Valle Crucis Abbey
About
The ruins of the Cistercian abbey Prince Madog ap Gruffydd founded in 1201, about 3km up the A542 from Llangollen. Cadw, which looks after it, says that in Wales only Tintern Abbey was richer when it was dissolved in 1537, and that the site keeps the only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales. The west front of the abbey church is what you see first, and Cadw picks out the rib-vaulted chapter house among the ruins. The name, Valley of the Cross, comes from the ninth-century Pillar of Eliseg nearby. Cadw keeps it open and unstaffed with no admission charge.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Founded in 1201 by Madog ap Gruffydd
- ✓Free entry, open and unstaffed
- ✓The only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales, per Cadw
- ✓Eliseg's Pillar a quarter of a mile away
Tips
- →Cadw says it may close monuments at short notice in extreme weather and asks visitors to check its social media first.
- →Parking is for six cars near the entrance, one of them a disabled space about 50 metres away.
- →Dogs on short leads are welcome on ground floor levels.
Best Season
Accessibility
Cadw rates the terrain Level 1, accessible: the ruins are mostly laid to grass with firm, level paths, and it says wheelchair access is available. One disabled parking space about 50 metres from the entrance.
Last verified 2026-10-16
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