NETLEY ABBEY

Standing close to Southampton Water, Netley is the most complete surviving abbey built by the Cistercian monks in southern England.

 Almost all the walls of its 13th century church still stand, together with many monastic buildings. 

The buildings were converted into a fashionable Tudor house after the Suppression.

 Most traces of this house were removed in the 19th century, when Netley's ivy-clad remains, in their wooded setting, came to be celebrated as a perfect medieval ruin - and an inspiration for Romantic writers and poets.

Read more about Netley Abbey's history.

BEFORE YOU GO

Access: There are steps and uneven surfaces throughout the ruins, but wheelchair access is possible for most of the site.

Opening Times: Open 10am-4.30pm daily, from April until September. From October to March the site is open 10am-4pm at the weekend. View details.

Parking: There is limited car parking at the site. Further parking can be found at the Abbey Hall Recreation Ground, a five minute walk from the site.

Facilities: Toilets are available at Abbey Hall Recreation Ground, a five minute walk from the abbey. There are shops and places to eat in Netley village.

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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PLAN A GREAT DAY OUT

Extend your visit to Netley Abbey with a trip to nearby Titchfield Abbey, a 13th century Premonstratensian Abbey, which was also converted into a Tudor mansion around the same time.

Why not also take a trip to Southampton to see how people lived in the 14th century at the Medieval Merchants House, just two miles away. Or take a trip to Portchester Castle.

 Its commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for many centuries. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds, and browse the gift shop.