Crowland Abbey - Peterborough

Lucy C. (. W. P.

We had such a lovely trip to Crowland Abbey this weekend. I took my auntie and the kids along to see the Tulips at the Abbey event, and it honestly couldn’t have been more beautiful.

The Abbey itself is stunning anyway, but seeing it filled with vases of colourful tulips, each one placed in memory of loved ones, made it feel even more special. There was such a calm, peaceful atmosphere — one of those places where you just want to stop and soak it all in.

The guides there were absolutely brilliant too — so friendly, welcoming and full of interesting stories about the Abbey. They really made the visit even more enjoyable, taking the time to chat and share their knowledge with everyone.

I tried to get some photos, but they really didn’t do it justice! It was one of those moments you just have to experience for yourself.

Such a lovely way to spend the day, remembering, reflecting, and enjoying the simple beauty of the Abbey and all the flowers. Definitely a memory we’ll all treasure.

Keith W.

I must learn the history of this place - it really is a stunning building, even in its current state of dilapidation!

Andrzej P. (.

I have lived in Spalding for so many years and my recent purchase brought me to Crowland Abbey. I couldn't get inside to listen, learn and appreciate because it was closed, but I will some day. What I have for you, is a bit different view of this beautiful Abbey. It was a lovely day but a bit windy though.

kevin M.

Fantastic abbey/parish Church brought to life by a wonderful guide. Some fantastic stories and info available, with a room that has interactive screens helping you to visualise the changes over the years. The ruins are amazing with the 2nd oldest illustration of halleys comet carved into the south aisle ruin. Entry is free , there is parking on site and certain times of the year (fen days) there is a chance to climb the towers as well.as see the skull of saint/Abbot Theodore. It's Well worth a visit and also do walk into the village and see a very rare bridge.

Julie B.

Deepings NWR women's group enjoyed an incredible tour of the Abbey inside and out recently led by the team of volunteer guides at the former Benedictine Abbey of St Guthlac in deepest Lincolnshire. A place steeped in history from the Saxon period, through the Middle Ages, the Reformation and the Civil War.

We learned of the bells, all named: Bartholomew, Beccelm, Turketyl, Tatwin, Pega and Bega - the originals long since melted by a great fire in 1091 were the first ever bells to be mounted in an English church belfry and today's bells the first to be heard on BBC Radio in 1923. The bell ropes are the longest in England and ringers come from all over the country to ring a peal here.

We learned about the remarkable man Guthlac who inspired King Ethelbald of Mercia to found a shrine and later a monastic community here on the site.

Outside on the fragment of standing Norman period wall you can see a depiction of the passing of Haley's Comet in the 11th century (second only to the recording of the comet on the Bayeux Tapestry).

The graveyard covers the area of the former monastic cloisters, dormitory, brew house and extant buildings and the remains of the cruciform church that once equalled the size of current day Peterborough Cathedral. We rather marvelled at the thought of all this upstanding Ancaster stone on the skyline in the tidal marsh Fen landscape of pre 17th century drained Lincolnshire. How the Abbey must have gleamed then. How it must have drawn folk to it. How marvellous to know it stands there still - in part and is loved and cherished by the local community.

Thanks to David and Mike who made this an exceptional visit.

Jorita S.

Very kind man/keeper who at closing time, 16.00, still gave me the opportunity to visit the inside of the church. He knows a lot about the history and what happened to this once luxurious Abbey.

If you want good photos outside, go early or very late in the day. The sun will be your friend.

There are a few, think about 10, parking spots, next to this Abbey.

Ell J.

So much history it's amazing! There's a great little learning room with artifacts and in interactive screen that shows you all you need to know.
An nice little play area for children, with books and puzzles!
It was clean and such a refreshing place to be.
Was greeted straight and asked if I needed any help or wanted to know anything, and some small talk.. so 5 star for how welcoming and friendly they were.
It's got a great little selection of things to buy, like Guthlac Scroll 📜 key rings, post cards, even cloths and T shirts!
Very large selection of things to buy considering how little the shop/stalls were!
The ruins are just amazing!
Good little car park for visitors, 2 actually.
All in all, a lovely place to visit for just a few minutes, or make a real trip ofit because there's lots to learn! Sagas, Chronicles, and stories!
I well recommend buying a Guthlac Scroll, a true piece of history to take home!

Lisa S.

What a great Abbey, extremely well kept, beautiful neat graveyard all the grass is cut lovely , benches to sit on , no bins so you take all rubbish home with you with is a excellent idea.