A-Z Council Services


FInd us on Facebook

FInd us on Twitter

Click here to read the One Island Magazine

Children and Young Peoples Services

Services for Adults on the Isle of Wight

Back

Quarr abbey

Quarr abbey

You can see Quarr Abbey from the car ferry to Fishbourne, nestling among the trees on the shore. Passengers visiting the island enjoy taking various guesses at what it could be. Shore-side, many will have driven past the entrance to Quarr Abbey, the magnificent building on the road from Newport to Ryde. Some may even have ventured closer within the grounds to be impressed by the inspiring buildings and beautiful, peaceful settings. But what will you find when you venture into the grounds of this Benedictine monastery? Quarr abbey is a working Benedictine monastery, set in beautiful and peaceful grounds. It is home to a community of Benedictine monks who dedicate their life to prayer, contemplation and community life. The centre of the monastery is the private cloister that surrounds a garden, whose cultivation parallels the spiritual work of allowing God to make the soul beautiful just as he makes the flowers grow. Essentially it is a hidden life. That does not mean, however, that you can’t see any of it. The Abbey has a fascinating history. Founded in 1132, the old abbey was dissolved more than 400 years later by Henry VIII. The ruins remain visible to this day. In 1907, French architect and monk Paul Bellot designed the abbey church and monastery combining French and Moorish architectural styles. The church was made with Flemish bricks involving around 300 Island workmen. Work commenced in April 1911 and the church was dedicated on October 12 1912. Quarr abbey now celebrates 100 years. Quarr Abbey and the old Cistercian site was selected for inclusion on the 2012 World Monument Watch, which calls for international attention to the challenges facing cultural heritage sites around the world. With free entry to the grounds, you can visit the church and pilgrim’s chapel, pop along to the art gallery and bookshop, or simply wander the grounds to experience the tranquil atmosphere of the monastery. The Art gallery at Quarr Abbey is open throughout the year and profiles the best of island artists. Offering weekly exhibitions, the gallery is a very popular venue for local artists and regularly attracts new and established Island artists who show and have for sale a unique selection of interesting drawings, paintings, pottery and sculpture.

Opening times & prices
Open 7 days a week (except Good Friday). Winter opening hours (5/11/12 to 25/03/2013) are weekdays 10.00am-4.00pm, Sundays 11.15am-4.00pm, and summer opening hours (25/03/2013 to 4/11/2013) weekdays 10.00am-5.00pm, Sundays 11.15am-5.00pm.
Free adsmission

Address
Quarr abbey,
Quarr road
Ryde
Isle of Wight
U.K.
PO334ES

Contact Details

Travel and Parking
Travel:- Quarr Abbey is located just off the main Newport to Ryde road, near Fishbourne. There is a bus stop located directly outside the main abbey entrance; take bus Number 9 between Newport and Ryde or Number 4 between East Cowes and Ryde
Parking:- There is plenty of free parking available

Facilities: -
Gift Shop Disabled Access Refreshments / Cafe

Icon Key

back to list button Back to list  
Show all places in the same location Show all in 'East Wight (Ryde/Bembridge) '  
Show Similar Places (from the same category) List all places in 'Monuments'  

Are your Details incorrect? If so Amend Them Here
 

You can view more information on places to go on the Isle of Wight, and current special offers, on www.islandbreaks.co.uk