Holm Cultram Abbey

LOCATION

WIGTON, CUMBRIA

RECOMMENDED BY
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Our View

This sturdy 12th-century butressed church is all that is left – the nave – of a much larger Cistercian abbey, dissolved during the 16th century. It is built of red sandstone, shipped across the Solway Firth from Scotland, and was founded by monks from Melrose Abbey. The Earl of Carrick, father of Robert the Bruce, was buried here in 1304. The church underwent major restoration in the 1720s. The west doorway is a magnificent Norman arch, with a separate two-storey porch. The church, dedicated to St Mary, is undergoing restoration (2014) after a major fire in 2006 destroyed the roof and reduced it to a shell. New features will include a café and exhibition area.

Holm Cultram Abbey
Abbey Road, Abbeytown, WIGTON, CA7 4SP

Features

Facilities
  • Parking onsite
Accessibility
  • Fully accessible
  • Facilities: Ramps
  • Accessible toilets
Opening times
  • Open all year
  • Opening Times: Open all year, daily; Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun 10–6

About the area

Discover Cumbria

Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes'. This beautiful countryside once inspired William Wordsworth and his home, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere is a popular museum. Another place of literary pilgrimage is Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter, located near Windermere. Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here.

Much of Cumbria is often overlooked in favour of the Lake Distirct. In the south, the Lune Valley remains as lovely as it was when Turner painted it. The coast is also a secret gem. With its wide cobbled streets, spacious green and views of the Solway Firth, Silloth is a fine Victorian seaside resort. Other towns along this coastline include Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport. Carlisle is well worth a look – once a Roman camp, its red-brick cathedral dates back to the early 12th century and its 11th-century castle was built by William Rufus.

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