Name: Bayham Old Abbey
Rating: 5.0

Bayham Old Abbey

Bayham Old Abbey, Clay Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8LP, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The abbey was founded around 1208, the result of a merger between two earlier monastic communities, at Otham (Sussex) and Brockley (Kent). The site at Otham had proved unsuitable and it is likely that there were similar problems with Brockley.

Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent Sussex border. The impressive ruins, built from golden local sandstone, include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse. Bayham Abbey is now set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who also planned the grounds of Kenwood House in London.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent Sussex border. The impressive ruins, built from golden local sandstone, include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse. Bayham Abbey is now set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who also planned the grounds of Kenwood House in London.
The abbey was founded around 1208, the result of a merger between two earlier monastic communities, at Otham (Sussex) and Brockley (Kent). The site at Otham had proved unsuitable and it is likely that there were similar problems with Brockley. Robert de Thurnham, a powerful knight and courtier, gave land for Bayham, or Begeham as it was then known, to be built. The new monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was also supported by Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford, and Ella de Sackville, daughter of Ralph de Dene, who was to be the first abbot at Bayham.
The Premonstratensians, like some other religious orders, chose isolated locations for most of their abbeys. At Bayham they took advantage of the isolated valley of the river Teise, on the Kent and Sussex border, to site their new abbey.
Gardens: The abbey is set in a landscape designed by Humphry Repton, the famous landscape gardener, who also planned the grounds of Kenwood House in London. There is plenty of room to run and play in our large open areas, hide and seek around the ruins is very popular.

Facilities

Parking: There is a small car park on site with a loose gravel surface. There is a £2 charge for non-members. We recommend you pay in advance of your visit by visiting our parking payment service website. Payment can also be made on site by text, but please note that phone signal is very poor. Parking is free for members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display.
Food & Drinks: There are no toilets or food and beverage facilities on site, but there are villages within 4 miles, such as Lamberhurst and Frant, where you will find shops and places to eat.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bayham-old-abbey/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

1 Apr-30 Sep: 10am-5pm.
1 Oct-31 Oct: 10am-4pm.
Nov-Mar: Closed.

Address: Bayham Old Abbey, Clay Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8LP, UK

Post Code: TN3 8LP

Council: Wealden

County: East Sussex

Road Access: 1 3⁄4 miles W of Lamberhurst, off B2169.
Bus Access: Autocar 256.
Train Access: Frant 4 miles then bus 256.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a small car park on site with a loose gravel surface. There is a £2 charge for non-members. We recommend you pay in advance of your visit by visiting our parking payment service website. Payment can also be made on site by text, but please note that phone signal is very poor. Parking is free for members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display.