15 Welsh abbeys and priories whose beauty is almost otherworldly
Looking for somewhere to visit this weekend? Be inspired by Wales’ romantic ruins and finest religious buildings.
1. Llanthony Priory
The part-ruined Augustinian priory in the secluded Ewyas Valley dates back to 1100. Entry is free and it’s open from 10am-4pm. Don’t forget to check out its very own pub! Picture by Flickr’s Ben Salter. http://www.fly2wales.co.uk/
2. Neath Abbey
It’s made an appearance in Doctor Who! And you’ll find the ruins, which date back to 1129 AD, are spine-chilling at twilight. It was once the largest abbey in Wales until it was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century. Picture by Flickr’s Gareth Lovering. http://www.visitnpt.co.uk/
3. Talley Abbey
This ruined monastery of the White Cannons stands in Carmarthenshire, about six miles away from Llandeilo. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII so villagers mined the structure for its stone to build the village. It’s free to visit, open from 10am to 4pm each day. Picture by Flickr’s David Evans.
4. Caldey Abbey
On Caldey Island, off of the Pembrokeshire coast, stands this beautiful monastery that was completed in 1910. The island is still inhabited by Cisterian Monks. Take a boat from Tenby harbour for a day trip – and don’t forget to try their handmade chocolate. Picture by Flickr’s Gareth Lovering.
See striking pictures of Wales’ lighthouses
5. Penmon Priory
Found right on the tip of Anglesey, the priory’s origins date back to St Seriol in the 6th century. Take a look at St Seriol’s Well, which was thought to have healing powers and the two high crosses at the entrance. Admission is free.
6. Valle Crucis Abbey
Work began on this beautiful abbey in 1201 by Cistercian monks and it remains one of the best preserved in Wales today. Entry is £3.50 for adults, £2.65 for under 16s or £10.50 for a family.
7. Margam Abbey
Inside Margam country park, these impressive ruins were once a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1147 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It includes a twelve-sided Chapter House. There’s plenty of other things to see nearby, including Gothic Margam Castle and Margam Stones. Entry to the park is free but parking will cost you £4.70. Picture by Flickr’s Archangel12
8. Cwmhir Abbey
This remote Cistercian monastery was founded in 1176 by Welsh prince Cadwallon ap Madog, who was killed a few years later by an English lord. The headless body of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was buried in the abbey after his death in 1282. The ruins are overlooked by historic mansion Abbey-Cwm-Hir . Picture by Flickr’s Andrew Bowden.
9. Tintern Abbey
One of our greatest monastic ruins, this is surely the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Tintern, on the banks of the River Wye, was only the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain. It has recently undergone a major conservation programme. Admission is £5.50 for adults, £16.50 for a family ticket and £4.10 for under 16s.
10. Strata Florida Abbey
Translated from Latin as Vale of Flowers, the monks of this former Cistercian monastery farmed thousands of sheep to provide an income, which they used to build bridges and roads. Medieval poet Dafydd ap Gwilyn is buried here under a yew tree. Some of the original decorated tiles can still be seen, including one showing a man admiring himself in a mirror. Admission is free from 10am to 4pm. http://www.discoverceredigion.co.uk/
11. St Dogmael’s Abbey
Overlooking the River Teifi, this abbey takes its name from St Dogmael, the cousin of St David. It was founded in 1120 and was said to have hosted visits from Gerald of Wales and the archbishop of Canterbury. A campaign was recently launched by locals calling for its preservation. Entry is free but there is a charge to visit the collection of carved medieval stones in the Coach House. Picture by Flickr’s JudyDavies http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/
12. Ewenny Priory
One of Wales’ finest fortified religious buildings, the priory was founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres, and the village of Ewenny grew up around it. Restoration work was recently carried out by Cadw. The church is open daily to visitors from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Church services, Holy days and festivals are announced on the notice sheet outside. https://www.bridgendbites.com/
13. Basingwerk Abbey
There are substantial remains of this abbey that was founded in 1131 by the Earl of Chester near Holywell. A legend says a 12th-century monk was lured into a nearby wood by a nightingale, and when he returned the abbey was in ruins. It is now part of Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. Picture by Flickr’s ARG_Flickr.
14. St Mary’s Priory
It is known as Wales’ very own Westminster Abbey containing some of the most important medieval treasures in Britain. Among them are more than 10 alabaster chest tombs and the 15th-century wooden sculpture known as the Tree of Jesse, described by the Tate as “one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world”. https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/
15. Cymer Abbey
This abbey church in Snowdonia was founded in 1198 by Maredudd ap Cynan for the Cistercian order. Further up the Afon Mawddach river you can still see the remains of fish traps that were used by the monks to catch their dinner. https://www.gonorthwales.co.uk/
Join the Wandering Bard at Tours of Wales and visit some of these abbeys. They were once great seats of power and learning but have been reduced to ghostly relics of the past. http://www.visitwales.com
