Lesnes Abbey
Lesnes Abbey
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
20
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
3
SusanRandom
London, UK34 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
What's good?: beautifully laid out gardens and extensive woodlands surrounding a twelfth century ruined abbey. Pleasant and friendly staff plus a handy drinks kiosk.
What's bad? in a word - lawless. Myself and my family have been visiting Lesnes Abbey for twenty or so years now and have witnessed its decline, especially following the Covid lockdowns. Examples of antisocial behaviour include: people riding around on trials bikes, huge groups BBQing during the summer, groups banging away on huge oil drums producing an awful cacophony. There are also groups taking over the Monks' Garden completely during weekends and even playing ball games, which are prohibited.
The most concerning aspect of this open space is the danger aspect - I have heard of people being threatened with a knife after politely requesting that a park patron turn off their loud music. There have also been overt sexual acts committed in the woodland. The amount of dangerous dog breeds, both on leads and without restraint, is probably the most worrying aspect of the open space. More security via Bexley Council and input from the Belvedere Safer Neighbourhood Team is sorely needed.
What's bad? in a word - lawless. Myself and my family have been visiting Lesnes Abbey for twenty or so years now and have witnessed its decline, especially following the Covid lockdowns. Examples of antisocial behaviour include: people riding around on trials bikes, huge groups BBQing during the summer, groups banging away on huge oil drums producing an awful cacophony. There are also groups taking over the Monks' Garden completely during weekends and even playing ball games, which are prohibited.
The most concerning aspect of this open space is the danger aspect - I have heard of people being threatened with a knife after politely requesting that a park patron turn off their loud music. There have also been overt sexual acts committed in the woodland. The amount of dangerous dog breeds, both on leads and without restraint, is probably the most worrying aspect of the open space. More security via Bexley Council and input from the Belvedere Safer Neighbourhood Team is sorely needed.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sylvester T
South East11 contributions
Jul 2023
Goes from bad to worse. Now we have bunch of men randomly bashing drums and cans on a Sunday afternoon and ruining the park for everyone. Don't waste your time coming here when there are other much better parks in the Borough.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gladys R
6 contributions
May 2023
This used to be a lovely place to visit. It gave people the chance to enjoy nature in peaceful surroundings. Unfortunately over the last couple of years the local council has turned Lesnes Abbey into a tacky theme park, with fayres and 'fun' days featuring hot food stalls and bouncy castles. And they wonder why people leave litter and pick all of the wild flowers.
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sylvester T
South East11 contributions
Apr 2023
It can be pleasant there but it's very hit and miss. Some dog walkers clearly don't clear up after their pets, especially on the grass, and there are often noisy parties of children with teachers. What puts me off more than anything though are the incidents there from time to time, especially at weekends. Last weekend there was a stabbing there, for example. During the week there is nowhere to park as all the spaces are taken by commuters using the Elizabeth Line from Abbey Wood station, so I recommend using public transport if you want to go there.
Written 20 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar11,702 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Woods and abbey located few minutes walk from Abbeywood main line station (South East trains and new Queen Elizabeth line) and street parking. Great historical site and perfect to visit in spring to see the woodland displays of spring flowers. There is also a farmers market once a month and lots of planned activities included guided tours explaining the abbey and woodland history. There are also some interesting natural wood carvings and fossil sites in the woods sling with a cafe by the abbey ruins.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,054 contributions
May 2022
This is the Abbey that gave Abbey Wood its name. Still quite a lot of ruins and a lovely big park with woods. A 10 minute walk from Abbey Wood railway station. Good for dogs and wildlife. Well marked paths, cafe.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Hawkins
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Lesnes Abbey was founded in 1178 by Richard de Luci. It was closed in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and all its assets taken, even its walls. Excavated between 1909 and 1913 it revealed much of how it had been including a remarkably well preserved tomb effigy of a knight which is now a centre piece of a display in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The woods that run up the South East London escarpment have a unique display of wild daffodils in the spring followed by a beautiful carpet of bluebells. Considering its location in a suburban area it feels very wild, with ponds and a piece of heathland with a bronze age burial mound. There are plenty of woodpeckers and butterflies to be seen in season, and you can even go searching for fossilised sharks teeth in a special area that has been set aside.
For the last three years the site has been improved considerably with a new popular cafe (Chestnuts) and frequent events. These can be found by searching for "lesnes abbey woods" on google, or #lesnes on twitter.
There is a regular farmers market on the second Sunday of each month, and during this the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods provide guided tours of the ruins explaining their history, their link with Thomas Becket, how the canons in the abbey lived and why the abbey was a very popular spot for pilgrims.
