Quarr Abbey
Newport Road, near Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4ES - 01983 882420
Quarr Abbey is a working Benedictine Monastery and home to a community of monks who dedicate their life to prayer, contemplation and community life. Set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, the monastery has free entry and can be found just outside of Ryde, close to the ferry port. When visiting the Abbey, enjoy the grounds and pilgrim chapel along with the monastery shop and art gallery, where local artists display their work. Visitors will enjoy the tranquillity of the popular tea shop café that offers freshly made food using local produce. The farm shop offers a variety of local island products, along with Quarr Abbey’s own unique range of products, which include delicious jams and chutneys, honey, and ale — all made with Quarr Abbey’s own allotment-grown produce, which is also available to buy. Visitors can even buy pig food to feed the popular resident pigs. There is a visitor and exhibition centre where visitors can learn about the history and life of Quarr Abbey, then enjoy the beautiful landscaped grounds, including an orchard area and hen rescue project. The woodland walk is ideal for families and children’s Quarr explorer kits are available to use. The Abbey has recently improved visitor access and car parking facilities. Daily (except Good Friday), summer 10am-5pm, Sundays 11.15am-5pm; winter 10am-4pm, Sun 11.15am-4pm. Tours are available on the first Tues of every month and every Tues in Jul/Aug at 11am.
