Heritage Open Days

Description

Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th September 10am-4pm

Garden Tours at 11am

Midday Office at 12.30pm

Organ Recital at 2pm

Downside Abbey is one of the architectural and historical gems of Somerset, and we are also running tours of the private monastery gardens. There will also be an organ recital by Nigel Kerry and the visitor centre will be open for refreshments.

Described as the finest example of neo-gothic architecture in Britain, the abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks who have been here since 1814. Visitors can wander around the abbey church and discover the history of one of only four minor basilicas in the UK. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to talk you through the building. There will be midday office at 12.30 and visitors are welcome to join the monastic community for this.

We are also hosting an organ recital each day at 2pm by Nigel Kerry, renowned organist from Cambridge.

We will also be offering guided tours of the monastery gardens which last around 45 minutes. The gardens have been exclusively for the use of the monastic community but we are sharing them with visitors as part of Heritage Open Days. The gardens have sustained the community both agriculturally and spiritually for the past 200 years and we are excited to be able to share some of this rich history!

Please note: the gardens will only be accessible on a tour.
The Abbey Visitor Centre will also be open where you can get a selection of light refreshments and have a look in the bookshop.