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Abbeys and Monasteries in England

Most of these medieval marvels are in ruins. For some that aren't, check out Cathedrals.
Or see Abbeys in Scotland | Wales

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Alnwick Abbey Gatehouse    This impressive two story stone gatehouse is all that remains of Alnwick Abbey, a 12th century abbey of Premonstratensian monks, founded by Eustace Fitz-John. The gatehouse itself was built in the 14th century by the De Vescy family, whose coat of arms can be seen over the barrel-vaulted arch through the gatehouse. It can only be accessed on foot, following signposted paths through Hulne Park, hunting grounds owned by the Dukes of Northumberland (see Alnwick Castle entry). Hulne Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Park along the verge of Ratten Row, off the B6346 Wooler road. Access by footpath across Hulne Park. No visitor facilities. OS NU177140 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Battle Abbey   X marks the spot, or in this case, the abbey marks the spot where the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. William the Conqueror had the abbey built in 1070, with the high altar built where Harold was killed. A stone plaque now marks the spot. The best preserved part of the abbey is the impressive 14th century Great Gatehouse. There are displays and an interactive exhibit on the history of the site. Battle, East Sussex, England, TN33 0AD Attraction Type: Abbey Location: in Battle at the south end of the High Street Website: Battle Abbey Phone: 01424 775 705 English Heritage Location map OS TQ749 157 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bayham Old Abbey    Described as "The Fountains of the South", not for its importance in medieval times, but for its delightful setting. A Premonstratian house founded in 1211. Late 13th century additions provide wonderful decorative sculpture of the highest quality. Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, TN3 8DE Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 1¾ miles W of Lamberhurst off B2169 Website: Bayham Old Abbey Phone: 01892 890 381 English Heritage Location map OS TQ677 364 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Binham Priory   Remains of one of the earliest Norman abbeys in England, established shortly after the Conquest. Binham boasts probably the first example in England of bar tracery in its west window. Part of the Norman abbey is preserved as the parish church. Binham, East Anglia, Norfolk, England, NR21 0DR Attraction Type: Abbey Location: On a minor road, signposted Westgate, from Binham village. Binham is 6 miles west of Holt. Website: Binham Priory Location map Details of Binham Priory OS TF981399 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bishops Waltham Palace    A moated Bishop's palace built in 1135 for the Bishops of Winchester. The bulk of the surviving structure dates to the 12th and 14th centuries, with a great hall and tower. Medieval guestrooms have been restored, and there is a small museum on site. The Palace was besieged by Parliament in the Civil War and the bishop was forced to escape in a dung cart, dressed as a labourer. Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 5 m NE Junction 8 of M27 Website: Bishops Waltham Palace Phone: 01489 892 460 English Heritage OS SU552 173 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bolton Abbey   A 12th century Augustinian priory set in a superb position on the banks of the River Wharfe. The abbey was founded around 1154 by monks from Embsay who were granted land here by Lady Alice de Romille of Skipton Castle. Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, England, BD23 6AL Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Off the A59 in between Skipton and Harrogate. The abbey ruins are a short, attractive walk from the main parking lot in Bolton Abbey village. Website: Bolton Abbey Email: tourism@boltonabbey.com Phone: +44 (0) 1756 718009 Fax: +44 (0) 1756 710535 Location map - Photos of Bolton Abbey OS SE075540 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Boxgrove Priory    The fragmentary remains of a 12th century Benedictine Priory. Boxgrove, Chichester, West Sussex, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 4 m E Chichester on minor road off A27 Website: Boxgrove Priory Phone: 01424 775 705 English Heritage OS SU909 076 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brinkburn Priory    English Heritage calls this site the "finest example of early Gothic architecture in Northumberland". Located in a heavily wooded valley. Rothbury, Northumberland, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 4 m SE of Rothbury, off B6334 Website: Brinkburn Priory Phone: 01665 570628 English Heritage OS NZ 116983 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Buckfast Abbey    A modern Benedictiine monastery in a peaceful setting on the verge of Dartmoor. A Saxon monastery stood here as early as 1018. In 1147 the monastery became Cistercian, and the entire abbey was rebuilt in stone. