{"id":34390,"date":"2024-02-08T13:02:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/af21082c-b783-49b3-9844-33224b6baed8"},"modified":"2024-02-08T13:39:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:39:23","slug":"cleeve-abbey-somerset-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/cleeve-abbey-somerset-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleeve Abbey, Somerset: What to see and do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover this ancient treasure: a fine example of well-preserved medieval architecture <\/p>

By Dixe Wills\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 08 February 2024 at 12:02 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Find out more about this romantic ruin, Cleeve Abbey in Somerset.<\/p>

Where is Cleeve Abbey?<\/h2>

Set in a glorious valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park<\/a> in Somerset, Cleeve Abbey is situated approximately 2 miles (3k) northeast of the coastal town of Watchet and about 9 miles (14k) southwest of Minehead.<\/p>

When was Cleeve Abbey built?<\/h2>

The construction of the abbey began in the late 12th century. It was completed in the early 13th century.<\/p>

What to see and do at Cleeve Abbey?<\/h2>

As abbeys go it was certainly very fancy and happily a surprising proportion of its buildings has survived. The refectory with its heraldic tiles and wonderful angel roof is a delight, while the great dormitory is one of the best preserved in the country.<\/p>

The abbey is also said to contain the finest cloister in England. Still intact on all four sides, with an arched recess where the abbot would have sat while a brother read the day\u2019s spiritual passage. It\u2019s easy to imagine the Cistercian monks of old walking here deep in contemplation. <\/p>

They were all turfed out by Henry VIII in 1536 but they\u2019ve left an aura of tranquility and goodwill about the place.<\/p>

Chapter house, Cleeve Abbey, Somerset. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Cleeve reopens from its winter break in the spring. However, if you delay your visit until August and go at a weekend or Bank Holiday, your saunter around the cloister will be accompanied by the soothing sound of monastic chanting.<\/p>

Useful information<\/h3>

Visit English Heritage<\/a> for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member<\/a> and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets<\/a> to visit Cleeve Abbey.<\/p>

Arrive in style by steam train on the West Somerset Railway<\/a>, which stops at Washford, a few minutes\u2019 walk away. <\/p>

Where to stay near Cleeve Abbey<\/h3>

You could stay at the nearby 300-year-old ivy-clad White Horse Inn<\/a>. For that extra slice of romance, ask for a room overlooking the Washford River. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor<\/a><\/p>

Looking for more inspirational Days Out?<\/strong><\/h4>

Check out our expert guides and features about\u00a0Somerset<\/a>, including\u00a0best walks in Somerset<\/a>,\u00a0the Glastonbury Tor walk<\/a> and the Somerset levels<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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