Polesworth Abbey

Polesworth Abbey welcomes visitors every day, to the abbey, gatehouse, cloister and refectory.

Polesworth, Warwickshire

Opening times

Polesworth Abbey is open on weekdays from 11am to 4pm (12noon on Mondays and 1pm on Saturdays).
The Refectory is open too.
Access is easy, with disabled car parking just on the Abbey Driveway. Turn under the Gatehouse arch from High Street (use B78 1DU). At other times it's always possible to welcome individuals and groups. Please email us.

Address

High Street
Polesworth
Warwickshire
B78 1DU

View map

52.6203081, -1.6121113

Polesworth Abbey was founded in the 600s around the shrine to a Saxon Princess, Saint Editha. Visit to see recent Saxon archaeology and the later medieval development of the abbey.

Patronised by the Mercian dynasty from the early 9th century, the abbey was rebuilt in the Anglo Norman style when the shrine was refounded in the time of Anselm. New displays reveal what was learned from 3 years of community archaeology. Visualisations take you back into various medieval phases of development.

Post dissolution the Abbey was where William Shakespeare was educated and has connections with other Elizabethan poets, especially John Donne.

Refectory open. The Abbey also provides accommodation for visitors in the Gatehouse; see 'Sykes Cottages Polesworth'.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Wifi

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Parking within 250m

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Car park at church

  • Café in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Heritage Open Days in September are our celebration of the Viking Heritage and the Big Battle for Polesworth takes place on both Saturday and Sunday of the Heritage Weekend.

  • Church of England

Contact information

01827 892340

Church website

Other nearby churches

St Edith of Polesworth

Orton on the Hill, Leicestershire

St Edith's dates almost entirely from the 14th century, but the tower and clerestory are from about a century later.