DESCRIPTION OF FURNESS ABBEY

Founded in 1123, Furness Abbey is the second largest Cistercian Abbey in England and was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England, exceeded only by Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The soaring ruins of red sandstone soak up the grandeur of this 700 year old site.

The Abbey developed a harbour on Walney Island to promote its trade in wool and iron, and built a castle at Piel for protection. At Dalton in Furness, nearby, is a 14th Century Pele Tower, Dalton Castle, which was used by the Abbey as an administrative centre and court house.

OPENING HOURS

Apr-Sep: daily 10am-6pm. Oct-Mar: daily 10am-4pm except Tue/Wed