Quarr Abbey Woodland Walks Isle of Wight
A working Benedictine monastery with serene grounds, charming piglets, and peaceful woodland walks, offering a glimpse into monastic life and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Quarr Abbey Woodland Walks Isle of Wight
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working Benedictine monastery with serene grounds, charming piglets, and peaceful woodland walks, offering a glimpse into monastic life and history.
"A serene place with a working monastery, pig farm, shop, and beautiful ruins nearby."
🐾 Respect the Monastery
Quarr Abbey is a working monastery. Be mindful of noise and stay on paths to respect the monks' peace.
🐷 See the Piglets!
Don't miss the adorable piglets at the abbey's farm. They're a highlight for many visitors!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quarr Abbey Grounds
Main Abbey Site
Explore the serene grounds of a working monastery, complete with a farm shop and charming piglets. A peaceful escape.
Woodland Walks
Surrounding Woodlands
Wander through peaceful woodlands, enjoying nature and the quiet ambiance. Perfect for a contemplative stroll.
Abbey Ruins Viewpoint
Coastal Track
Catch glimpses of the historic Quarr Abbey ruins from the public coastal path. Informative boards offer insights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Abbey's Tranquility
Accessing the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Respect the Monastery
Quarr Abbey is a working monastery. Be mindful of noise and stay on paths to respect the monks' peace.
🐷 See the Piglets!
Don't miss the adorable piglets at the abbey's farm. They're a highlight for many visitors!
Isle of Wight list
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Views
Enjoy views of the abbey ruins from the nearby coastal path. Informative boards are available.
🛍️ Visit the Farm Shop
Browse local produce and goods at the charming abbey farm shop. Great for souvenirs!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Respect the Monastery
Quarr Abbey is a working monastery. Be mindful of noise and stay on paths to respect the monks' peace.
🐷 See the Piglets!
Don't miss the adorable piglets at the abbey's farm. They're a highlight for many visitors!
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Views
Enjoy views of the abbey ruins from the nearby coastal path. Informative boards are available.
🛍️ Visit the Farm Shop
Browse local produce and goods at the charming abbey farm shop. Great for souvenirs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Quarr Abbey for its serene atmosphere, the charm of its working monastery, and the delightful farm animals, especially the piglets. While the historic ruins are not publicly accessible, the grounds and woodland walks offer a peaceful experience, with good views available from the coastal path. Some visitors express disappointment about the limited access to the ruins themselves.
"Well worth a visit, not just ruins, a working monastery, pig farm and shop"
Abigail Taylor
"You cannot access these ruins publicly. Private land now. Looks very nice to walk past but don’t expect to bring a picnic there like I did"
emily lovett
"What a serene place. We absolutely loved wandering through the grounds and visitor centre. A particular highlight was seeing the piglets."
Our Worldschooling Family
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quarr Abbey is located near Ryde on the Isle of Wight. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop nearby. The coastal path also offers scenic access for walkers.
Yes, there is parking available at Quarr Abbey for visitors. It's generally ample, but can get busier during peak times.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Ryde to Quarr Abbey, especially if you follow parts of the coastal path. It offers lovely views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The woodland walks and the grounds of the working Quarr Abbey are generally free to access. However, donations are appreciated to support the monastery.
The abbey grounds and farm shop have specific opening hours, which can vary. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information.
The main historic Quarr Abbey ruins are on private land and not open for public access. You can view them from the public coastal path.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the peaceful abbey grounds, visit the farm shop, see the resident piglets, and enjoy the surrounding woodland walks. There are also viewpoints for the historic ruins.
Dogs are generally allowed in the woodland walks and on the grounds, but must be kept on a lead. Always check local signage for specific rules.
Yes, families often enjoy Quarr Abbey, especially seeing the piglets and exploring the open grounds and walks. It's a calm and educational experience.
Picnics are not permitted at the main Quarr Abbey site or near the private ruins. However, there might be designated areas or you can find spots along the coastal path.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Quarr Abbey grounds and woodland walks for personal use. However, be respectful and avoid photographing the monks without permission.
The abbey architecture, the resident piglets, and the serene woodland paths offer great photo opportunities. The views of the ruins from the coastal track are also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Abbey's History and Present
Visitors often highlight the serene atmosphere of the current abbey and its grounds. The presence of a working farm, complete with charming piglets, adds an unexpected and delightful element to the visit. The farm shop offers local produce and crafts, making it a pleasant place to browse and support the abbey's community. Remember that while the ruins are visible from afar, the main abbey site is a place of quiet contemplation and daily prayer.
The woodland walks surrounding Quarr Abbey offer a natural escape. These paths allow visitors to connect with the island's landscape and enjoy a peaceful stroll away from the main abbey buildings. Information boards along the coastal path provide context about the historical Quarr Abbey ruins, allowing you to appreciate their significance even from a distance.
Navigating the Walks and Ruins
When it comes to the Quarr Abbey ruins, it's important to manage expectations. As mentioned, these are on private land and not accessible for public exploration or picnics. However, the coastal path offers excellent vantage points to see the remains of the old abbey. This allows visitors to appreciate the historical significance and picturesque setting without trespassing.
For those interested in a more active exploration, combining a visit to Quarr Abbey with a section of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is highly recommended. This path not only provides views of the ruins but also showcases the stunning coastline. It's a perfect way to extend your visit and experience more of the island's natural and historical wonders.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit