Valle Crucis Abbey

The evocative ruins of Valle Crucis lie in green fields beneath Llangollan's steep-sided mountains. In medieval times, this was a remote spot (ideal for the austere Cistercian monks, who deliberately sought out wild and lonely places). Their abbey, founded in the 13th century and added to a century later, has fared better than many of its contemporaries against the ravages of time, history and neglect.

Many original features remain, including the glorious west front complete with an elaborate, richly carved doorway, beautiful rose window and 14th century inscription "Abbot Adam carried out this work; may he rest in peace. Amen". Other well preserved features include the east end of the abbey (which still overlooks the monks' original fishpond) and the lovely chapter house with its striking rib-vaulted roof.

Valle Crucis is not just a lesson in medieval ecclesiastical architecture. A visit to this fascinating site evokes the lives of the Cistercian monks, successful sheep farmers and enthusiastic supporters of Welsh culture as well as devout men of religion. Interestingly, Valle Crucis also reveals a gradual relaxation in the strict regime of the Cistercians. By the late 15th century, the abbot decided to build for himself a fine new hall with a heated private apartment. Valle Crucis, the "Valley of the Cross", is named after Eliseg's Pillar, a 9th century Christian memorial cross which stands nearby.

General Information:
  • Limited parking
  • Shop
  • No public toilets on site
  • Dogs on leads allowed



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 31st October:
    Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm.

    Last admission 30 mins before closing.

    This monument will be open and unstaffed with no admission charge at all other times. During this period opening hours will be between 10.00am - 4.00pm daily.


    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £2.60; Concession £2.25.
    Family ticket (2 adults and all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £7.45.

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
    Under 5yrs Free.

    Directions
    On A542 from Llangollen, approx 3km/2mls on RHS.
    Show map of Valle Crucis Abbey...

    Valle Crucis Abbey Postcode for SatNav: LL20 8DD

    Nearby Attractions
    Llangollen Motor Museum (< 1 Mile)*
    See the cars that Grandad used to drive.
    Llangollen Railway (1 Mile)*
    Part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line, the railway runs 7.5 miles along the Dee Valley through outstanding Welsh scenery, with hidden views over the valley and its surroundings.
    Erddig Hall, Gardens & Country Park (7 Miles)*
    Erddig is a very special place. It is a unique family home that has captured the way of life of a bustling household community during the early years of this century.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    White Waters Country Hotel, Spa and Restaurant (1 Mile)*
    White Waters Hotel is a new hotel situated in delightful surroundings overlooking the River Dee and yet located only one mile from the town centre.
    Chainbridge Hotel (1 Mile)*
    The Chainbridge Hotel is uniquely situated between the spectacular River Dee with it's racing white water and leaping salmon, and the Llangollen Canal that begins it's life just a short walk away at the beautiful Horseshoe Falls.
    The Royal Hotel (1 Mile)*
    This hotel rests by the banks of the River Dee, in the heart of this historic market town that nestles within the Welsh mountains.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Tyddyn Isa (5 Miles)*
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    Golly Farm (12 Miles)*
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    4 Rose Cottage (14 Miles)*
    A 19th century, end-terrace cottage located on the owners one acre smallholding, in the pretty village of Dodleston, just 5 miles from the wonderful Roman City of Chester. Ideally situated close to the border of England and Wales.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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