Visit to Stapehill Abbey, Sunday 28th April 2002

Stapehill Abbey, formerly Holy Cross Abbey, has been a place of quiet retreat for almost 200 years. The community that came to Stapehill had survived the terrible consequences of the French Revolution. Trappist Nuns seeking sanctuary in 1807 found refuge in Dorset.

The Abbey has been in private hands since 1990. It was created to provide a friendly rural environment. There are Cottage, Water, Sunken, Japanese and Rose Gardens. Although this venue is smaller than we have visited before (about 30 acres), there are other attractions to see. A large undercover collection of historical farm equipment, there is an animal farm yard which appealed to the children on the site.

We enjoyed walking round the group of buildings surrounding the Nuns Chapel. The collection of costumes, old electrical goods, plus the laundry room were interesting. There are a number of Craft shops, where you can see demonstrations. We had a light lunch in the Coffee Shop. Later in the year one might bring a picnic to eat in the designated picnic area.

We enjoyed our day at Stapehill Abbey. We went round the Japanese Garden twice, it was magical. We had a cream tea in the Coffee Shop, included in the package. WAGS members took advantage of the plant nursery.

We wish to thank Iris Novell for all her efforts in making the visit to Stapehill Abbey a pleasant and interesting day.

We would recommend a visit to Stapehill Abbey.