Norfolk Archaeological Trust is a registered charity (No: 274604)
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St Benet’s Abbey
The Abbey of St Benet at Holme lies deep in the Broads, close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant. This was the only Norfolk monastery founded in the Anglo-Saxon period which continued in use throughout the Middle Ages, and is the only monastery in England which was not closed down by Henry VIII – the Bishop of Norwich is still the Abbot.
As well as being of great historical interest, St Benet’s Abbey is also very atmospheric. For over 200 years it has been a favourite spot for artists, photographers, and tourists.
Advice on dogs
The Trust welcomes responsible dog owners. Dogs must be on leads at all times. Please clear up after your dog – dog waste bins are provided.
Cattle Grazing at St Benet’s Abbey
Please be aware that cattle may be grazing within parts of the St Benet’s Abbey site at various times throughout the year. As the grazing regime is managed by a third-party farmer and stock movements can change at short notice, we are not always able to provide advance notice of when cattle are present. If cattle are on site, please: Keep a safe distance and do not approach, feed or touch the animals. Supervise children closely. Keep dogs under close control and on a lead if necessary. Move calmly and quietly through grazing areas. If cattle approach you, continue walking calmly and leave the area without running. If you feel threatened by cattle when walking a dog, release the dog and leave the area safely. Livestock grazing plays an important role in conserving the landscape and wildlife of St Benet’s Abbey. Thank you for helping us keep both visitors and animals safe.
While every effort is made to provide a safe and enjoyable visit, livestock are large animals capable of unpredictable behaviour. Visitors enter grazing areas at their own risk and should follow all safety signage and guidance displayed on site.
PLEASE DO NOT USE GOOGLE POSTCODE FOR SATNAV.
THE CORRECT POSTCODE IS NR29 5NU – this takes you to St Benet’s Road. Follow this lane to the car park at the end of the track.
St Benet’s Abbey
St Benet’s Road (off Hall Common Road)
Ludham
NR29 5NU
Guide
Download a printable PDF guide here.
Site survey
Download a the geophysical survey as a PDF guide here.
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Access and facilities
The site lies on the north bank of the River Bure in the parish of Horning. It is about 3km south of the village of Ludham. It is open every day of the year, from dawn to dusk. Please do not trespass at night.
- by boat: this is the easiest way to reach St Benet’s. There is a public mooring place on the Bure a short distance west of the Abbey, and the route from there to the site is clearly marked.
- by foot: a permissive path near Ludham Bridge/Johnson Street leads from opposite the public toilets along the river to St Benet’s Abbey – circa 25 minutes walk.
- by road: St Benet’s is remote from main roads. From the A1062, turn onto Hall Road (which is signposted to Hall Common) at the junction next to the Dog Inn, a short distance to the east of Ludham Bridge. About 900m along this road, a very minor road turns off to the right. This leads onto a long farm track extending across the marshes to the site.
PLEASE DRIVE VERY SLOWLY as the track is bumpy. Car drivers must beware of cattle: livestock have right of way at all times! The small car park at the end of the track has capacity for 10 cars.
Visiting
Guide book
Guided tours: Tours take place at 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June until the end of September. Tours can be booked on Eventbrite and cost £5 per person, free for under 16s. Private tours can be arranged by contacting info@norfarchtrust.org.uk
St Benet’s Abbey Annual Service: The Bishop will hold his annual service on the last Sunday of July each year. All welcome. Public parking is limited, and may be on uneven ground. Arrival by foot or boat is advised where possible.
