Netley Abbey in Southampton

Netley Abbey in Hampshire is in the heart of the South coast and the surviving ruins of a Cistercian monastery.

The ruins are stunning and is the perfect place for a picnic in the summer or a short winter wander.

The guide will give you a great overview and plenty of suggestions of ways to enjoy this beautiful spot.

The ruins of Netley Abbey are so magical. If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore you can easily add this into a day’s itinerary. It’s a little bit Hogwarts, it’s a little bit Game of Thrones and I am here for it! Get ready to take a step back in time.

A visit here can be anywhere from 15 minutes up, or if you take a book or a picnic much, much longer. If you’re looking for somewhere romantic, this is definitely one of those kinds of places.

Bex stood in front of the ruins at Netley Abbey in Southampton, Hampshire

It’s also a great spot to practice photography and sketching. In the summer months I’ve known events to take place in the grounds, it’s definitely a sun spot even in the winter.

After visiting to get pictures I realised I had not visited since I was a child. I really thought It was nice to reconnect with the area and remind myself of what a lovely place it is to visit.

The Ruins

Once a monastery home to Cistercian monks, the building went through many transitions, including being a grand Tudor house.

Bex sat in the arch of Netley Abbey in Southampton, Hampshire

The history of Netley Abbey is extensive and as I’m no historian so, I’ll point you to where you can find this information! When it comes to the history you’ll be much safer in the hands of the experts at English Heritage…

The ruins are easy to explore. There’s lots of lovely nooks and corners with well preserve architecture details to admire. Be warned that the steps are uneven and there are no set paths arounds the grounds.

Bex stood by the window at Netley Abbey in Southampton, Hampshire

Walking the Abbey

The grounds of the abbey don’t take that long to walk around. If you’re looking for a longer walk my recommendation is to walk around Royal Victoria Country Park first, and then tack this on to the beginning or end.

The park and the abbey is quite flat so the walking routes aren’t too strenuous and suits many abilities.

Useful Information

Abbey Hill, Netley, Hampshire, SO31 5FB

Netley Abbey is an English Heritage site, which welcomes dogs on leads, and is free to visit.

Opening times are from 1 April to 30 September every day 10am to 4.30pm, 1 October to 31 March Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm and 24 to 26 December and 1 January the ruins are closed.