Sawley Abbey
Sawley Abbey things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Although unstaffed, the Abbey is an interesting place to explore for an hour (or more, if you want to rest on the lawned areas). Historical information is provided on boards around the site - although some of these seem a little faded / worn. If you approach by car, there is some on street parking by the Abbey (in the middle of Sawley village - where refreshments are available in the adjoining pubs). However, after leaving the Abbey to get to Clitheroe, beware of crossing the A59, as it was busy when I was there - on a Saturday - and you may be in for quite a wait before a gap appears in the fast moving traffic. Finally, the Abbey is in a pleasant location with Pendle Hill as a backdrop, and is close to the River Ribble - but not beside it.
SoaringHighChrisSoaringHighChris
00
Worthwhile a visit. The remains of an abbey dating back to Henry VIII era. What does remain is well maintained and preserved. Free entry and parking on the main road just outside of the entrance. You are free to wander around , please do respect this historical building and walk around it not over it! For photographers or those keen to capture shots, this place has lots of photo opportunity from various angels. For those who may be passing through I do recommend a brief stop off to experience this piece of history.
Me 66Me 66
00
One of the open access sites operated by English Heritage, free to enter. (Or at least on the day I visited there was nobody taking fees). Parking along the roadside but not a huge amount of space. There is a pub further down the road which may be agreeable to you parking there. To be fair, so much has been torn down it is not significant enough to make it the sole point of a day out but there are a number of other similar sites and other historic attractions within reasonable radius to add to a list for a day out.
Martin HarveyMartin Harvey
00
A lovely Abbey to visit in Lancashire, another great English Heritage site. It is free to enter and parking is along the road where you can. Although not as grand as some of the Abbeys we have visited in Yorkshire it is still impressive and you can imagine the scale of what it would have been. Immaculate grounds and interesting architecture in a beautiful village, well worth a visit. When you leave the Abbey there is a river at the cross roads just past the pub that is nice to have a stroll along if you have time.
Maxine BateMaxine Bate
00
Not worth a visit unless you suffer, of course, from the "ruin lust" that gripped 18th.century art and literarure....a tendency to romanticize ruined buildings. There is little here to see worth the time, energy and expense involved in visiting. Even the information boards have been neglected. Simply not worth visiting. Though it does have a lovely setting.
Duncan ParsonsDuncan Parsons
10
A quiet, contemplative ruins set in stunning Lancashire countryside. Some interpretive boards to help imagine life in this Cistercian abbey. It's a lovely place to visit if you are wanting to avoid others due to Covid and it's free! Afterwards, wander down to the river in the village, just 100mts away.
Pauline YoungPauline Young
00
Nearby Restaurants Of Sawley Abbey
Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
4.6
(907)Click for details
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Address
Sawley, Clitheroe BB7 4NH, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 370 333 1181
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Website
english-heritage.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(197 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Sawley Abbey was an abbey of Cistercian monks in the village of Sawley, Lancashire, in England. Created as a daughter-house of Newminster Abbey, it existed from 1149 until its dissolution in 1536, during the reign of King Henry VIII. The abbey is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
attractions: , restaurants: Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
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