Abbeys-Waverley Abbey-Waverley-Surrey.

On a very cold day in January, off we went to visit Waverley Abbey. In lovely Surrey, surrounded by cows, swans and wagtails.

English Heritage says,

‘Waverley Abbey in Surrey was the very first monastery founded in Britain by the reforming Cistercian religious order. A small group of monks from France settled in this quiet spot by the River Wey in 1128, and Waverley soon became the springboard for Cistercian settlement in southern England. The impressive remains include the fine 13th century vaulted refectory or dining hall for the lay brothers, the Cistercians' labour force.’

The ice hadn’t yet managed to melt on the river and straight away once over the bridge you are met with a huge yew tree. It is believed to have been standing there since 1536, shortly after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

More about the history of the abbey can be read HERE.

It is a lovely place to go and even better in the low winter sun.

Also did you know that 28 Days Later was filmed here? Well it was and you can see the clip HERE.