Furness Abbey

About

Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

You can view the impressive remains of the abbey founded in 1123 by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings.

A hoard of medieval treasures was discovered at Furness Abbey, including the first crozier (a staff with a crook on top) to be excavated in Britain in over 50 years and an impressive gemstone ring. These are on display in the Abbey’s museum.

The Abbey is mentioned in the poem The Prelude by William Wordsworth and J M W Turner made a number of etchings of the Abbey. The site is reputedly haunted, and it is believed there is a tunnel running underneath the Abbey linking it to Piel Castle and Dalton Castle.

---

Key Features

Captivating architecture

Enchanting atmosphere

Wildlife haven

Social heritage stories

National heritage here

---

Visitor Information

Level access to the main areas

On street parking at church

Parking within 250m

Accessible toilets nearby

Dog friendly

Walkers & cyclists welcome

Space to secure your bike