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Hailes Abbey

Hailes Abbey
General View (c) English Heritage Photo Library

The Cistercian abbey of Hailes was founded in 1246 by Richard of Cornwall, in thanksgiving for deliverance from shipwreck, and dissolved on Christmas Eve 1539. Though never housing large numbers of monks, it had extensive and elaborate buildings, financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' - allegedly a phial of Christ's own blood.

Sculptures, stonework and other site finds are displayed in the museum. An audio tour helps you to learn even more about the site. The adjacent parish church has medieval wall-paintings. Plant sales are available throughout the season.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-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.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time    
Closed 1 Nov- 31 Mar    
Details:
National Trust members admitted free, but charge for audio tours(£1) and special events

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.50
Children:
£1.80
Concession:
£2.80
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: 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 plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1242 602398
Group Booking:
Car park available, space for one coach at any one time
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.

Further Info

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