The woods that run up the South East London escarpment have a unique display of wild daffodils in the spring followed by a beautiful carpet of bluebells. Considering its location in a suburban area it feels very wild, with ponds and a piece of heathland with a bronze age burial mound. There are plenty of woodpeckers and butterflies to be seen in season, and you can even go searching for fossilised sharks teeth in a special area that has been set aside.
For the last three years the site has been improved considerably with a new popular cafe (Chestnuts) and frequent events. These can be found by searching for "lesnes abbey woods" on google, or #lesnes on twitter.
There is a regular farmers market on the second Sunday of each month, and during this the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods provide guided tours of the ruins explaining their history, their link with Thomas Becket, how the canons in the abbey lived and why the abbey was a very popular spot for pilgrims.
Written 2 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar11,702 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
The ruins of this 12th century Abbey are set in the beautiful Lesness Woods right on the SE London/Kent border and only 5 minutes walk from Abbeywood train station. Limited surrounding street parking (more limited weekdays due to proximity of station) The site has been brilliantly renovated and looked after by the local council and an interest group who have really transformed the site in recent years. A visitors centre and cafe have been added as well as updated information boards about the Abbeys history and surrounding woodlands. The woods are a great place for walks or runs and in the spring are massed with Bluebells and Daffodils. There are also great views across SE London and Essex as well ad distant views of central London. This is a really nice green space to relax, exercise and explore some of the local history.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisdodd4
London, UK399 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
I had been planning this day for a couple of weeks, before finally, we made the pilgrimage,to this 12th Century Abbey and it’s surrounding woodland.
The Abbey is very accessible by train,bus,car, we chose to take the train, and arrived at the nearby Abbey Wood Station, one day this will connect with the Crossrail project, so this can be easily visited from further afield.
On leaving the station, walk until you enter the Lesnes Abbey Woods, continue up the wooded paths see my pictures below, before you finally enter the clearing, where the Abbey Ruins once graced this part of the woodland.
There is a App to upload or download, whatever is the the correct way now, LOL,
Laugh of Loud, stick with me ☺️.
This will give you a lot of information about your visit, and as you are walking around you can listen 🎧 to its content, there is also a handy map, I think it enhances the experience.
The App advises you to start at the Lodge, which is where you can find loads about the woodland, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink, and where the toilet facilities are located, on my visit we had some refreshments which was reasonably priced.
I would say on your visit, it’s up to you what you want to explore, and don’t want to, but there was more than I was expecting, our highlights were to see the City of London skyline,from a different angle see my picture below.
The Abbey Ruins, shows you just how grand this place once was, as you wander or roam,among the ruins,this gives you a sense of what it would have been like way back when,you can see by my picture of one of the archways, I captured a great view showing the viewpoint which I recently viewed get my drift.
After that we decided to leave the Abbey Ruins, and entered the woodland, as we did we passed the Green Man Tree see my picture below,
This tree was carved by a local woodcarver who lived nearby in Abbey Wood.
If you have the app, there is a piece on the Green Man Tree so I won’t spoil it, if you want to find out more and don’t have the app,you can always search online for it.
So we then walked through the wonderful peaceful woodland, be careful to use your map,as the signs can send you the longer way around, until finally we exited on our onward journey.
We continued through Bostall Woods pass Plumstead Cemetery, which had a wonderful entrance see my picture below,before walking through East Wickham Open Space, before taking several footpaths between the houses, back to Welling Train station 🚉 before making our way back home.
So in Summary,this day out was not totally Ruined, although that what it’s all about sorry ,so go visit Lesnes Abbey, there is a whole lot MORE there than you think.
Abbey Hunting !!!
The Abbey is very accessible by train,bus,car, we chose to take the train, and arrived at the nearby Abbey Wood Station, one day this will connect with the Crossrail project, so this can be easily visited from further afield.
On leaving the station, walk until you enter the Lesnes Abbey Woods, continue up the wooded paths see my pictures below, before you finally enter the clearing, where the Abbey Ruins once graced this part of the woodland.
There is a App to upload or download, whatever is the the correct way now, LOL,
Laugh of Loud, stick with me ☺️.
This will give you a lot of information about your visit, and as you are walking around you can listen 🎧 to its content, there is also a handy map, I think it enhances the experience.
The App advises you to start at the Lodge, which is where you can find loads about the woodland, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink, and where the toilet facilities are located, on my visit we had some refreshments which was reasonably priced.
I would say on your visit, it’s up to you what you want to explore, and don’t want to, but there was more than I was expecting, our highlights were to see the City of London skyline,from a different angle see my picture below.
