Egglestone Abbey
Explore the serene ruins of a 12th-century monastery, featuring impressive stone arches and a peaceful riverside setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility
Egglestone Abbey
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the serene ruins of a 12th-century monastery, featuring impressive stone arches and a peaceful riverside setting.
"A beautiful and peaceful historic site — well worth the £2 parking fee!"
🚗 Parking Payment
Parking is £2 via text. Be aware of signage confusion; have your phone ready for payment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Fields
Walk through the adjacent fields to the stream for stunning views back at the abbey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Impressive Stone Arches
Towering stone arches and remnants of the monastery walls create a dramatic and evocative atmosphere.
Peaceful Riverside Setting
Wander through fields to the nearby stream and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the abbey's surroundings.
Informative Plaques
Discover the history of this 12th-century monastery through well-placed plaques around the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Exploring the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Payment
Parking is £2 via text. Be aware of signage confusion; have your phone ready for payment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Fields
Walk through the adjacent fields to the stream for stunning views back at the abbey.
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Bring your furry friends, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
📜 Historical Context
Read the informative plaques to understand the scale and history of the former monastery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Payment
Parking is £2 via text. Be aware of signage confusion; have your phone ready for payment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Fields
Walk through the adjacent fields to the stream for stunning views back at the abbey.
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Bring your furry friends, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
📜 Historical Context
Read the informative plaques to understand the scale and history of the former monastery.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ruins and surrounding fields.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Egglestone Abbey for its impressive ruins, peaceful atmosphere, and reasonable parking fee. Many appreciate the historical context provided by the plaques and the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, including the walk to the stream. Some minor confusion regarding parking payment methods was noted.
"Impressive tall stone arches, great stone features meet you as you pull into the carpark.. lovely ruins worth the short trip from Barnard Castle.. grass area to sit and relax.. we walked through the fields at the side to the stream, looking back you realize just how big the monastery must of been.. plaques are dotted around giving good information....dogs welcome but must be on a lead... carpark is txt donation..
Drone footage by jakeysjpegs Instagram..."
Trevor Smith
"A beautiful and peaceful historic site — well worth the £2 parking fee! It’s great to see a place like this that doesn’t overcharge visitors just to enjoy the scenery.
Compared to Whitby Abbey, which isn’t much larger but costs £16 to enter, Egglestone Abbey feels refreshingly honest and accessible.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!"
Peter Müller
"Discovered this place by chance on a random detour, stopped off to have a look unsure about parking one sign saying free one saying text to pay. A few informative plaques situated around the site and the boundry of the where the walls would of been is clearly marked which was a nice touch and it still retains quite a lot of features."
Danny Millar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Egglestone Abbey is located about a mile and a half from Barnard Castle town. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site.
The abbey is situated in a scenic area. Follow signs for Egglestone Abbey from Barnard Castle.
Barnard Castle is the closest town, offering amenities and further attractions.
Yes, it's a worthwhile stop if you're exploring the Durham Dales or County Durham region.
Information on direct public transport is limited; driving is generally the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the abbey ruins themselves is free. However, there is a £2 parking fee.
Parking is £2 and is typically paid via text message. Some visitors have noted confusion with signage regarding payment methods.
As an open-air historical site, Egglestone Abbey is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific times are not usually posted.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the abbey ruins as it is free to explore.
Yes, Egglestone Abbey is managed by English Heritage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore impressive tall stone arches, the remnants of the monastery walls, and enjoy the peaceful grassy areas and surrounding fields.
There are no facilities or toilets on-site at Egglestone Abbey.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and the open spaces. Parents should supervise them closely.
There is a grass area suitable for relaxing and enjoying a picnic amidst the historical ruins.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Egglestone Abbey, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
📸 📸 Photography
The tall stone arches and the overall scale of the ruins offer great photographic opportunities. The riverside setting also provides scenic shots.
Drone footage has been captured here, but always check current regulations and English Heritage guidelines before flying.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light, while mornings provide a more tranquil atmosphere for capturing the ruins.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact English Heritage for any specific permissions or guidelines.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. Be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walk to the stream through the fields is a lovely addition for a family outing. Dogs are welcome on leads, so it's a great spot for the whole family, including furry members. The informative plaques can also be a fun way to engage older children with the history of the site.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Peace Seekers
Take your time to wander, read the plaques, and perhaps enjoy a quiet picnic. The nearby stream offers a peaceful spot for contemplation. The £2 parking fee is a small price to pay for such an undisturbed experience.
🐶 Dog Owners
The surrounding fields and the path to the stream provide ample space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. It's a peaceful location where you can both appreciate the historical ruins and the natural beauty of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Walking through the grounds, one can appreciate the scale of what was once a thriving religious community. The tall stone arches, still standing defiantly against time, are particularly striking and evoke a sense of awe. The surrounding fields and the nearby stream add to the abbey's picturesque setting, making it a peaceful place for reflection and exploration. It's a site that encourages visitors to pause and contemplate the passage of centuries.
Visitor Experience & Practicalities
While the site itself is free to enter and explore, it's important to note the lack of on-site facilities, such as toilets. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. The abbey is dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead, making it a great outing for pet owners. The opportunity to walk through the adjacent fields to the stream adds an extra dimension to the visit, offering different perspectives of the abbey and its natural surroundings.
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