Return to St Benet’s Abbey

By Michael Martin On July 27, 2026 · Return to St Benet’s Abbey

St Benet’s Abbey sits out alone on the Broads, in the isolated marshland by the confluence of the rivers Ant and Bure. A monastery has occupied this site since monks being granted land and property in the eleventh century.
The only monastery not closed down by King Henry V111, St Benet’s was bequeathed to the Bishop of Norwich, who remans as its Abbot.

Summer service at St Benet’s

The Bishop of Norwich, currently the 72nd Bishop of Norwich, holds an annual service at St Benet’s on the last Sunday of July each year. This has become customary since 1939, The Bishop arriving on a traditional Wherry travelling up The River Bure with entourage.

The Broadland landscape in which the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey nestles

The service takes place at the site where the high alter once stood, the centre piece of worship at St Benet’s Abbey. The group ‘The Community of St Benet’s’ under the care of the rector of the Benefice of St Benedict the plan and organise the annual service.

Bishop Graham conducts his service on a windswept Broadland landscape.

Choosing your route

The Sunday service is accessible using various modes of transport;

1 Traditionally now we drive, its an easy thirty minutes from the coast or city, St Benet’s Abbey has reasonable vehicle access.
From a turning off the main road through Ludham by the Dog Pub a single farm track takes you to the official car park (there are also fields opened especially for the service and disabled users are directed up onto the site by stewards of the service to avoid any lengthy walk over rough ground.
2 Cycling would be a good option there are designated spaces in the car park for your bike.
3 Many of the congregation walk from Nearby villages or on more challenging riverside walks from further afield, there is a permissive footpath from Ludham Bridge/Johnson Street circa 25 mins.
4 You could try the bus http://www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk/
5 Train to Wroxham and a taxi for the last leg?
6 The best route is said to be by river, come as the Bishop does up the Bure, hire a day boat, a kayak or canoe from Wroxham or Horning and make your way downstream to the historical site.

Other activities at St Benet’s

In addition to the annual Bishop’s service this historic site is open all of the year round as a free attraction to visitors and locals alike during daylight hours.

The landscape is a dream for photographers, bird watchers (twitchers), hikers, dog walkers and artists.

There is warning across the site for roaming/grazing cattle do read the notices and take care.

Frequently asked Questions

Can you visit St Benet’s Abbey all year round?

Yes the site is open during daylight hours and visitors are encouraged at ant reasonable time.

How often are church services held at St Benet’s Abbey?

Only one church service is held at St Benet’s Abbey each year. This traditional open-air outdoor service takes place among the historic ruins by the River Bure

When is the service held at St Benet’s Abbey?

Date: Held on the last Sunday of July or first Sunday of August, led by the Bishop of Norwich in their role as Abbot of St Benet’s

Where is the service held at St Benet’s Abbey?

At the site of the high altar beneath the wooden cross in Ludham, Norfolk

Are there facilities around the Abbey?

There are no toilet or other facilities at the site, and little shelter from the weather except within the standing remains of the gatehouse.

Is the site suitable for family visits?

Yes, the open space is great to explore, picnic, exercise, indulge n hobbies, e.g. photography or even fly a kite!

Visit St Benet’s Abbey with Barn & Beach Holidays and Ferry Marina Day Cruises.