Reconstruct the Ruins - St Benet's Abbey
St. Benets Abbey, St Benet's Road Off Hall Common Road, Ludham, Norfolk, NR29 5Nu
St Benet's Abbey may have supported a religious community from as early as the 9th Century, though the Abbey Building commenced in 1019 and for the next 400 years was developed into a powerhouse as the buildings developed and the wealth of the Monastery grew.
To celebrate Heritage Open Days in 2025, our event will give you the opportunity to meet our passionate tour guides who will show you the unique gatehouse and tell you all the stories behind the ruins. School age children can create their own stained glass window and join in other crafts, and follow the dragon trail. This year, we are joined by St. Catherine's Church at Ludham, a mile or so to the North, of which the Abbot was Rector and where you can find the Ludham Dragon who visited the the abbey in the 16th century. The church will be open for tea/coffee and cake, with tour guides who will share the churches history including strong links to St Benet's Abbey and Dragon Hunters can search for the Dragon in this place.
In collaboration with Norfolk Pathmakers there will be a walk including a guided tour of St Benet's Abbey. The walk led by a nature enthusiast will depart from Ludham Bridge and include a guided tour of St Benet's Abbey his walk is limited in numbers therefore tickets must be booked in advance. Please use this link to find the Beyond the Ruins - The Architecture of St Benet's Abbey event: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2025-events.html?view=list&searchQuery=benets&locationQuery=&distance=&startDate=&endDate=
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1100-1500
Location & directions
St. Benets Abbey, St Benet's Road Off Hall Common Road, Ludham, Norfolk, NR29 5Nu
- Directions:
- There are public moorings at St Benet's Abbey if you wish to travel by boat. If using the farm track to access our small car park, please travel at 15mph
- Contact on day:
- Fran Young
- Telephone number:
- +447765887670
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
This is a heritage monument site with stepped access and bumpy terrain. Please ensure dogs are on a lead at all times whilst visiting the site. There are no facilities on this site, public toilets are available in Ludham Village and toilets are available at St Catherine's Church where you can visit for tea and cake and meet the Ludham Dragon!
