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High in the hills above Sheepscombe, you'll find a working Benedictine monastery that has served as a centre of worship and community for centuries.
Though the monks have occupied this particular site since the early 20th century, their spiritual presence here connects to a much older monastic tradition in the Cotswolds.
The expansive grounds welcome visitors and offer peaceful spaces for reflection, with sweeping views across the Gloucestershire countryside. You'll often spot the resident peacocks wandering freely around the estate. The Abbey Church invites people for quiet contemplation, and you're frequently welcome to attend the monks' daily services, which can be a genuinely memorable experience. For decades, the site was home to Prinknash Pottery, a well-regarded craft operation. While production has relocated, the pottery remains part of the place's identity, and there's a small shop selling items connected to monastic life and the pottery's legacy.
It's an excellent choice for a restorative afternoon away from everyday pressures. The wool town of Painswick lies just a short drive away, while Stroud, a larger market town with better facilities and transport connections, sits nearby and makes visiting here straightforward for anyone coming from further afield.
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