Abernethy Round Tower

A rare medieval Irish-style round tower in Abernethy, steeped in Pictish heritage and offering sweeping views over Perthshire’s countryside.

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Abernethy Round Tower

Abernethy Round Tower is a rare medieval Irish-style stone tower located in the village of Abernethy, Perthshire, Scotland. Dating from around 1100 CE, this 22.5-meter tall tower once served as a bell tower and refuge, and is one of only two such towers in Scotland. It features a distinctive Pictish stone mounted on its exterior and offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside when accessible.

A brief summary to Abernethy Round Tower

53 School Wynd, Perth, Abernethy, GB
+441738851049
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Obtain the key to climb the tower from the nearby Museum of Abernethy or Berryfields Tea Room during opening months.
Wear sturdy shoes for the climb up the narrow spiral staircase, which involves about 100 steps.
Visit in late spring to early autumn for the best chance to access the tower’s viewing platform.
Take time to explore the surrounding churchyard and spot the Pictish stone mounted on the tower’s exterior.

Getting There

Bus

Take the Stagecoach bus service from Perth to Abernethy, which runs approximately every 1 to 2 hours. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. From the bus stop in Abernethy, the tower is a 10-minute walk. Tickets cost around £4–£6 one way.
Car

Driving from Perth, Abernethy Round Tower is about a 20-minute drive via the A912 and B9130. Limited roadside parking is available near School Wynd. Parking is free but spaces are limited, so arrive early during peak season.
Train and Walk

Take a train to Perth railway station, then a taxi or local bus to Abernethy. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately £15–£20. From Abernethy village center, the tower is a short walk.

Abernethy Round Tower location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Abernethy Round Tower

An Architectural Relic of Celtic Heritage

Abernethy Round Tower stands as a striking example of Irish-style round towers, a form almost unique to Ireland with only two others in Scotland and one on the Isle of Man. Constructed primarily from sandstone around 1100 CE, the tower rises 22.5 meters high with a base diameter of 4.57 meters tapering to 3.96 meters at the top. Its walls are robust, measuring 1.07 meters thick, designed to withstand the test of time and historical conflicts. The tower’s lower twelve layers are built from a different colored stone, suggesting an earlier foundation phase. Originally, it contained six wooden floors connected by ladders, now replaced by an iron spiral staircase installed in the 19th century. The tower’s exterior features a Pictish symbol stone, discovered locally, depicting enigmatic motifs such as a hammer and anvil, which reflect Abernethy’s ancient cultural significance.

Historical Significance and Functions

The tower is closely linked to Abernethy’s ecclesiastical past, once part of a Culdee abbey and later an Augustinian monastery until the mid-16th century dissolution. It is believed to have served as a bell tower for the adjacent church, which has existed since at least the 7th century. Beyond its religious role, the tower provided refuge and storage during times of danger, including Viking raids. A notable historical event commemorated by a plaque on the tower is the homage paid by Malcolm III of Scotland to William the Conqueror in 1072, marking Abernethy as a site of political importance. The tower’s bell, dating from 1782, and a clock installed in 1868 bearing Queen Victoria’s initials, highlight its continued use across centuries.

Archaeological Discoveries and Conservation

Excavations conducted in the early 19th century revealed human remains beneath the tower, including skulls and fragments of urns, indicating the site’s long-standing sacred or burial significance predating the tower’s construction. The tower has undergone various modifications over time, including the addition of windows, an outside clock, and the iron spiral staircase for safer access. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve this rare monument, with public access to climb the tower sometimes restricted for safety. When open, the climb rewards visitors with sweeping views over the Firth of Tay and the surrounding Perthshire landscape.

