Skip to main content

Overview

A medieval religious centre that’s still a place of pilgrimage

Part of a network of Cistercian settlements that once dotted Wales, Basingwerk Abbey was founded in 1131 and extensively remodelled in the 13th century. Although in ruin, it still gives us an insight into the lives of the monks who called the place home. The oldest part of the abbey is the 12th-century chapter house, with remains of the benches where monks sat for daily readings. Next to it is the parlour, the only place where the usually silent monks were allowed to speak. The most impressive surviving room is the monks’ dining hall.

Basingwerk is still a significant religious site. It’s the start point for the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way, a long-distance walking route that stretches all the way to Bardsey, the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints’.


Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January


Prices


Facilities

Dogs welcome icon Car park icon No drones icon No smoking icon

Directions

Road
Road Just S of A548, near Greenfield, 1m (1.6km) NE of Holywell
Rail
Flint 4m (6.4km)

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.