Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Abbey things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Although the Abbey was founded in 1087 by nobleman Robert FitzHamon, building of the present Abbey did not start until 1102. Built to house Benedictine monks, the Norman Abbey was near completion when consecrated in 1121. Embellishments to the long nave roof and the apsidal chancel were made in the first half of the 14th century in the Decorated style. After the dissolution in 1540 most of the claustral buildings and the Lady Chapel were quarried for their materials but the Abbey Church was sold to the parishioners for £453. Changes made since then to the internal configuration have developed to reflect contemporary styles of devotion, currently of the Anglo-Catholic persuasion. Lying at the southern edge of the old town, the Abbey quietly dominates the land and skyline with its long nave and “probably the largest and finest Romanesque tower in England” (Pevsner). Vestiges of its social domination can be deduced from the layout of the streets and buildings, and the occasional relic; the Abbot’s gatehouse, the Abbey Mill, The vicarage and the Tudor-style dwellings in Church Street. The area surrounding the Abbey is protected from development by the Abbey Lawn Trust, originally funded by a United States benefactor.
Reeker33Reeker33
10
Second time visiting Tewkesbury Abbey absolutely beautiful the same as it was on our first visit. Its amazing how they built building's like this all those years ago 1100 it's the year the Abbey was started to be built, the interior is exactly what you would expect beautiful and yet very calming and peaceful, if you like too look at religious buildings of any size as my wife does you won't be sorry that you took the time. To visit Tewkesbury Abbey, the staindglass windows are lovely the amount of work and time it took to make them must have been amazing compared to modern time tools and equipment, the grounds as you would expect are immaculate, One tree is so big its got too be as old as the Abbey, to finish there's a film being shown in a small room on the left of the Alter as you look at it, it's playing an endless film showing all the places you can't normally visit such as the bells and Tower and how they got them up there with a commentary it's very interesting and informative. If you are a member of the Caravan and Motorhome club Tewkesbury Abbey club site is just a short walk away from the Abbey and the Town Tewkesbury. We really hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did.
Michael HardingMichael Harding
00
As I continue my long-term photography project to visit as many of the Abbeys in the UK I was delighted to find myself close to Tewksbury and be presented with the opportunity to go and visit the Abbey. Once again I was just in awe of the architecture of the Abbey from the external stone masonry to the intricate carvings inside. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time to explore or find out about the history of the Abbey due to late arrival so I intend to return. It has one of the largest organs I have seen and also one of the most unusual. One item I definitely need to find out more about. If you’re into historical architecture, whether you’re a religious person or not, I’m certain you will still be able to marvel at the architecture on display at the Abbey.
EmC PhotographyEmC Photography
00
They don't make things like they used to for good reason, the Abbey is phenomenal but the amount of hard labour and the time it took to build are beyond comprehension nowadays It's an absolutely magnificent building inside and out, the ceilings are awe inspiring and the windows are incredible Apparently 1/3rd of the building is missing, cloisters, spire and monks quarters and the pink stone on the outside wall is what happens when cotswold stone suffers fire damage Also there are peregrine falcons living in the tower!! An architectural gem and functioning church well worth a visit and a donation
Martin ClementsMartin Clements
00
A beautiful Abbey, a stunning example of 12th century Norman architecture. It’s deceptive in its exterior look. It’s far bigger inside than it looks with many enclaves and alcoves. All the history is marked and described. The stained glass windows are a form of art long understated and is a pleasure to study. The vaulted ceilings are a feast for the eyes, full of colour and richness of design. A nice cafe on site selling hot and cold food and drinks, with access to toilets. The surrounding land is lovely to walk. There is also a car park nearby that is a reasonable price to park.
Tracy MatthewsTracy Matthews
30
Was on a day trip to this lovely town and made my way to the Abbey. It's not the biggest one I've been to but it is on a par with the best. It was beautiful. I just sat and looked down the main aisle for several minutes just taking it all in. Then I explored all the little chapels situated around the sides of the main aisle. The ceilings were stunning too. Well worth a visit ... and no entrance fee, but there is an opportunity to leave a donation if you want to ... but there us no pressure to do so. Small shop is in the Abbey and a sweet little tea room just outside.
Maureen GingellMaureen Gingell
10
Nearby Attractions Of Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Battlefield
Tewkesbury Museum
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
The John Moore Countryside Museum
Severn Ham, Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury Old Baptist Chapel

Tewkesbury Battlefield
4.6
(163)Click for details

Tewkesbury Museum
4.3
(79)Click for details

Tewkesbury Nature Reserve
4.3
(64)Click for details

The John Moore Countryside Museum
4.7
(26)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Tewkesbury Abbey
The Royal Hop Pole - J D Wetherspoon
Salerno Tewkesbury Ltd
Rosado Lounge
Café au Chocolat
Nottingham Arms
The Boathouse Pub Restaurant Tewkesbury
Coffee#1 Tewkesbury
The Berkeley Arms
Raj Shahi Restaurant
Caffe E Vino

The Royal Hop Pole - J D Wetherspoon
4.3
(1.5K)Click for details

Salerno Tewkesbury Ltd
4.7
(407)$$
Click for details

Rosado Lounge
4.4
(415)Click for details

Café au Chocolat
4.6
(390)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1684 850959
Call
Website
tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
The Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tewkesbury, commonly known as Tewkesbury Abbey, is located in the English county of Gloucestershire. A former Benedictine monastery, it is now a parish church.
attractions: Tewkesbury Battlefield, Tewkesbury Museum, Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, The John Moore Countryside Museum, Severn Ham, Tewkesbury, Tewkesbury Old Baptist Chapel, restaurants: The Royal Hop Pole - J D Wetherspoon, Salerno Tewkesbury Ltd, Rosado Lounge, Café au Chocolat, Nottingham Arms, The Boathouse Pub Restaurant Tewkesbury, Coffee#1 Tewkesbury, The Berkeley Arms, Raj Shahi Restaurant, Caffe E Vino
