Celebrating community and heritage at Dunkeswell Abbey

Restoring the Abbey path

This summer brought a wonderful improvement to the Abbey grounds: the gates leading to the Church and Abbey ruins have been beautifully restored. One gate was completely replaced, while the other was carefully renovated.

Special thanks go to Charlie and Chris Page, skilled carpenters from Dunkeswell Abbey, and everyone who contributed to the project. The new gate is a true labour of love, crafted partly from locally grown oak from the Madford Valley – a perfect example of heritage and craftsmanship at its finest.

Heritage tours bring history to life

September saw a series of guided heritage walks led by Cat Farnell from Heritage, Arts, People. offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the story of Dunkeswell Abbey, founded in 1201 and dissolved in 1539.

As part of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape’s Festival of Heritage, the tours explored the monks’ remarkable water management skills and surviving features such as the gatehouse, helping visitors imagine the Abbey in its full glory. The day ended with tea, cakes, and a spectacular tombola – a perfect finish to a memorable event.

We hope to bring the tours back in 2026, so watch this space!

Bespoke tours

In mid-September, a local group known as the ‘ladies who lunch’ enjoyed a tailored tour of the Church and Abbey, learning about its history and the Simcoe sisters who built and furnished the Church. Their generous donation to Church funds was greatly appreciated.

Interested in arranging a bespoke tour? Contact Tim on 07890 266051.

Dates for your diary

Church decorating afternoon

30 November, 2pm–3.45pm

Come along and help us decorate Dunkeswell Abbey Church for Christmas. All hands and creativity welcome!  Donations of foliage and decorations appreciated.

Christmas service at Dunkeswell Abbey Church

3 December, 7pm

Led by Rev Nigel Candelant, followed by mulled wine, tea, coffee, mince pies, and light bites. Donations of refreshments warmly appreciated.

Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to support Dunkeswell Abbey and Church. Join the ‘Churchyard Crew’, help with cleaning, or become part of the new maintenance group tackling bigger jobs. Prefer something less hands-on? Support fundraising events, organise your own, or simply spread the word about this hidden gem in the heart of the Blackdown Hills.

For more details, email friendsofdunkeswellabbey@gmail.com or visit the Dunkeswell Abbey website.