Coldingham Priory

Coldingham Priory is a historic church and ruin in Coldingham, with remains dating to the 11th century and a church still used by the Church of Scotland. Walk through the grounds to see the old foundations, churchyard headstones and memorials, including Commonwealth graves, and read the information boards on local history. Restored grounds planted with wild herbs and engraved paving add quieter details. The church interior is open at set times, so check access before you visit if seeing inside is important to you.

The priory grounds

The grounds bring together the remains of the old priory, the present church and a historic churchyard. Information boards explain the site and its local history, so leave time to stop along the paths. The churchyard headstones and memorials add another perspective, including Commonwealth graves.

Restored areas contain wild herbs. Engraved paving slabs carry sayings that invite a slower look around, and a semi-circular stone bench faces the orchard. The grounds are a quiet place to sit as well as to explore.

Church access and planning your visit

The church is used by the Church of Scotland, and access to its interior is limited to Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, 2 to 4pm. The grounds and ruins can be visited independently of the church’s opening times.

The site is easy to miss when passing through Coldingham. Parking is limited, with free spaces near the village hall and Coldingham Luckenbooth coffee shop. Information boards around the grounds help make a short stop more informative.