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St Margaret's Cave
Queen Margaret came here to pray over 900 years ago. Then there was only a wooded path by a stream at the bottom of the valley with a short climb up to the small cave. Now there's a tunnel with 87 steps leading deep underground.
Who was St Margaret?
Margaret was a Saxon princess, granddaughter of King Edmund Ironside of England, born around 1047 in Hungary where her exiled father had settled. Margaret became Queen of Scotland when she married King Malcolm Canmore in Dunfermline around 1070. Three of her eight children became Kings of Scotland: Edgar, Alexander and David. In 1093, after a deeply religious and charitable life, Margaret died on 16th November - her saint's day is still celebrated on this date. She was made a Saint by Pope Innocent the Fourth in honour of her life and the miracles associated with her after her death.
A Special Place
This special place has an atmosphere all of its own. When you descend into the earth, with the haunting sound of monks singing, you can feel the weight of centuries of Dunfermline's history.
St Margaret's Cave is situated in the car park whose entrance is in Chalmers Street, opposite the main entrance.
Admission Free
Groups welcome. Maximum of 20 people in the tunnel at any one time. No disabled access.
Opening Hours
Summer only from 1st April to 30th September. Daily,11am - 4pm.Groups welcome: please ring 01383 722935(Pittencrieff House Museum)to arrange. We are happy to arrange group visits outside normal opening dates and times provided these are pre-booked with two weeks' notice.
Please note that all mail should be sent to Pittencrieff House Museum, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, KY12 8QH.
Disabled Access
NoResources
• Parking Facilities - Chargeable • Shop Resource detailsFor more information contact
Bob Izatt, Libraries Arts and Museums Team Leader (Dunfermline)Tel: 01383 602365 Fax: 01383 602307 Contact Bob Izatt online
By Post: Fife Council, Carnegie Library, Abbot Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NL