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 the abbey property was sold and the abbey left to decay. In 1882 Buckfast was reestablished as a Benedictine monastery, and as such it has flourished. .Buckland is famous for keeping bees and producing its own brand of honey and Buckfast Tonic Wine. Buckfastleigh, Devon, England, TQ11 0EE Attraction Type: Abbey Location: off A38 Website: Buckfast Abbey Email: education@buckfast.org.uk Phone: 01364 645 500 Fax: 01364 643 891 Location map OS SX740672 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bushmead Priory    The remains of a small Augustinian Priory built in 1195. The Priory is a rare surviving example of crown-post architecture, and the timber frame roof is worth noting. The Priory also boasts medieval wall paintings and original stained glass. Limited opening; check English Heritage website for details. Bushmead, Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire, England, MK44 2LD Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 4 miles NW of Eaton Socon on minor roads; limited opening, see English Heritage website. Website: Bushmead Priory Phone: 01525 860 000 English Heritage Location map Details of Bushmead Priory OS TL115 610 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Byland Abbey    Ruined abbey known for its rose window and lovely geometric floor tiles. Coxwold, Yorkshire, England, YO61 4BD Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 2 miles S of A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley Website: Byland Abbey Phone: 01347 868 614 English Heritage Location map OS SE548 789 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse    The gatehouse is all that remains of a 12th century Augustinian priory, which had to be fortified following raids by Robert the Bruce. Closed until further notice. The Square, Cartmel Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England, LA11 6QB Attraction Type: Abbey Location: In the centre of Cartmel Website: Cartmel Priory Gatehouse Phone: 01524 701 178 National Trust Location map Details of Cartmel Priory Gatehouse OS SD378 787 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Castle Acre Priory   The extensive remains of an 11th century Cluniac monastery, with a superb west front and a separate Prior's Lodgings. The priory was established by William de Warenne, a powerful Norman noble. The Romanesque architecture is superb, and the setting in a quiet valley is lovely. At the other end of the village is Castle Acre Castle. Priory Road, Castle Acre, East Anglia, Norfolk, England, PE32 2XD Attraction Type: Abbey Location: At the western edge of Castle Acre village, 5 miles north of Swaffham. Well signposted from the A1065 Website: Castle Acre Priory English Heritage Location map Details of Castle Acre Priory OS TF813148 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Clare Priory    Clare Priory was the first monastic house established by the Augustinian order in Britain. The priory was established in 1248 under the patronage of Richard de Clare. The priory was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538, but several of the buildings survived largely intact, and in 1953 the priory was purchased by the Augustinans once more, and today it acts as a religious centre and retreat. Visitors are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds. Ashen Road, Clare, Suffolk, England, CO10 8NX Attraction Type: Abbey Location: In the centre of Clare village Website: Clare Priory Location map OS TL768448 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cleeve Abbey   A small Cistercian abbey begun in 1198. Little of the abbey church remains, but the 13th century dormitory and the 15th century refectory hall (with a wonderful timber roof) remain intact, giving a good idea of what life must have been like for the monks who made this riverside spot their home. Washford, Somerset, England, TA23 0PS Attraction Type: Abbey Location: ¼ mile South of the A39 Website: Cleeve Abbey Phone: 01984 640 377 English Heritage Location map Details of Cleeve Abbey OS ST047 405 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Coverham Abbey    Coverham Abbey was a Premonstratensian monastic house established by Helewisia de Glanville in 1190. The monastery suffered greatly from an attack by Scots in the 14th century. Part of the church transept survives as well as a pair of arches. Visitors can also see the carved stone effigies of a pair of knights thought to be sons of the foundress. Part of the abbey guesthouse is incorporated into the current house on the site. The abbey is not usually open to the public, but can be viewed from the grounds of the redundant village church. Coverham, Yorkshire, England, DL8 4RJ Attraction Type: Abbey Location map OS SE105863 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Creake Abbey   The peaceful remains of an Augustinian abbey. The abbey dates to the early 13th century, when a hospital and almshouses were established here. This eventually became a priory, and later, an abbey. Creake was a poor house, and when the canons all died from plague the house disbanded and the property given to Christ's College Cambridge. Abbey Farm, North Creake, East Anglia, Norfolk, England, NR21 9LF Attraction Type: Abbey Location: North of North Creake off B1355. Follow the road to Abbey Farm. Open site, access at any time. Website: Creake Abbey English Heritage Location map Details of Creake Abbey OS TF857394 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Croyland Abbey   A striking 8th century abbey rebuilt several times; surviving Norman aspects can be seen in the font and the west arch of the central tower. The abbey underwent its final destruction in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The nave of the abbey church and two side aisles were left standing to serve as the parish church for Crowland. Sadly, only the north aisle now remains. Though the name of the town is 'Crowland', the abbey is properly 'Croyland', the result of a misspelling by a medieval monk. Crowland, Lincolnshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: off the A1073, 10 miles N of Peterborough Website: Croyland Abbey Phone: 07761 549 865 Details of Croyland Abbey OS TF241 103 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

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