Pictures of Stapehill Abbey

a Abbey in the town of Ferndown, in the county of Dorset

About Stapehill Abbey

The Nun's of enclosed orders usually led a harsh existence under a regime of dedication and prayer, but it was also a peaceful life away from the everyday reality which faces us lesser mortals. The members of the order often enjoyed a serenity denied to the outside world.

For over two hundred years the walls of Stapehill Abbey where home to a Silent Order of Nun's, they led a life of prayer and meditation in their Convent home, and were normally entirely self sufficient. The Nun's have now gone, and the once silent abbey is restored to give an evocative picture of the peace and serenity experienced by them.

Visitors to the abbey can walk round the peaceful cloisters following in the footsteps of the holy women who walked to and thro' for prayers and services in the restored chapel. At the same time you can experience a Victorian parlour, kitchen and washroom as they would have been when this grand old place was built in the early part of the 19th-century.

In the abbey grounds there is a most amazing grotto with a superb statue of the Madonna, this is a very special spot which reminds us of the religious significance of the abbey. The gardens are entirely peaceful, with a picturesque pond and fountain, many species of fragrant roses, a lake, sweeping lawns and trees, and a rich variety of flowers. There is a Cloister Garden, and a Tropical Hothouse. Most recently a Japanese Garden was added, and is now established as a firm favourite with visitors.

Together in this lovely site there is an Arts and Crafts centre and a Home Farm. In the craft centre a wide variety of hand-made crafts are produced by local craftsmen, and at the farm visitors can see a range of both domestic and farm animals. Weather permitting the farm offers pony rides for children, and at the arts centre there are regular monthly craft fairs.

Stapehill Abbey is idyllic, it offers a memorable experience for everyone, the children will enjoy the farm, and no adult could fail to be touched by the spiritual atmosphere of the abbey and the perfect peace of its gardens

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