English Heritage site, telling the story of Christianity in this area from before the year 600. To help you through the story you are provided with an audio guide and the facility of a virtual reality view of how the Abbey looked in its heyday. Historically very interesting, well preserved ruins. A couple of hours of adding to your knowledge of the city.

The grounds were serene and beautiful. Lots of history in such a small area. Originally built in 597. Tombs of Anglo-Saxon kings still there. Nice place to learn and also to sit and quietly reflect.

Amazing staff, superb audio information (included with ticket price), learnt loads and always a nice bonus - the toilets were squeaky clean! Can’t fault this place. I expected to be there for about an hour, loved it so much we were here for over two hours. You don’t have to be there that long, or you can have a spot of lunch on the super clean tables and chairs they have. Importantly for us they were in the shade as it was a boiling hot day, but you could easily move them to be in the sun. I didn’t have children with me on my trip, however I was impressed by the amount there was to get children involved here. Highly recommend!

Take your time to follow the trail indicated on the audio guide . This explains each feature of the now ruined Abbey in detail and makes the trip very interesting. Apart from the museum, shop and reception , in a modern extension the abbey is all outdoors. Perhaps pick a dry day as there is no shelter.