Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire. Paid entry, limited opening

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Details

Accessibility

Disability Parking

Disability Toilet

Disabled person and companion have Free entry

Brief description

"Majestic medieval abbey was legendary for its lavish feasts:  Valle Crucis was truly Welsh from the moment it was founded in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the ‘white monks’ of the Cistercian order.

Its Latin name (Valley of the Cross) refers to the nearby ninth-century Pillar of Eliseg, erected for the glory of a Welsh chieftain. Monks had names like Tudur and Hywel.

Such home-grown sympathies might well explain the damage suffered during the wars of the English king Edward I and the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr. But it remains one of our best-preserved and most atmospheric medieval abbeys.

Valle Crucis began in austerity but was later celebrated by poets for its lavish hospitality – meals served in silver vessels and ale ‘flowing like a river’. In Wales only Tintern Abbey was richer when it was dissolved by royal decree in 1537.

You’ll believe it when you first glimpse the majestic west front of the abbey church. Elsewhere among the romantic ruins painted by Turner are the rib-vaulted chapter house and the only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales."

Address

Valle Crucis Abbey, Llantysilio, Llangollen LL20 8DD

Email

ValleCrucisAbbey@gov.wales

Phone

03000 252239 (For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01978 860326 )

Website

https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/valle-crucis-abbey

http://www.castlewales.com/valle.html

https://www.facebook.com/AbatyGlynyGroes/

Directions

"On A542 from Llangollen, approx 3km/2mls (on RHS)"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2022: "5 May – 31 October Thursday–Monday 10am–5pm, Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. See https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/valle-crucis-abbey#prices 

Category Price: Member - Join now Free

Adult £4.80 

Family* £15.80

Disabled and companion  Free

Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans £3.40

Seniors (Aged 65+) £4.60

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry."

Transport

"Rail: 18km/11mls Wrexham, Chester-Wrexham/Shrewsbury route

Bus: 4km/2.5mls Llangollen Bridge End Hotel, route No X5, Wrexham-Llangollen"

Amenities

https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/valle-crucis-abbey#facilities

Travel Information

For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info

Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000