustinian canons settled here in the early 12th century, enjoying the island’s isolation and tranquillity. However, its location in the Firth of Forth also made it a target for English naval raids throughout the wars with England from the 14th to the mid-16th century. The brethren increasingly spent more time ashore in Fife. After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island continued to serve in the defence of the country right up to the Second World War. The island’s remains testify to this history of conflict as well as the history of the medieval church in Scotland. The abbey must be reached by boat. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

44 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    33
    9
    2
    0
    0
Date Rating
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

Had a great trip with Skipper Colin but weather was very choppy - luckily no one was ill and we got to see Seals, Puffins, and other birdlife. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by AnnieV965 for Edinburgh
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

We went on a boat tour and were lucky enough to be able to stop here. It was beautiful and truly embodied historical value. Got some great pictures as well! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 19 more reviews by AdrienneGlobeTrotter for Edinburgh
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Travelled from South Queensferry on a sunny but cool morning. Views from the ferry were very good and offered quite a few photographic opportunities. If you are interested in old buildings and history it's worth a visit to the island. The seagulls can be a problem but it is their territory! Take your own food and drinks as there are... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

Kids and adults alike really loved this. Cannot fault at all, really interesting place and very well organised trip. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by paula r for Edinburgh
Kajaani, Finland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

We went to see Incholm Island, it was great! Island is very beautiful and I just loved it. If you love nature, definitely a must go place. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Heidi K for Edinburgh
fife
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

lovely boat ride on forth to inchcolm.Abbey great and island well worth a visit. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by fiferose for Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

Was given a groupon gift and went one Sunday..It was a very foggy rainy day but the whole day was amazing. The boat trip out was great loads to see on the Forth and the shore..Inchcolm was fantastic so much history for such a small isle..I will be going back this year but will wait for a sunny day! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by Tootleaboot for Edinburgh
Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
101 reviews 101 reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
100 helpful votes 100 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012

Although I enjoyed the boat ride along the Firth of Forth to Inchcolm, it did not take long for us to explore the abbey. The day was windy and cold. There is an information center and gift shop on the island, along with a toilet for use. On a beautiful day, the visit would be well worth the time allotment.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 18 more reviews by geismom for Edinburgh
Scotland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

I found a groupon voucher (which they offer a lot) two tickets for the Maid of the Forth boat trip to Inchcolm Island and Abbey for £9 (for two! not each) which was the best £9 I've ever spent. We were very lucky and had a glorious day, the sun was shining and we had a ice cream while waiting... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Louise O for Edinburgh
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

Super visit incredible all those scottish kings buried on this small island great stuff on a lovely day great views More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by brian s for Edinburgh

Travellers who viewed Inchcolm Abbey also viewed

Gilmerton Cove
5 of 5 stars 101 Reviews
Edinburgh, Scotland
Arthur\
4.5 of 5 stars 740 Reviews
Edinburgh, Scotland
 
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
4.5 of 5 stars 975 Reviews
Edinburgh, Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia
4.5 of 5 stars 919 Reviews
Edinburgh, Scotland
 

Been to Inchcolm Abbey? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Inchcolm Abbey, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's