Founded in 1120 on the site of an earlier pre-Norman church, St Dogmael’s status as a religious centre can be seen in extensive ruins which span four centuries of monastic life. Elements of the church and cloister are 12th century in origin, while the tall west and north walls of the nave are 13th century. There’s a fine north doorway with 14th-century decoration and a north transept, built in the Tudor period.  

The abbey’s restored Coach House is now home to a museum and visitor centre that sheds light on several centuries of Christian life via artefacts that take you on a journey through time. There’s also an impressive computer-generated reconstruction of the abbey at its 15th-century peak.