Things to see and do at Hailes Abbey
With the abbey ruins, a museum, an audio tour and a country chapel to explore, there’s plenty to see and do on your trip to Hailes Abbey. Below you’ll find more details to help you plan your trip.
Explore the Abbey ruins
Walk among the evocative ruins of Hailes Abbey and imagine how the medieval monks once lived in its extensive and elaborate buildings. The footprint of the church was inspired by Westminster Abbey.
The pilgrims who financed this imposing place came in search of the renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes.' Allegedly a phial of Christ's own blood, this was denounced at the Reformation as actually being honey coloured with saffron. Read more about Hailes and the Holy Blood here.
Visit the museum
Visit the refurbished museum which vividly brings to life 300 years of piety, culture and tradition.
You will be greeted by an imposing 13th-century stone sculpture of the Old Testament figure Samson fighting a lion. Marvel at the sculptures, stonework and other site-finds on display, giving you a unique insight into the abbey's history as both a monastic site and post-Dissolution home. Read more about the history of Hailes Abbey here.
From the museum, walk next door to the small country chapel and see the magnificent wall-paintings of saints, coats of arms and hunting scenes.
Enjoy the audio tour
Pick up a free audio guide and imagine how the monks and lay brothers once lived, ate and slept in the once-magnificent Hailes Abbey.
There are vivid new interpretation panels at Hailes. Don’t miss the clever Cistercian drain... still working after more than 750 years!
Pick up a gift
Visit the refurbished shop and browse heritage-inspired gifts, traditional children's toys and souvenirs including the fascinating guidebook to Hailes Abbey.
You can also sample our wide selection of wines, chutneys and jams, and pick up information on other English Heritage properties.
We also have hot and cold drinks and snacks available to buy. Every souvenir, guidebook or kids’ treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage. Thank you.