pluscarden abbey

thetwowanderers

Pluscarden Abbey is a really lovely place to visit. Hidden from the road, access once you reach the entrance road is via a lovely tree lined road which at the time of our visit was carpeted with snowdrops. If you are disabled it is possible to drive straight up to the abbey as there is a car park directly opposite. The small gift shop is also located here but unfortunately it was closed when we visited.We were in time to enjoy the monks taking part in Vespers at 17 30 and the memory of the Gregorian chant will be with me for a long time. It is a very peaceful place and the stained glass is beautiful. We will certainly return.

whitwham

Pluscarden is home to Benedict monks and is a peaceful and restful place to visit. We have been many times and in the summer it is bright and colourful. It has a small shop with an honesty box and it sells honey, books and other church items. You see the monks occasionally wandering around and people are allowed to sit in on the mass. It holds events and conferences from time to time. The grounds are a pleasure to just wander around and sit and take in the tranquil environment that the abbey sits in.I imagine it may be hard to find for any traveller not from the area as it is situated down a little country lane, you find a drive with a small sign but you may miss it or think it is private.There are toilet facilities here.

ruthl846

A place to wander round and relax. Visitors area to listen to services. Mass. Shop on site for honey, goods, books etc.

peterannelies

We passed the abbey along the back roads and stopped for a visit. It was not really clear from the road whether we could enter or not - but we walked in anyway. Glorious peaceful place that continues the monastic tradition .. We were there in the evening and joined in the 'vespers', joining with the monks in their regular worship. Gives a real sense of vocation and peace; also insights into how it must have been all over Europe all these years ago.

daniellI7881BC

The Benedictines have a long and rich history and their is a long association with this part of Scotland stretching back till well before the Reformation in C16. It was nice to hear them chant the divine office on Christmas day.I would try the traditional Benedictines first (the nearest are in France) if I myself were thinking of a vocation.

venettam2014

I have been here many times. for the services and the shop visit. Very peaceful brothers friendly and helpful.One can stay for a retreat if desired

trevorh848

Interesting history and the gregorian singing by the monks is something very special. Worth a trip but check out when the singing is on.

jamesdX5215XI

I have visited the Abbey many many times and it never fails to impress me as to how quiet and tranquil it is. It is also a joy in this day and age to enter the gift shop and find a trust box for purchases and I only hope and pray that this will never be abused and can continue for many years,

268clarem

The moto ,In this place I will give you peace.One of the most peaceful places I have ever visited.A marvel to see how the monks have restored this beautiful place.I loved it .

margareth724

Retreat to the relaxing surroundings of Pluscarden Abbey and imbibe the peaceful ambience amid gorgeous greenery. Take as long as you like to unwind and enjoy this remarkably hallowed environment which has been seeped by hundreds of years of prayerful influence. Enjoy the friendliness of the shop while you select your items to capture this powerful memory.The tree-lineddrive from or to Elgin boasts the grand Grampian/Invernesshire beauties.

Sonz999

A step out of the busy world, a great place for a retreat.Interesting shop stocking honey and veg grown at the Abbey.Amazing architecture and history.services still sung in Latin,Gregorian Chant..beautiful to listen to

Broons44

What a beautiful place to visit. Its calming and has the most wonderful feeling..The monks are so friendly and will talk with you if they can...There are special residential breaks available...

spycatcher007

As soon as you walk through the gates you notice the air of tranquillity and peace. It's as if the outside world ceases to exist whilst you are in the grounds.I have been visiting since I was a child and have seen all the stages of restoration. I never tire of coming and I don't think I ever will.There is a wonderful shop. Just read the notes placed around the items for sale and you will appreciate the presence of an interesting sense of humour!

maryanne98

We visited Pluscarden on our recent trip to the Highlands. It is an imposing Abbey set in the most lovely countryside 6 miles from Elgin. On entering the Abbey church there are displays of the Abbey's history, which is fascinating. It is a wonderful place with amazing stained glass windows. The interior is in the shape of a cross- the monks chapel being in the top, the public areas in the sides, and the main body of the church at the bottom. It is quite plain with stone walls, but that only adds to the attraction and sanctity of the place. Sadly, we arrived too late for morning Mass, but the lady in the shop told us that it was well worth returning for Compline (night prayer) at 7.45., so we did!At that time, the bell tolled calling the monks to prayer. We sat in the side chapel and a monk brought us a copy of the service to follow. Quite a few local people turned up to join the lay congregation. The monks filed in and sang through Compline in Gregorian Chant. It was a wonderful experience and a perfect end to the day.

Ruth385

This was a wonderful choice for me to attend Mass at the Abbey on a weekday morning. It was easy to locate from Elgin by car. The Gregorian chant by the monks was beautiful and the Mass said in Latin was a pleasant surprise. There was for me a strong spiritual sense present. The chapel and the transcepts which were the only areas I saw were beautifully restored. The modern stained glass windows very beautiful. And then I stepped from the 13th century or a bit later, to modern times as I detected a robotic lawnmower mowing the very large front lawn!