Description
In Washford lies one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset, providing an interesting day out for families and budding historians alike. The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England.
Cleeve Abbey
In Washford lies one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset, providing an interesting day out for families and budding historians alike. The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England.
Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago; although the abbey church was destroyed by Henry VIII during the dissolution in 1536, the cloister buildings including the gatehouse, 15th century refectory with its glorious angel roof and 13th century heraldic tiles have survived remarkably intact.
The great dormitory is one of the best examples in the country, and an exhibition and virtual tour tells the story of the abbey and daily life for the holy men that once inhabited it.
You can find out more about the conservation project to protect the medieval tiled pavement for the future. Access to the 13th century tiled pavement will be reinstated from 25 March 2016.
The abbey is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by countryside so is ideal for walkers or visitors travelling on the West Somerset Railway, which stops at Washford station. It is just a ten minute walk to Cleeve Abbey from the station and with your train ticket you can get a discount on your entry ticket.
Whatever the weather, there is plenty to explore at the Abbey and if sunny, there is lots of space for a picnic in the peaceful grounds with a stream running through them.
Don't Miss:
Serene Sounds - experience the serene sounds of recorded monastic music in the atmospheric Cloister (each weekend throughout July and August, 11am - 4pm)The monks' dormitory, one of the finest examples left in BritainThe magnificent architecture, carved angels and heraldic tiled floorsOur story bag, 'Brother Cedric and the missing sheep', a fun way for families to explore the abbey togetherThe 'Green Man' - ask the staff where he can be found!
Image Gallery
Opening Hours
April to October
(Opening) |
|
Pricing
Adult
(Per Ticket) |
£4.20
|
Child
(Per Ticket) |
£2.50
|
Concession
(Per Ticket) |
£3.80
|
Facilities
ACCESSIBILITY
CHILDREN & INFANTS
ESTABLISHMENT FEATURES
KEY FEATURES
PARKING & TRANSPORT
PAYMENT METHODS
PET INFORMATION
ROOM & UNIT FEATURES
SPECIALIST FEATURES
TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
TRAVEL & TRADE
Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Coach parking
Delta accepted
Dogs Accepted
Educational Visits Accepted
Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
Groups accepted
Guide dogs permitted
In countryside
Indoor Attraction
Maestro accepted
Marketed towards families
Marketed towards senior citizens
MasterCard accepted
Max group size
Min group size
No Smoking Attraction
On site parking
Parking (free)
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Picnic Site
Special group rates
TIC Staff Admitted Free
Toilets
Toilets for disabled visitors
Visa accepted
Road Directions
Nearest major road is A39. Located in Washford, 0.25 mile south of A39.
Public Transport Directions
Bus/Route No: First Bus 28, Webber Bus 18
Route Description: 28 Taunton - Minehead (Daily)
Proximity to Bus Stop: Washford Sheppards Corner 1/2 mile walk
Disability Access: 28 Yes
West Somerset Railway - Washford Station
Contact
Cleeve Abbey
Abbey Road
Washford
Watchet
TA23 0PS
United Kingdom
T: 01984 640377
F: 01984 641348
E: cleeve.abbey@english-heritage.org.uk
W: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cleeve-abbey/