The Abbey Ruins, shows you just how grand this place once was, as you wander or roam,among the ruins,this gives you a sense of what it would have been like way back when,you can see by my picture of one of the archways, I captured a great view showing the viewpoint which I recently viewed get my drift.
After that we decided to leave the Abbey Ruins, and entered the woodland, as we did we passed the Green Man Tree see my picture below,
This tree was carved by a local woodcarver who lived nearby in Abbey Wood.
If you have the app, there is a piece on the Green Man Tree so I won’t spoil it, if you want to find out more and don’t have the app,you can always search online for it.
So we then walked through the wonderful peaceful woodland, be careful to use your map,as the signs can send you the longer way around, until finally we exited on our onward journey.
We continued through Bostall Woods pass Plumstead Cemetery, which had a wonderful entrance see my picture below,before walking through East Wickham Open Space, before taking several footpaths between the houses, back to Welling Train station 🚉 before making our way back home.
So in Summary,this day out was not totally Ruined, although that what it’s all about sorry ,so go visit Lesnes Abbey, there is a whole lot MORE there than you think.
Abbey Hunting !!!
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK6,782 contributions
Nov 2020
What an interesting spot, down there in Belvedere (just to the east of Abbey Wood) in the London Borough of Bexley in outer south-east London. I never knew there were ruins of an ancient abbey here until I saw a mention of it on a ‘curiosities in London’ blog I follow. I enjoyed my visit here, and it presents a worthwhile excursion if you are looking for something unusual to see out of central London. I certainly recommend a visit.
The ruins of the 12th century Augustinian abbey, known as Lesnes Abbey, was founded by Richard de Luci, Chief Justiciar of England, in 1178. It never became a large community, and was suppressed by Cardinal Wolsey on behalf oh Henry VIII in 1525. Then, in line with the process of the ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’ requirements, it was pulled down. Only the foundations and bits of the walls remain today of this scheduled ancient monument, but they give an idea of what this small abbey near the Thames must have been like.
You can wander throughout the ruins, and you will get a good sense of the construction and layout of the abbey. Some of the rooms are labelled. It’s quite atmospheric, and very evocative of ancient times, and I enjoyed exploring it and trying to do some photography (it was a very wet day on my visit).
The abbey ruins are not all you can see if you plan a visit to the site. Right beside the abbey ruins are a couple of interesting things.
Firstly you cannot help but notice a huge old gnarled tree that is being propped up. It’s a mulberry tree that’s been growing there since the early 17th century. It was purchased by King James I; apparently he was keen to establish a silk industry and reportedly planted some 30,000 mulberry trees. What he did not realise is that silk moths feed on the leaves of white mulberry trees, and the trees they purchased were black mulberry, so the whole project was a dismal failure. This ancient tree remains!
Secondly, within eye distance of the ruins, you’ll see an enclosed garden. This curious little garden, the Monk’s Garden, contains plants the monks would have used in the abbey’s infirmary to ward off disease and heal injuries. The monks must have maintained beehives as well, judging by the stone structures on display in the garden.
Behind the abbey, up on the slope, you’ll see a replica sculpture of abbey windows. It nicely frames the views across the landscape.
The abbey however is just part of a beautiful and extensive ancient woodland called Lesnes Abbey Woods; it’s quite a green oasis in this corner of south-east London, and the gently sloping site will also give you some interesting views of London. There are numerous walks amongst the Sweet Chestnut, Birch and Oak trees as well as across ancient heath. If you visit in March you’ll apparently see a large and beautiful display of wild daffodils, and later on in April and May the woods are awash with bluebells.
There are decent facilities for visitors to the abbey, including a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and toilet facilities. Note that this is the only shelter in the woods if it’s a wet day. Most of the area around the abbey ruins is fine for those requiring mobility assistance, though some of the access paths and paths through the woods are a bit on the steep side.
The abbey is a 10 minute walk from Abbey Wood rail station, which has frequent direct rail connections to London Bridge and London Charing Cross. It’s in travel zone 4. The easiest way to get to the abbey is this: on exiting the station, turn right and take the lift or stairs down to Wilton Road and follow it the short distance to Abbey Road; turn left into Abbey Road and walk about 3/4 mile down the road to where the entrance to the abbey signed.
Enjoy your visit; it's a lovely spot!
The ruins of the 12th century Augustinian abbey, known as Lesnes Abbey, was founded by Richard de Luci, Chief Justiciar of England, in 1178. It never became a large community, and was suppressed by Cardinal Wolsey on behalf oh Henry VIII in 1525. Then, in line with the process of the ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’ requirements, it was pulled down. Only the foundations and bits of the walls remain today of this scheduled ancient monument, but they give an idea of what this small abbey near the Thames must have been like.
