Downside Abbey - Basilica of St Gregory the Great — Attraction in Stratton on the Fosse

Only open occasionally the Abby and grounds are in the long tradition of all monestaries and whilst monks no longer reside there having recently moved away, the tours and gardens bring the long traditions to life. Built in relatively recent times it stands as the last grand edifices raised to the glory of the religious traditions. It is not the grandest but it is set in and inspires great spiritual effect. The library has something like half a millionanuscripts and books some stretching back a thousand years and whilst you can't see them they underpin the importance of these institutions over the years. I am not religious or even spiritual but you can't deny the influence of it's traditions. Once a fully functioning monestary the informed and pleasant staff impart their knowledge with great enthusiasm. It needs to consider how it funds its future more opening and charges might help, NT maybe. Finally the cafe rediculously good value. Good cup of coffe and decent slice of lemon cake less than £3. And you pay befor you leave. The trust adds something profound to the end of our visit. Finally there is a darker more recent history attached to the school but the evil of a few should not darken the great history and good of these...

A haven in the midst of the sea of the tranquil Somerset countryside. What a beautiful place. What wonderfully welcoming and hospitable monks. It was a privilege to stay here for 2 nights on a retreat and I thoroughly recommend that you also take a retreat here. I plan to return to the quietness and peace that this glorious work of God offers to my otherwise...

This was an amazing place to visit beautiful Architecture. No guide or anyone with knowledge when I visited and the Visitor centre was closed even though online it was posted that it was open. There are some beautiful structures and chantrys and shrines in here but most of them were locked by a gate and inaccessible. This place has a very...