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Muchelney Abbey

Muchelney Abbey
Aerial View (c) English Heritage
Muchelney Abbey - Aerial View (c) Interior - Interior (c) Muchelney Abbey - The Abbot's House from the South East (c) Muchelney Abbey - Interior view of the Abbot's House (c) Muchelney Abbey - South cloister range (c)

Muchelney, the atmospheric and once-remote 'great island' amid the Somerset Levels, has many rewards for visitors. Beside the clearly laid out foundations of the wealthy medieval Benedictine abbey (and its Anglo-Saxon predecessor) stands a complete early Tudor house in miniature.Originally the abbots' lodgings, this charming building includes a magnificent great chamber with ornate fireplace, carved settle and stained glass; two rooms with time-faded walls painted to resemble cloth hangings; and a pair of kitchens with fine timber roof. Parts of the richly decorated cloister walk and refectory are incorporated, and nearby is the thatched two-storey monks' lavatory, unique in Britain.

Exhibitions illustrate monastic life with a fascinating collection of site finds, including decorated tiles and stonework. Much improved facilities for disabled visitors include a touch-screen tour of less accessible areas. Plant sales are available throughout the season.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug10am-6pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov10am-4pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 MarClosed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.80
Children:
£1.90
Concession:
£3.20
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Somerset - TA10 0DQ
Road Access:
In Muchelney, 2 miles S of Langport via Huish Episcopi
Bus Access:
First 54 Taunton - Yeovil to within 1 mile of site
Map Location:
Telephone:
01458 250664

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
ParkingSuitable for people with disabilitiesExhibitionDogs allowed on leadsShopPicnic areaEventsHazardousAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holdersTea RoomMale ToiletsFemale Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Inside abbey and partially adapted for wheelchair users.
Shop: Assistance may be required. Two shallow steps when entering via kitchen.
Refreshments: Hot & Cold drinks, Snacks. Picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to abbey and grounds: Stairs to upper floor are uneven and steep. Grounds accessible, although grass is uneven. Benches provided.
Parking:
Disabled visitors may park 30m from the entrance.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Large display of carved stones may be touched. NB Wall footings may be hazardous.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Booking is essential. Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1458 250664
Group Booking:
Only 1 coach at a time outside entrance (200 metres
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour

Further Info

Disabled access (grounds and ground floor only). Regretfully upper floor access is not possible to those with ambulant disability. We regret that in other literature access to this area has been suggested, we apologise for any inconvenience to your visit.
The fine adjacent parish church and the medieval Priest's House are not managed by English Heritage
Dogs on leads (in grounds only). Disabled access (grounds and ground floor, adapted toilet).
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