Waverley Abbey — Attraction in Waverley

My Autumnal walk next to the River Wey: Waverley Abbey Ruins

The ruins of Waverley Abbey are situated in a tranquil loop of the River Wey. A monastery was founded here in 1128 and was the first Cistercian house to be established in Britain by William Gifford, Bishop of Winchester. It supported12 monks and an abbot from Aumone in France. By 1187 the community had grown to 70 monks and 120 lay brothers in residence.

In 1201 the abbey buildings were badly flooded. This became a common occurrence and as a result the abbey was substantially rebuilt during the 13th century. Even today it was obvious that the ruins stand proud on a flood plain. My hiking boots were soaked walking across the field and I did not have to fear the appearance of venomous adders which are apparently rather prevalent in the area...it was just too wet for any self respecting reptile to want to slither through the lush grass.

The monastery continued to grow in the 14th century. The monks and lay brothers farmed the surrounding land, were active in the Cistercian wool trade and provided shelter for pilgrims and travellers and a hospital for the sick.

In 1536, with the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the site passed to Sir William Fitzherbert, treasurer of Henry VIII's household. Much of the abbey was dismantled and some of the stone was reused to build Sir William More’s house at Loseley, a few miles to the east. Very little of the Abbey itself remains but an ancient yew tree planted before 1536 still stands tall and proud and today its red berries heralded the changing seasons...

It is hoped that the ruins will be restored sometime in the future to house a non-denominational...

Waverley Abbey in Farnham, Surrey was the very first monastery founded in Britain by the reforming Cistercian religious order. A small group of monks from France settled in this quiet spot by the River Wey in 1128, and Waverley soon became the springboard for Cistercian settlement in southern England. The impressive remains include the fine 13th century vaulted refectory or dining hall for the lay brothers, the Cistercians' labour force.

In more recent times, the abbey has been used as a backdrop to the films Elizabeth (1998) and Disney's Into the Woods (2014).

Direct location: Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP.

I would advice to navigate your car to the Waverley House though, not to get lost. Small car park for access to the Abbey will be on your left , right before the main entrance to the Waverley House.

The ruins approximately 5 min walk from the car park.

Around the ruins there are lots of information boards where you can find out about the history and particular ruins in respective to their location on the grounds.

No buffet or ice cream van, so take some picnic with you. :)

Also, no toilet facilities.

Beautiful, well looked after and very peaceful place for relaxing and spend great time with family with near by pond.

Photography lovers - this place is for you!

Magnificently enchanted tree there too, which your kids will love!

There can be adders at this site, so make sure you are keeping your dogs on the lead and children close to you.

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Would definitely recommend...

When visiting different areas, there is nothing better than checking out some 'brown sign' places of historical interest and if you're in Surrey or the general south east, this is well worth a visit. The 13th Century site was the first Cisterian settlement in the UK, has an intriguing history and is free to enter. As well as seeing the preserved remaining buildings on the site, enjoying the surrounding countryside and lake and reading the information boards, you can also download an audio tour from the English Heritage website. It is only around 20 minutes long and makes it easier to envisage how the settlement would've looked back in the day with simple instructions telling you where to stand while it explains what it would have been like. Also via the audio tour, you can find out about the 'dragon's teeth' Second World War concrete defences along the river and go to see them. The history really is enchanting and the tour enlightening. Our only regret was not visiting the nearby Farnham Castle Keep - also free to enter - first as when we got there it was closed. These two venues are ideal to do together if you fancy a morning or afternoon exploring some of Surrey's history. Just be aware the Castle Keep closes around 3pm or 4pm, depending on which day you go and what time...