Free Entry
Exterior viewing only during daylight hours.
Address:
Abbey Street, Kingswood, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8RA
The little Cotswold village of Kingswood, near Wotton-under-Edge, was once the site of an important Cistercian abbey. Today, all that survives of the abbey is the fine 15th-century gatehouse that once controlled access to the monastery. It was one of the last monastic buildings to be constructed in England, not long before the Suppression of the Monasteries. Two storeys high, the gatehouse now straddles a road in the village, and above the central arch is a richly sculpted window.
Read more about the history of Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse.
Heritage Open Days 2024
The interior of Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse will be open on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. 11am- 3pm.
Before You Go
Access: Access to the exterior is available any reasonable daylight hours. The interior is not currently accessible.
The exterior of the gatehouse is wheelchair accessible. Paths may be slippery when wet.
Parking: There is limited street parking nearby within walking distance of the gatehouse.
School Visits/Large Groups: The lane to the gatehouse is very narrow and unsuitable for large coaches.
Facilities: Public toilets are available near the gatehouse. Cafes and restaurants can be found in the nearby market town of Wotton-under-Edge.
Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome outside the Gatehouse.
Please be aware: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.
Plan a Great Day Out
To see a fine example of a Dominican Priory visit nearby Gloucester Blackfriars. On the way be sure to take in two Gloucestershire long barrows nearby: Nympsfield and Uley (also known as Hetty Peglar's Tump).
Further afield, visit Goodrich Castle in the Wye Valley, one of the finest and best preserved English medieval castles. Goodrich boasts a fascinating history, spectacular views from the battlements and a delightful tearoom.