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Offered languages
- English
- English
Once the greatest medieval monastery in England, the abbey at Bury St Edmunds now stands in ruins, with its vast monastic complex forming a beautiful public garden. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the remains of the abbey church and its surrounding buildings, piecing together the history of this much-overlooked heritage site. The tour starts on Chequer Square, and you'll walk through the remains of the monastic complex. Starting with the Norman Tower, one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in England, and the former monastery's west front, we'll uncover the shape, style, and scale of this now long-lost structure. The tour continues through the medieval Abbey Gate, with its richly decorated Gothic façade, before visiting St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of 21st-century Gothic architecture. Finally, the tour ends at St Mary's church, which contains the tomb of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and sister of Henry VIII.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Chequers Square. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Start at the Norman Tower, one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in England. You'll uncover the shape, style, and scale of the former monastery through this striking survival.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass through the Abbey Gardens, which now cover most of the monastic precinct. You'll trace the footprint of a church once larger than any Romanesque building north of the Alps.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk across Angel Hill, the historic square bordering the abbey precinct. You'll take in the gateway buildings and grand facades that once announced the monastery's power to the town.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of 21st-century Gothic architecture. You'll learn the story behind the creation of one of Britain's most beautiful modern structures.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stand in the Great Church Yard, tracing the outline of the vast abbey church that once stood here. You'll reflect at The Teardrop memorial, commemorating the 57 Jewish residents massacred in Bury on Palm Sunday 1190.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Explore the Charnel House, a rare surviving structure from the abbey's monastic complex. You'll piece together its role within the daily life and death of this once-great religious community.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
End at St Mary's church, home to the tomb of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and sister of Henry VIII. You'll admire the 15th-century angel hammer beam roof and the cadaver tomb of cloth merchant John Baret.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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