These beautiful hilltop ruins mark the site of what was England's largest and richest nunnery. It was founded in 888 by King Alfred the Great, and his daughter, Aethelgifu, was its first abbess. St Edward is thought to have been buried here, and King Knut died at the abbey in 1035. Most of the buildings were dismantled by Henry VIII, but you can still spot the foundations amid swathes of grass and wildflowers, and hunt out the medieval-inspired herb and fruit-tree collections.
Longer opening hours may apply. The museum (see the website for opening updates) has fine statuary and illuminated manuscripts.
