13. The Abbey Museum

 
Abbey Museum Exterior

South of the cloister would have been the kitchens and refectory, along with a small passage, colourfully known as the “dark entry” which gave access to another courtyard of buildings, extending towards the brook. It is unknown what these buildings were used for but food and goods storage is most likely.

The Museum is the only complete Abbey structure remaining, possibly a guest hall, it remains an enigma with few clues to its actual purpose. The original entry was on the west side on the first floor in the late 19thC a cowshed was attached to the front. Despite being known as “the barn” it was never used as such by the Abbey.  Today, run by volunteers, it houses a detailed interpretation of the Abbey and artefacts from the Bronze Age to 20th century.

Onward Directions

Walk towards the swimming pool and bear right around it towards the lake.