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Hailes Abbey

Reconstruction of Hailes Abbey
A reconstruction drawing of pilgrims kneeling before the Shrine of the Holy Blood (c) English Heritage
Hailes Abbey - General View (c) Hailes Abbey - The east end of the abbey church (c) Hailes Abbey - View of the cloister arches (c) Hailes Abbey - Aerial View (c) Hailes Abbey - View of the cloister arches (c) Reconstruction of Hailes Abbey - A reconstruction drawing of pilgrims kneeling before the Shrine of the Holy Blood (c) Reconstruction of Hailes Abbey - A reconstruction drawing of The Nave at Hailes Abbey (c) Reconstruction of Hailes Abbey - Hailes Abbey as it may have appeared in the late fifteenth century (c)
NEW FOR 2009 Eleven new interpretation panels guide you around the abbey buildings and help to bring the site to life.

The Cistercian abbey of Hailes was founded in 1246 in Gloucestershire by the Earl of Cornwall in thanks for surviving a shipwreck.  Though never housing large numbers of monks, it held a renowned relic, ‘the Holy Blood of Hailes’ – allegedly a phial of Christ’s own blood.   After the dissolution in 1539 just a few of the cloister arches remained, together with the foundations of the church.  Today it is a beautiful and serene spot for a picnic in the Cotswold countryside and everyone in the family can be guaranteed an interesting, relaxed day out at Hailes Abbey.

 

Bring the abbey to life with our vivid interpretation panels and free audio tour and see site finds in the museum.  Imagine how the monks and lay brothers once lived, ate and slept, and see the clever Cistercian drain which still works after 750 years.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 2 Nov-31 Mar  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.00 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£1.90 (5-15yrs) until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.00 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.40 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
National Trust members admitted free but charged for audio tours (£1) and special events

How do I get there?

Address:
Gloucestershire - GL54 5PB
Road Access:
2 miles NE of Winchcombe off B4632. On the Cotswold Way NationalTrail
Train Access:
Cheltenham 10 miles
Bus Access:
Castleways from Cheltenham, to within 1 1⁄2 miles of site
Map Location:
Telephone:
01242 602398

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Exhibition Museum Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: One purpose-built WC available with ramped entrance.
Refreshments available. Picnics welcome in grounds.
(The site is maintained and managed by English Heritage, and owned by the National Trust.)
Access:
Access to museum/ticket point: Level, then ramp.
Access to abbey and grounds: Gentle grass slope, then level smooth grassed area. Benches. Special audio tour for visitors in wheelchairs included in admission price. Wheelchair available on request.
Parking:
20m from entrance; loose gravel surface.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Special audio tour included in admission price. Sounds of birds, stream, farm animals and steam railway.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Car park available, space for one coach at any one time
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.

Further Info

Audio also available for the visually impaired, those with learning difficulties and wheelchair users
Disabled access (ramp to museum, disabled toilet).
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