Basingwerk Abbey

CH8 7GH
Car park
Dogs welcome
Drone policy

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 & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	Open all year
Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours

Visitor information

Car park

Free car parking available for visitors.

Dogs welcome

Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

The appointed car park for this castle site below the castle grounds. There is a short but steep path that will lead you around to the main gate.

The site is relatively flat, however, there are some low-level historic thresholds that may cause a trip hazard, be mindful as you venture across the site.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.