Stoneleigh Abbey

Founded in 1154 by a group of Cistercian monks, Stoneleigh Abbey reflects a rich mix of more than 800 years of history. The estate was the home of the Leigh family from 1561 until the late twentieth century.

Many famous people have connections with the Abbey: Charles I was entertained here when the gates of Coventry were closed against him, Jane Austen stayed at the Abbey and uses descriptions of its grand interiors and gardens in two of her novels, and in 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at Stoneleigh.

The work of famous architects and artisans is displayed in Stoneleigh’s architecture and rooms. The mediaeval Gatehouse was built in 1346 and is one of a few in Britain which are still standing and complete. In 1720 Francis Smith of Warwick began work on the Great West Wing which is considered to be the masterpiece of this famous and prolific architect. The State Rooms of the West Wing boast some of the finest freehand three dimensional plasterwork to be seen anywhere. The Riding School (now the Banqueting Hall) and Stables, designed by C S Smith, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture…

Weddings

Stoneleigh Abbey is open to the public from Good Friday to the end of October every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday for guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. All of the facilities are available for hire outside of those times.

Events

Stoneleigh Abbey is open to the public from Good Friday to the end of October every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays for guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. All of the facilities are available for hire outside of those times. On the days when the Abbey is open to the public events can take place after 6pm. All events must finish by midnight. The Abbey has a helicopter landing area.