You can wander throughout the ruins, and you will get a good sense of the construction and layout of the abbey. Some of the rooms are labelled. It’s quite atmospheric, and very evocative of ancient times, and I enjoyed exploring it and trying to do some photography (it was a very wet day on my visit).
The abbey ruins are not all you can see if you plan a visit to the site. Right beside the abbey ruins are a couple of interesting things.
Firstly you cannot help but notice a huge old gnarled tree that is being propped up. It’s a mulberry tree that’s been growing there since the early 17th century. It was purchased by King James I; apparently he was keen to establish a silk industry and reportedly planted some 30,000 mulberry trees. What he did not realise is that silk moths feed on the leaves of white mulberry trees, and the trees they purchased were black mulberry, so the whole project was a dismal failure. This ancient tree remains!
Secondly, within eye distance of the ruins, you’ll see an enclosed garden. This curious little garden, the Monk’s Garden, contains plants the monks would have used in the abbey’s infirmary to ward off disease and heal injuries. The monks must have maintained beehives as well, judging by the stone structures on display in the garden.
Behind the abbey, up on the slope, you’ll see a replica sculpture of abbey windows. It nicely frames the views across the landscape.
The abbey however is just part of a beautiful and extensive ancient woodland called Lesnes Abbey Woods; it’s quite a green oasis in this corner of south-east London, and the gently sloping site will also give you some interesting views of London. There are numerous walks amongst the Sweet Chestnut, Birch and Oak trees as well as across ancient heath. If you visit in March you’ll apparently see a large and beautiful display of wild daffodils, and later on in April and May the woods are awash with bluebells.
There are decent facilities for visitors to the abbey, including a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and toilet facilities. Note that this is the only shelter in the woods if it’s a wet day. Most of the area around the abbey ruins is fine for those requiring mobility assistance, though some of the access paths and paths through the woods are a bit on the steep side.
The abbey is a 10 minute walk from Abbey Wood rail station, which has frequent direct rail connections to London Bridge and London Charing Cross. It’s in travel zone 4. The easiest way to get to the abbey is this: on exiting the station, turn right and take the lift or stairs down to Wilton Road and follow it the short distance to Abbey Road; turn left into Abbey Road and walk about 3/4 mile down the road to where the entrance to the abbey signed.
Enjoy your visit; it's a lovely spot!
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisdodd4
London, UK399 contributions
Where my review of lesnes abbey gone
Brian T
London, UK6,782 contributions
Sometimes reviews you have written take days to appear on your Tripadvisor feed.
sessez
10 contributions
I have been looking into the best place to start exploring/walking Lesnes Abbey and especially its woodlands. Please could you advise where to begin? Is there a main entrance and a route to follow? I see on my google map there are a few places but which (I am not really familiar with the area) I have never been. Myself and a friend would like to come along and explore it looks great! Parking facilities too. Thanks of any info.
Sue C
4 contributions
Is there parking for a motorhome whilst we walk out dog?
Chris S
472 contributions
There is a campsite/motor home site in Abbey wood close by Lesnes I am told it is very nice
Perhaps you could park there
Other than that the parking is on the road, though I think Sainsbury's has a carpark and there is a carpark over by the Thamesmead lake
If you are parking on the road choose carefully, stay on Abbey Wood rather than Thamesmead.
susie1717m
London522 contributions
Can I take a wheelchair bound person to this park and is their toilets there?
Thank you.
MrBill
Newport, UK841 contributions
You can take a wheelchair bound person there. There is a building in the centre of the park which has toilet facilities and a coffee shop. This area is particularly flat and pleasant but be advised parts of the park itself and holly and the inclines are quite steep. You may find this challenging for those in wheelchairs. Apart from that, the facilities and surroundings are beautiful.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lesnes Abbey
- Lesnes Abbey is open:
- Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
- Hotels near Lesnes Abbey:
- (0.09 mi) St George's Hotel
- (0.27 mi) Julius Lodge Thamesmead
- (0.44 mi) Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite
- (0.32 mi) Charimore Rooms
- (2.10 mi) Crook Log Guest House
- Restaurants near Lesnes Abbey:
- (0.19 mi) Chestnuts Kiosk
- (0.32 mi) The Taj Mahal Abbey Wood
- (0.35 mi) Abbey Café Abbey Wood
- (0.35 mi) Abbey Arms
- (2.01 mi) Guy Earl Of Warwick