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Cleeve Abbey

Cleeve Abbey
Exterior view overlooking the stream (c) English Heritage
Cleeve Abbey - Exterior view overlooking the stream (c) Exterior view in Spring - Exterior view in Spring (c) Exterior view in Spring - Exterior view in Spring (c) Interior - Interior (c) View of interior - View of interior (c) Cleeve Abbey - Aerial View (c) Reconstruction of Cleeve Abbey - Reconstruction drawing of the church in the 13th century (c) Reconstruction of Cleeve Abbey - Reconstruction drawing of the refectory interior (c) Reconstruction of Cleeve Abbey - Two monks in the cloister- 1536 Reconstruction drawing (c)

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.

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.
2 Nov-31 Mar Closed

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:

How do I get there?

Address:
Somerset - TA23 0PS
Road Access:
Located in Washford, 1⁄4 mile S of A39
Train Access:
Washford 1⁄2 mile (West Somerset Railway)
Bus Access:
First 28 Taunton railway station - Minehead
Map Location:
Telephone:
01984 640377

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Exhibition Education Dogs allowed on leads Shop Picnic area Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Including disabled.
Exhibition: Easy access to first room via shop; 2 further rooms accessed via 4 steep steps.
Shop: Easy access.
Refreshments: snacks, hot & cold drinks are available from the shop. Picnics are welcome in the grounds.
Access:
Access to abbey: Most of ground floor accessible either via 4 steps (in exhibition area) or via alternative route. Ramp access from grounds to church and cloisters; cobbles and gravel in courtyard. Upper floor reached via staircase, often accessible to ambulant disabled visitors with assistance. Wheelchair available on request. Many seats.
Grounds: All accessible on level surfaces - smooth grass, cobblestone and impacted gravel.
Parking:
70m from entrance, then 150m to admission point, via tarmac and cobbled entrance bridge. By prior arrangement disabled drivers may park 20m from admission point.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
River by entrance, bird song, steam railway in distance.

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:
Free parking for 2 coaches
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
Guided Tours:

Guided Tour of the Site
Enjoy a tour of the site with one of our Visitor Operations staff members, who know it like the back of their hand. Gain a general history of Cleeve Abbey and an idea of how it was used as a monastery some 800 years ago. Read the interpretation panels in your own time afterwards and take in the exquisite architecture in detail.

Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Minimum–maximum pax: please contact site

Advance booking required.

Call for prices and to book: 01984 640377

Further Info

Dogs on leads only in restricted areas
Disabled access (grounds and ground floor only). A disabled toilet is available, key from ticket point. Dogs on leads (in grounds only).
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