The Tower in the Context of Abernethy Village

Situated in the churchyard on School Wynd, the tower is a central feature of Abernethy, a village rich in history as a former Pictish religious and political hub. The village itself offers additional heritage attractions, including traditional houses, a Mercat Cross, and a local museum showcasing Pictish stones and artifacts. Abernethy’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby historic sites such as Scone Palace and Falkland Palace, enhancing its appeal for visitors interested in Scotland’s medieval past.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Visitors can view the tower’s exterior year-round, with climbing access typically available from May to September via a key held at the nearby Museum of Abernethy or Berryfields Tea Room. The climb involves ascending approximately 100 steps within the narrow spiral staircase, which may not be suitable for all visitors. The tower’s elevated viewing platform provides a unique vantage point over the rural landscape, offering a tangible connection to Scotland’s early medieval era. The surrounding churchyard adds a tranquil atmosphere, punctuated by historic gravestones and the presence of the tower’s iron jougs, a medieval instrument of public punishment.

Symbolism and Cultural Legacy

Abernethy Round Tower embodies the fusion of Irish ecclesiastical architecture with Scottish Pictish heritage, symbolizing the cultural and religious exchanges of the early medieval period. The Pictish stone affixed to the tower serves as a reminder of Abernethy’s importance as a spiritual and political center in Pictland. The tower’s survival through centuries of change, conflict, and modernization underscores its resilience and enduring legacy as a monument of Scottish history and identity.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Tomb Of The Minister Of Scone & Family

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Kirkgate Park

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St Serf's Church & Dupplin Cross

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Dunmore Hill Fort

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Stanley Mills

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Maggie Wall Witch Monument

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Seamark

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Ballathie House Hotel

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Unmissable attractions to see

Museum of Abernethy

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Balvaird Castle

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Elcho Castle

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Lindores Abbey Distillery

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The Village Inn

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Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

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Backhouse Rossie Estate

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Branklyn Garden

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Ballinbreich Castle

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Rodney Gardens

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Vectran Vintage

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Essential places to dine

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Nicoll's Steak House

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Cardo

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Cafe Tabou

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Cridos Restaurant

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Broth3rs Restaurant

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The Giddy Goose

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Paco's Restaurant

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Kisa's

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North Port Scottish Restaurant

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Everest Inn

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Bothy Perth

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Deans Restaurant

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Abernethy Round Tower

A brief summary to Abernethy Round Tower

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Train and Walk

Abernethy Round Tower location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Abernethy Round Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Abernethy Round Tower

An Architectural Relic of Celtic Heritage

Historical Significance and Functions

Archaeological Discoveries and Conservation

The Tower in the Context of Abernethy Village

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Symbolism and Cultural Legacy

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Smeaton's Bridge

Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust

Tomb Of The Minister Of Scone & Family

Kirkgate Park

St Serf's Church & Dupplin Cross

Dunmore Hill Fort

Stanley Mills

Maggie Wall Witch Monument

Active Kids Adventure Park

Seamark

Ballathie House Hotel

Meikleour Beech Hedge

Balgarthno Stone Circle

Dairsie Castle

Kinclaven Bluebell Woods

Unmissable attractions to see

Museum of Abernethy

Balvaird Castle

Elcho Castle

Lindores Abbey Distillery

The Village Inn

Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

Backhouse Rossie Estate

Branklyn Garden

Ballinbreich Castle

Rodney Gardens

Vectran Vintage

South Inch

Norie-Miller Walk

Greyfriars Burial Ground

Perth Museum

Essential places to dine

The Boar's Head Fife, Restaurant & Pub

63 Tay Street Restaurant

Nicoll's Steak House

Cardo

Breizh

Cafe Tabou

Cridos Restaurant

Broth3rs Restaurant

The Giddy Goose

Paco's Restaurant

Kisa's

North Port Scottish Restaurant

Everest Inn

Bothy Perth

Deans Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Co-op Food - Bridge of Earn - Main Street New

Fife Country

Quince & Cook

PolkaDot Boutique Perth

Highland Homeware

Whispers Of The Past

Hell Yeah

Bonnie Moon Crystals

The Perth Gift Card

Bonmarché

Precious Sparkle