Whalley Abbey

I stayed recently with my wife and daughter. We loved it, you stay in the grounds of a ruined abbey in a wonderful old building full of history. The room was clean, beds comfy, the staff super friendly and the breakfast was superb. Its an active retreat for religious people but we never took part in any of that as its also a hotel, we just went for the location and to tour the local area. Inside the reception area is stunning, its well presented and beautifully maintained. The village of Whalley is beautiful, with nice restaurants and bars 3 min walk from the abbey. The surrounding area is nice, as its close to Ribble Valley and Pendle Hill, so plenty of scenery.

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The history within this place.

I wouldn't say didn't like, but I had no idea it was actually part of the abbey buildings and was still a religious place. However, this was not a bad thing and, each to their own, as the saying goes. The fact that their was no television in the hotel was a bit disappointment and I should have read more about this place before booking maybe. Nevertheless, these are only minor disappointments and we enjoyed Whalley in general. Another minor point, and it is completely up to the hotel who they hire, some of the staff could do with a sense of humour.

From reception to leaving, all staff encountered were charming and helpful. I think I had an exceptional room - booking for one person I had not expected the splendour and comfort of the Paulinus room. I actually left the splendid kingsize bed untouched and used the single bed - but it was wonderful to have the room and it had a roomy bathroom and a splendid bed. The grounds are a delight. Thank you to all concerned for a wonderful stay and I am really looking forward to returning in June.

I was invited out for breakfast so didn't actually have breakfast at the Abbey. I am vegan and gluten free and I totally understand that it is a challenge catering for special diets and that it is difficult to provide a choice. I was very happy to accept the invite to the self-catering cottage. It would certainly not deter me from future stays....

Whalley Abbey is a beautiful historic building both inside and the ruins surrounding the main house. The fact that the Abbey is a Christian retreat came as a surprise, but for hotel guests that just made for a quiet and peaceful experience. Breakfast was a basic full English buffet, but very edible.

The only omission compared to normal hotels was the lack of TVs, but this is offset by good WIFI. The one thing that did annoy was the very small shower cubicle. I could barely bend down to pick up my soap! And there was plenty of room for a cubicle twice the size.

Friendly staff very helpful and a fascinating historical building with lovely grounds. Relaxing area during the day. Breakfast was also lovely with a good choice of continental and English. Decent coffee served. Be aware that this is not a hotel but a retreat that sell the rooms as a B&B when not used as a retreat. For this reason, there are no signs to inform you where it is so look out or ask for the Whalley Abby. The B&B is inside the actual building across the parking courtyard opposite the main archway entrance.

Dirty windows with cobwebs and dust on the upper areas, though rest of the room was very clean. Rooms on the ground floor are rather noisy if customers are in the rooms above. Because of the age of the building, every creaking floorboard is heard.

Amazing property with wonderful hosts. The location is great, easy to reach by public transport on the edges of the thriving village of Whalley. The riverside gardens contain the ruins of the Cistercian abbey & rooms are in abbot's house. My room was simple but the lounge, great hall & refractory are impressive historic rooms. Breakfast was good & served communally in the refectory.

Some of the fittings were a little tired in the bedroom corridors. I travel with an eye mask so the Velux windows without poles to pull the blinds didn't bother me, but other guests may not like the dawn light streaming in.

As I hadn't fully appreciated that this is part of the historic abbey and is owned by the diocese and it is a retreat that only offers rooms when they are not otherwise booked, I did have a touch of difficulty finding my way in, but once there I was absolutely delighted with everything about the Abbey.

Ah well. The devices for holding the sash windows up are not wedges. They are props, but in the big pictures, that is of little moment.

The peace and quiet - especially in the library. Unobtrusiveness of the staff yet they were ready to assist. Beautiful location. The availability of the chapel.

There was nothing I didn't like. But I think breakfast could be improved - The breakfast has a good selection of cereal etc and choice of tea/coffee. However, the hot breakfast was a bit meager for the number of guests and quickly went cool. Better to have a toaster so as to have fresh toast That's the only criticism I have of my stay.

Staff were friendly, helpful and catered to every request (early check in, somewhere to get changed ahead of a wedding, code to get back late etc). Comfortable, beautiful rooms in a stunning building.

Nothing I didn’t like. Small suggestion for improvement - unless you’re arriving at the abbey for the retreat or discipleship centre, it’s not very obvious you’ve arrived at accommodation. I spent a while thinking I was in the wrong place!

This place will make you feel like a a medieval duchess - ancient magnificence in wonderful gardens nestled in a beautiful Pennine valley. Gentle hosts, delicious & hearty breakfast - we slept like a logs in the comfortable beds with crisp linen. The room was simple and spotless, we also adjourned to the comfy drawing room with sofas huddled around the enormous fireplace with a refrigerated bar. Heaven to relax in sipping cold wine whilst gazing at the splendor outside of the vast windows.

Don't come here if you want telly and discos - do come here for tranquil contemplation of the history contained within the monumental walls in which you are privileged to reside even if just for a short time. We loved it and will be back for more.