Hedley Lodge is set in the beautiful grounds of Belmont Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1859 and home to about 16 monks. The follow the ancient Rule of St Benedict, who lived in the 6th century.

The monastic community welcome the Hedley Lodge guests to wander round their gardens. The yew-hedged paths, rosebeds and lawns provide an oasis of peace at any time of year.

Visitors are also welcome to share in the prayer of the community, the Divine Office and daily Mass that is celebrated in the Abbey Church. The Church is a listed building designed by Edward Welby Pugin, son of the great Augustus Welby Pugin who designed the interiors of the Houses of Parliament.

Inside the Church there are angels everywhere in finely carved stone and rich stained glass, best caught on a bright summer's day. The exterior of the church, in yellow-pink sandstone is reminicent of many classic monastic facades of the 13th Century with gargoyles drunk with Welsh rain.

The Abbey Bookshop is open Monday to Saturday 2.30 to 4.30pm and after the Masses on Sunday.

For further information about the monastery click the link below to go the the Belmont Abbey homepage (opens in new window).