Dore Abbey

Dore Abbey nestles in the Golden Valley where the white robed Cistercian monks chose to build in 1147. Their prayerful life included farming and gardening which created income to improve their abbey. Much of their engineering and building skills stand today. Their peace was shattered by the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The present building was saved and restored in the 1630’s by John, Viscount Scudamore.

Note the carved stone bosses, rescued from the original roof; the capitals, medieval glass and tiles, wall paintings and texts, fine wood work by John Abel and the original stone altar.

Visitors will be amazed at the vast size of the abbey when entering the south doorway. Pause; and feel the peace and tranquillity: and then the magnificence. Two desks show plans of the abbey as it was before the Dissolution. There are excellent guide books and laminated information sheets to help you enjoy your visit.

Explore outside, imagine the vast nave which stood where there are now graves. Enjoy a quite picnic in the cloister garden. Come when there are services and share a living parish church.

Guided tours can be arranged for large or small groups.