I don’t often find ruins like this that aren’t full of tourists, with ticketed entry and railings.
Which makes this spot pretty special. (We also, truly, cannot park more than two cars here, maybe three if we squeeze and block each other in. So. Mum’s the word; it cannot handle a social media “hidden gem” reveal.)
After driving through the meandering countryside, the field where this abbey lives suddenly opens up; the very first time I saw it, I was convinced the whole way there I was on my way to getting well and truly lost.
You’ll climb over the stone wall, with help from a stile, and cross a field, getting your first look at the ruins.
If you’re lucky, the cows will be about in the field, watching you go by, maybe saying hello. You’ll cross over a bridge, under an arch, then across more of the field to the main structure of the abbey.
And then you get to explore! Wander the ruins, touch the moss, find an oathing stone for your ceremony, and say hi to the crows who live here.
You’ll exchange your vows under the towering arches, surrounded by 800 years of history. …And the aforementioned crows. They’re good luck.
