Bury St Edmunds' Abbey Ruins: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Once the greatest medieval monastery in England, the abbey at Bury St Edmunds now stands in ruins, with its vast monastic complex forming a beautiful public garden. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the remains of the abbey church and its surrounding buildings, piecing together the history of this much-overlooked heritage site. The tour starts on Chequer Square, and you'll walk through the remains of the monastic complex. Starting with the Norman Tower, one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in England, and the former monastery's west front, we'll uncover the shape, style, and scale of this now long-lost structure. The tour continues through the medieval Abbey Gate, with its richly decorated Gothic façade, before visiting St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of 21st-century Gothic architecture. Finally, the tour ends at St Mary's church, which contains the tomb of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and sister of Henry VIII.

1. 1

   The Norman Tower

   Pass by

   Start at the Norman Tower, one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in England. You'll uncover the shape, style, and scale of the former monastery through this striking survival.

2. 2

   Abbey Gardens

   Pass by

   Pass through the Abbey Gardens, which now cover most of the monastic precinct. You'll trace the footprint of a church once larger than any Romanesque building north of the Alps.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Walk across Angel Hill, the historic square bordering the abbey precinct. You'll take in the gateway buildings and grand facades that once announced the monastery's power to the town.

4. 4

   St. Edmundsbury Cathedral

   Pass by

   Visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of 21st-century Gothic architecture. You'll learn the story behind the creation of one of Britain's most beautiful modern structures.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Stand in the Great Church Yard, tracing the outline of the vast abbey church that once stood here. You'll reflect at The Teardrop memorial, commemorating the 57 Jewish residents massacred in Bury on Palm Sunday 1190.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Explore the Charnel House, a rare surviving structure from the abbey's monastic complex. You'll piece together its role within the daily life and death of this once-great religious community.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   End at St Mary's church, home to the tomb of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and sister of Henry VIII. You'll admire the 15th-century angel hammer beam roof and the cadaver tomb of cloth merchant John Baret.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.