Mount St Bernard Abbey
England's only Trappist monastery, offering serene beauty, unique brews, and a profound sense of peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Mount St Bernard Abbey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's only Trappist monastery, offering serene beauty, unique brews, and a profound sense of peace.
"A stunning place with a special aura that calms and relaxes, well worth a visit whether religious or not."
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy a lovely walk with beautiful views of the abbey, even if it's uphill! :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Don't Miss the Beer!
The abbey brews the only Trappist ale in the UK. A must-try for beer enthusiasts! :beer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abbey Church
Main Abbey Building
Experience the serene, minimalist Cistercian architecture and a unique flying pyx above the altar.
Trappist Beer Brewery
Abbey Shop
Sample and purchase the only Trappist beer brewed in England, a taste of monastic tradition.
Peaceful Gardens and Grounds
Surrounding Abbey
Wander through immaculately kept gardens and enjoy scenic countryside views, offering tranquility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits to a Working Abbey
Taste the Trappist Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where are some MUST-GO catholic places in the UK?
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy a lovely walk with beautiful views of the abbey, even if it's uphill! :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Don't Miss the Beer!
The abbey brews the only Trappist ale in the UK. A must-try for beer enthusiasts! :beer:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a working monastery. Be quiet and mindful of prayer times. :pray:
🛍️ Visit the Shop
Find unique gifts, local honey, and of course, the famous abbey beer. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Enjoy a lovely walk with beautiful views of the abbey, even if it's uphill! :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Don't Miss the Beer!
The abbey brews the only Trappist ale in the UK. A must-try for beer enthusiasts! :beer:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a working monastery. Be quiet and mindful of prayer times. :pray:
🛍️ Visit the Shop
Find unique gifts, local honey, and of course, the famous abbey beer. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mount St Bernard Abbey for its incredibly peaceful and calming atmosphere, unique Trappist beer, and beautifully maintained grounds. It's seen as a place of deep tranquility and historical significance, offering a welcome escape for those seeking quiet contemplation. Some note that it's a working monastery, so respecting prayer times and closures is essential.
"Had a lovely visit to the abbey today. I've often passed nearby but never visited. It was so nice to see the amount of people who were visiting as well. Very enjoyable."
Paul King
"The Abbey is free to visit, but be aware this is a working abbey and with that goes monks prayer times etc which leads to closures of certain areas for a short time. The Abbey designed by pugin is functional rather than spectacular, but the gardens although small were beautiful. There is a nice walk which although uphill gives a lovely view of the Abbey. The monks are also the only ones in the UK to brew trappist beer, which is available (with a lot of religious material and books) in the shop. The whole place had a wonderful atmosphere and I will definitely return again"
kevin mills
"Mount Saint Bernard is a Cistercian monastery in the Charnwood Forest area.
The monks belong to the Cistercians OCSO, Order of Cistercians of Strict Observance - Trappist.
I was fortunate to spend a few days in the guest house and attend the Office of prayers and Mass.
And enjoy the hospitality of the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The monastery is a restoration of monastic life in Leicestershire from the mid 1850s.
MSB, founded a community in Cameron which in turn seeded a community in Nigeria, both now monasteries.
The church is very Cistercian in that it has minimal ornamentation and stain glass windows.
Of interest is the flying pyx above the Altar. And the memorial to Blessed Cyprian Tansi an Ibo Nigerian priest who became a professed monk at MSB.
The shop sells nice honey in both states fluid and not so, bear from its own brewery and other Cistercian monasteries.
What is striking about visiting and a stay at MSB is the stillness of both time and space."
Christopher J Keeffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount St Bernard Abbey is located near Coalville, Leicestershire. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at Mount St Bernard Abbey. It's usually ample, but can get busier on weekends or during special events.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport links to the abbey's rural location. Taxis or pre-arranged transport might be necessary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount St Bernard Abbey is free to visit. However, donations are welcome to support the monastery's upkeep and work.
The abbey grounds and shop generally have visitor hours, but it's a working monastery. Specific opening times for Mount St Bernard Abbey can vary, especially around religious services. It's best to check their official website for the most current Mount St Bernard Abbey opening times.
Yes, visitors are welcome to attend the Office of prayers and Mass. The schedule is available on the abbey's website, and attending these services is a key part of the monastic experience.
As a working monastery, visitors are asked to be respectful of the monks' prayer times and maintain a quiet demeanor. Certain areas may be closed during services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the serene abbey church, wander through the beautiful gardens, and visit the shop to purchase Trappist beer, honey, and religious items. The peaceful atmosphere itself is a major draw.
Absolutely! Mount St Bernard Abbey offers a tranquil escape and is perfect for a contemplative day trip, especially if you enjoy history, architecture, and peaceful surroundings.
Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as incredibly peaceful, calm, and relaxing, with a special aura that soothes the soul.
Photography is generally permitted in public areas, but always be mindful and respectful, especially during services or in private monastic areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a formal cafe or restaurant on-site. However, the abbey shop sells local honey and other items, and you can purchase their famous Trappist beer to enjoy.
Yes, the abbey shop offers a selection of products, including honey and their own brewed beer. It's a great place to pick up a unique souvenir or snack.
📸 📸 Photography
The abbey church's minimalist design, the serene gardens, and the exterior architecture offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding Charnwood Forest also provides scenic backdrops.
While generally allowed in public areas, it's important to be discreet and respectful, especially during religious services or in areas where monks reside. Avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Mount St Bernard Abbey
Beyond its architectural and historical importance, Mount St Bernard Abbey is a living testament to the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing prayer, work, and hospitality. Visitors often remark on the profound sense of stillness and timelessness they experience here. The presence of Blessed Cyprian Tansi, a Nigerian priest who became a professed monk at MSB, is also commemorated, highlighting the abbey's international connections and its role in fostering vocations.
Experiencing the Trappist Tradition: Beer and Beyond
The shop itself is a treasure trove, offering not just the famous beer but also a range of religious books, icons, and other items crafted by monks from Mount St Bernard and other Cistercian monasteries. This provides a tangible connection to the monastic way of life and a chance to support the abbey's mission. The experience of visiting the shop and sampling the products is often highlighted as a memorable part of a visit.
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