The summer is the perfect time to get out and explore. The United Kingdom has some of the richest and most varied historical sites in the world. On your historic tour of the country, you should consider visiting some of our serene monastic ruins. Often chosen for their seclusion, they are just as impressive – if not more so – than our castles.
Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales
Perhaps the most impressive monastic ruins in the whole of mainland Britain, this Cistercian monastery towers over the flat landscape valley of the Wye. In its time, it was one of the richest monasteries in the country. The immense outer shell of the church remains the focal point of the complex. Most of the building foundations remain standing, so you will get a clear idea of what it may have looked like at the time. The church underwent a massive refurbishment in the 14th century and you can see the outline of the original modest church.
Cleeve Abbey, Somerset, England
Like Tintern, it was a Cistercian foundation. Sadly, the church is little more than a foundation outline today, but it does have several impressive features. Much of the building work on the south side still stands. This is because following its closure, it was converted to a farm. It has an impressive refectory and Chapter House on the west side. Also still standing is the original dormitory on the second floor of the east side. While there, be sure to visit the tiled floor to the original refectory. It is under cover now to protect it and is a complete tiled floor.
Arbroath Abbey, Arbroath, Scotland
Scotland’s most impressive abbey ruins was dedicated to Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury murdered inside Canterbury Abbey seemingly on the orders of Henry II. Arbroath Abbey has a distinct orange colour that comes from the choice of sandstone in its construction. Some impressive towers of the church and other buildings remain. Famously, it is also the site where the Scottish nobles compiled the letter to the Pope in 1320 declaring their independence from England.
Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire, England
Another Cistercian Abbey, you really get the “wow” factor when visiting for the first time. Few abbeys can rival its size and scope, except for perhaps Tintern and Glastonbury, but few others. The abbey church is the most impressive feature and survives as an impressive and largely intact shell. It was one of the richest monasteries in England, and it is not difficult to see why. Its remains are amongst the most complete in Britain. Many of its buildings survive as an outer shell. Arguably, it gives the most complete picture of what living in an abbey may have looked like.
Strata Florida, Ceredigion, Wales
This pretty little abbey fails to match the size or scope of Tintern to the south, but its picturesque ruins are well worth a visit. What makes it all the more impressive is that it was the official resting place of the Kings of Wales, making it one of the most important to Welsh history. The ruins give a good impression of the size and layout of the abbey. Although much of the church is gone, its centrepiece is a Romanesque entrance archway. Unlike most of the others in this list, it is surrounded by a cemetery, making it both peaceful and beautiful.
Iona Abbey, Iona, Outer Hebrides
There is something quite magical about monasteries on islands and Iona is no different. It cannot really be classed as a ruin as most of its buildings remain intact. However, it is also amongst the oldest foundations in Britain that still has standing remains. Founded in 563, in 1164 it became a Benedictine monastery. Amongst its features are a fully reconstructed cloister (walled central garden) and medieval church. Most of these buildings were damaged in the past, but restored to original plans in the early 20th century.
