Valle Crucis Abbey
Visitor Notice
New summer guided tours programme launching spring 2025
Valle Crucis Abbey will be part of our summer 2025 guided tours programme, offering the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this fascinating heritage location with our expert guides.
Look out for updates on our website, social media and newsletter from spring 2025.
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out about tour dates and how to book tickets.
Majestic medieval abbey was legendary for its lavish feasts
Valle Crucis was truly Welsh from the moment it was founded in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the ‘white monks’ of the Cistercian order.
Its Latin name (Valley of the Cross) refers to the nearby ninth-century Pillar of Eliseg, erected for the glory of a Welsh chieftain. Monks had names like Tudur and Hywel.
Such home-grown sympathies might well explain the damage suffered during the wars of the English king Edward I and the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr. But it remains one of our best-preserved and most atmospheric medieval abbeys.
Valle Crucis began in austerity but was later celebrated by poets for its lavish hospitality – meals served in silver vessels and ale ‘flowing like a river’. In Wales only Tintern Abbey was richer when it was dissolved by royal decree in 1537.
You’ll believe it when you first glimpse the majestic west front of the abbey church. Elsewhere among the romantic ruins painted by Turner are the rib-vaulted chapter house and the only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 31st March | 10am-4pm |
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Open and unstaffed with no admission charge Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit. Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales |
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Visitor information
Accessible toilets
Car park
There is space for 6 cars to be parked close to the entrance with one dedicated disabled space (approx. 50 metres).
Disabled person access
The ruins are laid mostly to grass. Firm, level paths within the grounds
Wheelchair access is available.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Picnic tables
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Video presentation
A video presentation is available at this site.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Directions
Address
Valle Crucis Abbey, Llantysilio, Llangollen LL20 8DD
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01978 860326
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email Cadw@gov.wales
Postcode LL20 8DD.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
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