Stoneleigh Abbey

Stoneleigh Abbey is a 20-minute drive from our house, yet we had never been before. Odd. So, we decided to visit two weeks ago.

The Abbey dates back to 1154 when Henry II granted these lands to a small community of Cistercian monks who had the church and then the Abbey built. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the estate went to private hands and various buildings were added over the years. In 1806 the estate passed to Rev. Thomas Leigh. He came to view his inheritance, bringing with him his cousin Cassandra Austen and her two daughters, Cassandra and Jane. The estate is mentioned as the fictional Sotherton Court in Mansfield Park.

A Santa was greeting the kids by the gate to one of the buildings

and two reindeer are kept nearby. I hate seeing animals in captivity and usually it upsets me too much to go near. I did however this time, and asked the two keepers (or should I say jailers?) about the reindeer. They said about how well kept they are and how they each have their own paddock. 'Yes', I thought 'and you think they prefer this to running free?' 

Through the gates is this circular courtyard where the stables, and other outbuildings are situated.

The courtyard is such a gorgeous space

A Christmas fair was going on in one of the buildings

and we had a quick look.

We then retraced our steps, back to the long avenue that leads to the car park

and went to the 14th century gate house which is where the ticket office is.

The gate house was built in 1346 and is the largest surviving fragment of the old monastic buildings. It is also one of a few monastic gatehouses that remain structurally complete.

This is one of the main buildings. There was a tour organised (we were not allowed to go in by ourselves which would have been our prefered option) but the time did not suit us, and we were not that bothered anyway. We go to these places for the walking in the grounds.

The grounds around this building are gorgeous

We walked down the steps

towards the river

and then towards the orangerie

nice view of the house from here

the Avon

and the orangery

we started exploring

intrigued by this structure 

We went to investigate

It's an early 19th century garden house, with a thatched roof. It's supported by a central wooden post and wooden posts all around. The front is open while the back is enclosed. There's a bench along the back wall.

It must be lovely sitting here on a hot, sunny day.

We continued exploring

along the river

and then entered the woods

Arrived at the pump house and water wheel.

crossed on the bridge

then on this path

back in the woods

past the pet cemetery

Having arrived at the end of the grounds we turned around taking a path that run parallel to the one we had been walking on

and eventually arrived to where we had started from

noticed this very low cloud - it looked almost like a mountain

a different view of the house

we then took this path hoping to extend our walk

Came to another wheel and weir and this is where as far as we were allowed to go.

We had a really good time, but doubt if we will ever go back there - the walk is far too short.