Churches, Faith and religion

Attractions

Cleeve Abbey

Abbey Road, Washford, TA23 0PS

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/


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