Free Entry
The pretty Dorset village of Abbotsbury was once home to a great abbey, founded in 1044 by a thegn of King Cnut, and richly endowed. The remains now visible - part of a building which may have been the abbot's lodging - date from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Nearby is the abbey's vast tithe barn, built about 1400, and there are further abbey remains in the churchyard of St Nicholas Church, including two medieval sarcophagi.
Read more about the history of Abbotsbury Abbey.
Before You Go
Parking: There is a charged car park next to the abbey, not managed by English Heritage. It is off Rodden Row, postcode DT3 4JL.
How to Find it: Use the south-west exit from the car park and you'll find the remains on your left.
Facilities: Shops, food and toilets are available in the centre of the village.
Please be aware: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.
Plan a Great Day Out
The beautiful St Catherine's Chapel is well worth the short walk up Chapel Hill. Built by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey as a place of pilgrimage and retreat, today the chapel still sits in splendid isolation.
Other ancient monuments can be found within a few miles of Abbotsbury, including Kingston Russell Stone Circle, The Nine Stones and Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows. The vast Iron Age hillfort of Maiden Castle is less than a 30 minute drive from Abbotsbury.
Or head to the coast and visit Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses. It overlooks Portland Harbour and boasts a great tearoom and stunning views out to sea.
