Roche Abbey — Attraction in Rotherham

Lovely Abbey surrounded by beautiful big trees. A very tranquil place to visit. We went on a bank holiday weekend and it was very quiet. It is dog friendly and a bowl of water was provided out the back of the entrance building. The entrance is a lovely old house that has toilets, an English heritage shop which also has a coffee machine but don't do food. The staff were lovely, very friendly and informative. You are allowed to bring your own picnics, which we did and they have 3 big picnic tables out the back over looking the Abbey. There are other benches dotted around the Abbey to sit on too. It's not a massive Abbey and not much left of it but what is there is nice to walk around, unfortunately there are no information boards or audio guides for this site so if you want to know what you're looking at you have to buy a guide for £4. Alternatively we did just about have enough phone signal there to do a quick goole search on the abbeys plans and that helped. In the remaining towers you can see the graffiti of people from the 1800's if you look up on a row of the stones. In all its a lovely tranquil place to sit, relax and enjoy the Abbey and it scenery. The only reason I have marked it down a star is because of lack of any information unless you pay extra for it and the parking isn't great. The car park is a free but very small shared carpark that people not attending the Abbey can use. We also noticed that directly along the edges of the Abbey is a path on the other side of a small wire fence that people were walking down, there was a council information board about the Abbey too, meaning that people can just walk the perimeter of the Abbey and see it without paying, yes you cant walk up to it and examine it closely, but you are right next to it and so I feel the carpark was taken up by most people who were doing that and so for us who were paying to go in, we struggled to find a spot and that was a bit...

Review: Roche Abbey, Maltby, South Yorkshire Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Roche Abbey, tucked away in the tranquil Maltby countryside, is a remarkably preserved glimpse into the past, deserving a solid four-star rating. As a former Cistercian monastery from the 12th century, it offers a unique historical narrative interlaced with spiritual significance and architectural beauty.

Upon arrival, the serene landscape is striking. The ruins nestle within a well-manicured lawn, hugged by dense woodlands, creating an atmospheric setting for exploring. As you walk around, the fragments of arches, columns, and walls are a haunting testament to the passage of time.

The detailed informational signs scattered around the site provide valuable insights into the Abbey's history and the monastic life it once housed. They help paint a vivid picture of the past, which aids the imagination in reconstructing the once-thriving monastery. Guided tours would add an additional layer of richness to the experience.

There are ample spots for picnicking around the grounds. However, the lack of an on-site café or restaurant is somewhat disappointing. Having refreshment options could make for a more rounded visit, especially for those spending a few hours exploring.

In terms of accessibility, the main paths are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, but some of the more remote areas of the site might be challenging to reach for those with mobility issues.

In summary, Roche Abbey offers a quiet, introspective journey into history set in a naturally beautiful location. While it could benefit from enhanced amenities and perhaps more interactive exhibits, it remains a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, meriting a...

Visit more out of childhood nostalgia than aught else Access down narrow winding cobbled hill... those who have large vehicles or a preclusion to reversing take note... English heritage site so appropriate entrance fees apply ... you may feel these are a bit steep for 'what you get' (though not as steep as hill to get here 😉) ... but you pays your money you takes your choice ... 'Nice' Cistercian ruins ... and very peaceful valley .... if you visit go mid-week and/or early morning / late afternoon to catch place with fewer souls ... actually, perversely the lack of "stuff" (almost zero info boards or similar... but quite comprehensive visitor booklet available at entrance ... at appropriate cost of course), means that all you can do is sit and contemplate the 'dissolved' buildings (Henry VIII had v powerful solvents 🙂) and listen to the water rushing through the leat ... .. oh yes, for those with small children who are fleet of foot, there is a steep sided, sunken stream (mill race in previous time I think ) ... v good for catching the unwary/uninformed ... so v educational for the young ... ahem Staff helpful and polite Coffee and cake(?) available Toilets on site

Well worth a visit even with all caveats above ... but don't expect more than peace and quiet...