We often visit this beautiful Abbey to light candles for our deceased relatives & friends for birthdays and anniversaries. It is a really peaceful place to go and spend a few hours.
We have also been here to services at Christmastime which are magical. And the Abbey choir is really something to listen too.
It is an active Benedictine Monastery and has a long history dating back to the 12th century.
The Monastery was refounded in 1882, and formally reinstated as an Abbey in 1902, then consecrated in 1932. It has been built in wonderful grounds which are beautifully maintained in Summer & Winter.
The Abbey interior is magnificent. And the Chapel for prayer at the far end has the most beautiful stained glass window, which never ceases to amaze me when I see it.
In the grounds, there are 2 shops. One selling gifts. The other books, rosaries, cards, jewellery, wines, and religious gifts. The most successful produce of the Abbey being their Buckfast Tonic Wine.
Their is a really nice, light, airy restaurant. Which serves meals at lunchtimes, plus scones, cakes & sandwiches. In the nice weather there is a large patio area outside which is extremely pleasant.
There are no problems for the disabled. Parking is very good, and everything is mostly on the flat.
There are other things to explore like the gardens, and if people are interested in the Abbeys history, you can view a film in a small room to the side of the Abbey building.
All in all it is a wonderful place to visit, not only for the Abbeys wonderful history, but for the produce and a really good cream tea! .....
EDITOR: You can read more about this wonderful Abbey here.
