Downside Abbey

Recommended by

Overview

This working Benedictine monastery is also the site of an extensive Catholic boarding school. The Neo-Gothic abbey church of 1882 is dedicated to St Gregory the Great, and has the rare status of a minor basilica. The nave is by Giles Gilbert Scott, and was added in 1925. Look out for the Great East Window of 1938, showing Christ in glory in blue and gold, and designed by Scottish architect Ninian Comper (who also designed the Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St Sebastian). The magnificent 166ft high tower, only completed in 1938, is one of the key features which gives the church its medieval appearance.

Location

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, BATH, BA3 4RJ

About the area

Somerset remains rural and unspoiled, and ever popular areas to visit are the limestone and red sandstone Mendip Hills rising to over 1,000 feet, and by complete contrast, to the south and southwest, the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. Another popular spot, the Quantocks, once the haunt of poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, are noted for their gentle slopes, heather-covered moorland expanses and red deer.

Area image

Bath Somerset Things To Do in Somerset

Downside Abbey

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, BATH, BA3 4RJ

01761 235100

Look for the VisitEngland award symbols on our visitor attractions – it means you’re in for a memorable and great day out.

Read more about our ratings

Downside Abbey

Recommended by

Overview

This working Benedictine monastery is also the site of an extensive Catholic boarding school. The Neo-Gothic abbey church of 1882 is dedicated to St Gregory the Great, and has the rare status of a minor basilica. The nave is by Giles Gilbert Scott, and was added in 1925. Look out for the Great East Window of 1938, showing Christ in glory in blue and gold, and designed by Scottish architect Ninian Comper (who also designed the Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St Sebastian). The magnificent 166ft high tower, only completed in 1938, is one of the key features which gives the church its medieval appearance.

Location

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, BATH, BA3 4RJ

About the area

Area image

Somerset remains rural and unspoiled, and ever popular areas to visit are the limestone and red sandstone Mendip Hills rising to over 1,000 feet, and by complete contrast, to the south and southwest, the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. Another popular spot, the Quantocks, once the haunt of poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, are noted for their gentle slopes, heather-covered moorland expanses and red deer.

Explore Somerset

Bath Somerset Things To Do in Somerset