Whalley Abbey opens to the public (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Whalley Abbey opens to the public

10:37am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in What's on in Lancashire

WHALLEY Abbey will throw open its doors to visitors on Sunday giving them not only free access to the medieval ruins but also a rare chance to look round its historic conference house and retreat centre.

The abbey is set beside the River Calder in the historic Lancashire village of Whalley and has attractive gardens with the ruins of the 13th Century monastery forming a romantic backdrop.

Sunday’s event is part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative.

As well as the ruins, visitors will be able to look for free around the conference house and retreat centre– built in the 16th Century on the site of the 13th Century Abbot’s house. It is not normally open to the public.

The house became the home of Tudor gentry and was extended and modified with 17th century and Victorian additions.

The Abbey grounds are free throughout the heritage open day period from tomorrow to Sunday with the house open on Sunday from noon to 4pm.