St. Augustine's Abbey is open and we continue to have measures are in place to keep everyone safe. You don't need to book your visit in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.
An incredibly nice front desk worker. The museum at entrance is brief but interesting. The ruins are really interesting to see and the posted signs really help explain the function of different parts of the building and make the ruins come to life. If your lucky during your visit the cathedral nearby will sound the end of service bells and this really helps the site come together and exploring the ruins of the Abbey with the cathedrals bells ringing in the background feels truly special. I cant begin to describe the feeling
What a neat piece of history! Everything was mapped out well and many signs explained how parts of the building would've looked like and functioned as in it's former glory. Not only did it guide us through the architecture itself, but the lives of the clergymen who resided there at the time. The tour included an audio guide which was helpful, but I also found it peaceful to walk through and read the well-informed signs. After walking through, I highly recommend the VR headseat where you can visualize the building in completion, both inside and outside. It's a great way to see all the remains in completion. It is very family friendly, with fun activities for the kids while the parents read about the history. They offer student discounts and you can purchase a package deal along with other historical attractions in the area. The lady at the reception was very kind and said if I changed my mind and wanted to buy the package after I've left, I can get a refund for my singular ticket. I didn't end up having time to go elsewhere, so the single ticket worked perfectly, but I appreciated the offer. This and the Canterbury Cathedral are must sees.
An excellent example of how an English Heritage site should be run. Very informative (although small) museum with some really interesting artifacts and texts as you enter, and you are free to explore the expansive grounds. Amazing history in this location, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area at our own pace. The audio guide was great. Very well done to everyone at this location, what a great bit of English history
We acquired an Overseas visitor pass for English Heritage sites for approximately $100 USD, which granted us access to this particular site. Our visit to the Abbey took place on 6/25/24 at 2pm, and we were pleased to find no wait and minimal crowds upon arrival. The museum section boasted an impressive array of artifacts, as well as interactive displays and activities for children. The highlight of the exhibition was a VR headset and corresponding TV screen, offering a glimpse into the abbey's past. Stepping outside, we were able to view the remains of the abbey, including floor tiles from the middle ages, the tomb of St Augustine, and a Saxon king burial site.
While this obviously cannot compare with the nearby cathedral, the abbey is steeped in history. I highly recommend taking the free audio guide as it provides a lot of insight into what once stood on these grounds. Do also take the short walk up the road to St Martin's church while you are there - while only small, it is the oldest church in the U.K.
This is where the Christianity in England started! During King Ethelbert's time, in AD 597 Pope Gregory I, sent St Augustine to spread Christianity in England. His French Queen, who was already a Christian influenced the king to covert into Christianity. He gave a piece of land to St Augustine to build a monetary. There were monks copying manuscripts and learning and meditating and growing their own food. This is where many important people at the time were buried too. This includes some kings and bishops too. The church built here was originally dedicated to saints Peter and Paul. Only after many years it was dedicated to St Augustine. After Henry VIII destroyed Christian places of worship St Augustine's abbey was almost flattened to the ground. It's one entrance is still part of a private college. A small museum at the entrance displays many artifacts that spreads over centuries. A skeleton found In a led coffin is very interesting.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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An incredibly nice front desk worker. The museum at entrance is brief but interesting. The ruins are really interesting to see and the posted signs really help explain the function of different parts of the building and make the ruins come to life. If your lucky during your visit the cathedral nearby will sound the end of service bells and this really helps the site come together and exploring the ruins of the Abbey with the cathedrals bells ringing in the background feels truly special. I cant begin to describe the feeling
What a neat piece of history! Everything was mapped out well and many signs explained how parts of the building would've looked like and functioned as in it's former glory. Not only did it guide us through the architecture itself, but the lives of the clergymen who resided there at the time. The tour included an audio guide which was helpful, but I also found it peaceful to walk through and read the well-informed signs. After walking through, I highly recommend the VR headseat where you can visualize the building in completion, both inside and outside. It's a great way to see all the remains in completion. It is very family friendly, with fun activities for the kids while the parents read about the history. They offer student discounts and you can purchase a package deal along with other historical attractions in the area. The lady at the reception was very kind and said if I changed my mind and wanted to buy the package after I've left, I can get a refund for my singular ticket. I didn't end up having time to go elsewhere, so the single ticket worked perfectly, but I appreciated the offer. This and the Canterbury Cathedral are must sees.
An excellent example of how an English Heritage site should be run. Very informative (although small) museum with some really interesting artifacts and texts as you enter, and you are free to explore the expansive grounds. Amazing history in this location, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area at our own pace. The audio guide was great. Very well done to everyone at this location, what a great bit of English history
We acquired an Overseas visitor pass for English Heritage sites for approximately $100 USD, which granted us access to this particular site. Our visit to the Abbey took place on 6/25/24 at 2pm, and we were pleased to find no wait and minimal crowds upon arrival. The museum section boasted an impressive array of artifacts, as well as interactive displays and activities for children. The highlight of the exhibition was a VR headset and corresponding TV screen, offering a glimpse into the abbey's past. Stepping outside, we were able to view the remains of the abbey, including floor tiles from the middle ages, the tomb of St Augustine, and a Saxon king burial site.
While this obviously cannot compare with the nearby cathedral, the abbey is steeped in history. I highly recommend taking the free audio guide as it provides a lot of insight into what once stood on these grounds. Do also take the short walk up the road to St Martin's church while you are there - while only small, it is the oldest church in the U.K.
This is where the Christianity in England started! During King Ethelbert's time, in AD 597 Pope Gregory I, sent St Augustine to spread Christianity in England. His French Queen, who was already a Christian influenced the king to covert into Christianity. He gave a piece of land to St Augustine to build a monetary. There were monks copying manuscripts and learning and meditating and growing their own food. This is where many important people at the time were buried too. This includes some kings and bishops too. The church built here was originally dedicated to saints Peter and Paul. Only after many years it was dedicated to St Augustine. After Henry VIII destroyed Christian places of worship St Augustine's abbey was almost flattened to the ground. It's one entrance is still part of a private college. A small museum at the entrance displays many artifacts that spreads over centuries. A skeleton found In a led coffin is very interesting.
