Lilleshall Abbey

Impressive details that you don’t find easily in other ruins.

“NO PROPER PARKING AVAILABLE”The remnants of the abbey evoke a sense of awe and curiosity, as they offer a glimpse into the lives of the monks who resided here centuries ago. The intricate stonework and delicate carvings showcase the skilled craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural masterpiece.visit to Lilleshall Abbey is a delightful journey back in time. With its awe-inspiring ruins, peaceful ambiance, and beautiful surroundings, it offers a unique and enriching experience for anyone with an appreciation for history, architecture, or natural beauty.

Be aware if you are visiting between October and March that the driveway up to the Abbey is locked, so the only way to get on us to park on the road and use pedestrian gate, which is fine, except there is not really anywhere to park safely, only on the verge of the road, so be careful. The Abbey itself is nice, not a huge site but very tranquil.

Lovely historic site. Very quiet and peaceful. Amazing site and preserved for the public to see. Parking is just by side of quiet country lane . No facilities

Lovely historic Abbey, been several times over the years and always been quiet.Very interesting structure with beautiful architecture.Great for all the family, kids will love going into the buildings exploring, a very relaxing setting in the Shropshire country side

Beautiful abbey in the middle of nowhere yet such a delight to find, well worth a visit.

Lilleshall was an Augustinian Abbey founded in the 10th century and by the late 13th century it had become a religious house of great reputation and prestige, Henry III visited the abbey twice. The abbey derived its income from gifts and legacies, farmland, two watermills and investments in property, as well as tolls for the use of Atcham Bridge over the river Severn.In the 14th century a financial crisis contributed to a gradual dwindling of the community; the abbot was accused of mismanagement, and finances were further undermined by the reckless selling of pensions.In 1538 during the English Reformation Henry VIII dissolved the abbey, disposed of its assets and part of it was converted into a private house by the Leveson family, Sir Richard Leveson (1598-1661) is buried nearby in St Michaels Church, Lilleshall.The Leveson's were royalists and fortified the buildings as a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. A Parliamentarian siege resulted in the buildings being severely damaged and after the Civil War Lilleshall Abbey was abandoned.It was not until the 1950's when the remaining ruins were acquired by English Heritage that the buildings were repaired and consolidated.The extensive ruins that remain today still give an impression of its past magnificence.

Parking depends on your vehicle and where you're willing to park. On the road past the site parking is possible but probably not always popular with local residents. The track up to the abbey is uneven and does get muddy so not for everyone. The site itself is usually quiet and is well worth an hour as a stop on the way to or from somewhere else. There are no on-site facilities, but Lilleshall is not far away.

Hard to reach and the can be hard to find using google maps. The entrance has no car park. Abbey is not in good condition and doesn’t feel as grand as other ruined abbeys.

Free to enter. No toilet facilities. Not wheelchair friendly as you have to walk down a muddy track. Enough space for two cars to park. Highly recommend