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Shap Abbey

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A rare Premonstratensian house, founded around 1200 in a bleak setting. The most notable remain is that of the huge west tower.

It is the setting that really makes Shap Abbey such an attractive site to visit. The location in a bowl of hills beside the River Lowther is superb. Immediately beside the abey site is a farm, built partly with stones from the abbey.

The abbey was founded in 1201 by monks from Preston Patrick, and lasted until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540.

The tower is extremely striking, and it dwarfs the rest of the abbey remains, which include a chapter house, the cruciform abbey church, a small cloisters, warming house, and sacristy. The sound of the river flowing by is a constant companion as you walk around the ruins of this wonderful medieval site. more details ...
Shap, Cumbria, England

About Shap Abbey
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: 1½ miles W of Shap on the bank of the River Lowther
Website: Shap Abbey
English Heritage
Location map
Shap Abbey Photos
OS NY 548152
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

Heritage Highlight: The west tower is the best remaining feature
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Gamelands Stone Circle - 7.1 miles (Prehistoric) Ullswater - 7.2 miles (Countryside) Clifton Hall - 7.5 miles (Historic Property) Bolton, All Saints Church - 7.6 miles (Church) King Arthur's Round Table - 8.3 miles (Prehistoric) Rutter Force - 8.4 miles (Countryside) Mayburgh Henge - 8.5 miles (Prehistoric) The Countess Pillar - 8.5 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Pooley Bridge - 7.6 miles away Penrith - 9.4 miles away Glenridding - 10 miles away Appleby - 10.7 miles away Edenhall - 10.9 miles away Rydal - 12.8 miles away Windermere - 13.2 miles away Great Salkeld - 13.6 miles away

Photos of Shap Abbey

Abbey Tower

Abbey tower arch

Abbey ruins

See all Shap Abbey Photos

Nearest Accommodation to Shap Abbey

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

3 Sycamore Barn - 3.7 miles from Shap Abbey Reagill, Cumbria Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £170

2 Sycamore Barn - 3.7 miles from Shap Abbey Reagill, Cumbria Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £300

Tenter Row - 4.4 miles from Shap Abbey Crosby Ravensworth, Cumbria Sleeps: 8 Stay from: £400

More Self Catering near Shap Abbey

Nearest Hotels

Shap Wells Hotel - 4 miles from Shap Abbey Shap, Cumbria Stay from: £50.00

Haweswater Hotel - 4 miles from Shap Abbey Bampton, Cumbria Stay from: £75.00

The George Hotel - 6.3 miles from Shap Abbey Orton, Cumbria Stay from: £35.00

More Hotels near Shap Abbey

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Queens Head Inn - 7.7 miles from Shap Abbey Penrith, Cumbria From: £45.00

The Brackenrigg Inn - 7.9 miles from Shap Abbey Penrith, Cumbria From: £38.00

Gowbarrow Lodge - 7.9 miles from Shap Abbey Penrith, Cumbria From: £110.00

More bed and breakfasts near Shap Abbey

Pooley Bridge
Tourist Information Centre
The Square
Pooley Bridge
Cumbria
England
CA10 2NW
Tel: 017684 86530
Email: pooleybridgetic@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Seasonal opening
Map