Minster Abbey
Overview
Minster Abbey was founded by the Mercian queen Ermenburga in the 7th century, and according to legend, the boundaries were set by the wanderings of her pet deer – which then became the symbol for the church. St Mildred, the second abbess, became a focus for pilgrimages to the site, and the abbey thrived until the Dissolution. The Norman buildings later served as a manor house, but in 1937 nuns from Eichstatt in Germany established a new Benedictine community here. The international flavour continues today, with nuns representing some eight countries from around the world. Visitors are welcome to the abbey chapel, and to view the historic buildings and gardens on guided tours.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Chapel open all year, daily 5.30am–8.45pm; guided tours of historic abbey buildings May–Sep, Mon–Fri 2.45–3.45, Sat 11–12pm, and by arrangement
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
Kent is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, an English icon that marks the point where the Kent Downs AONB stretches from the Surrey Hills down to the sea. Visitors can explore historic parklands, including Knole Park and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell, or beautiful nature reserves, such as the coppiced woodlands of Denge Wood and Earley Wood and the ancient fine chalk woodland of Yockletts Bank.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Self-Catering
Manston Court Accommodations
★★★★
"Bright , airy and spacous cottage in reach of award-winning sandy beaches..."
- Total units: 3
- Garden furniture
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
Nearby places to stay
The Foxhunter Park
Conveniently close to North Kent’s beaches, and surrounded by farmland, Foxhunter Park stands in 35 acres of landscaped gardens and palm-lined avenues. Onsite are Le Club bistro, a bar ...
★★★★★ Rating
Manston Court Accommodations
Manston Court Accommodations is made up of 3 self-catering holiday properties – Well Cottage, Annie’s Cottage and The Chapel. Situated within the private grounds of Manston Court on the...
★★★★ Rating
Annies Cottage
Annie’s Cottage is a one bedroom chocolate box style cottage on two levels, with lots of charm and character. With an Inglenook fireplace, deep set windows and beams in the sitting roo...
★★★★ Rating
Well Cottage
Well Cottage is a bright and airy one-bedroom self catering cottage all on one level, situated within the private grounds of Manston Court on the edge of the village of Manston, and wit...
★★★ Rating
The Chapel
The Chapel is the largest of our 3 self-catering holiday properties. It can accommodate up to 13 guest in the 3 sizeable bedrooms, with the addition of three portable beds and two leath...
★★★★ Rating
Albion House, Ramsgate
As you would expect from a house which entertained royalty, politicians, actors and the wealthy, Albion House sits in pride of place on top of the East cliff. Looking out over Albion Ga...
Quality Assessed
San Clu Hotel
Comfort Inn Ramsgate is on the Isle of Thanet, just over an hour away from London. It’s a traditional hotel with modern facilities, offering gym, sauna, beauty salon, restaurant and bar...
★★★ Rating
Canterbury Cottages
Canterbury Cottages were restored and rebuilt from the original buildings of 1703, using eco-friendly materials. The result is a delightful mix of modern and antique, with private parki...
★★★★ Rating


