Douai Abbey: A Living Testament of English Benedictine Heritage in Berkshire
Discover Douai Abbey, a serene Benedictine monastery blending rich English Catholic heritage with tranquil Berkshire countryside charm.
Douai Abbey, located in Upper Woolhampton near Reading, Berkshire, is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1615 in Paris and relocated to England in 1903. It blends rich historical legacy with serene countryside surroundings, featuring a Grade II* listed abbey church, modern monastery buildings, and beautiful gardens. The abbey hosts retreats, spiritual services, and concerts, offering visitors a peaceful place for reflection and cultural enrichment.
A brief summary to Douai Abbey
- Reading, Upper Woolhampton, RG7 5TQ, GB
- +441189715300
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6 am-8 pm
- Friday 6 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Attend one of the daily liturgies or sacred music concerts to experience the abbey’s spiritual and cultural life.
- Explore the abbey’s gardens and grounds for peaceful walks and quiet reflection in nature.
- Visit the abbey library and archives if you have an interest in monastic history and English Catholic heritage.
- Plan your visit during weekdays for a quieter atmosphere, as weekends and special events can be busier.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Taxi
From Reading railway station, take a taxi for a 15-20 minute ride to Douai Abbey. Trains to Reading run frequently from London and other regional hubs. Taxi fares typically range from £15 to £25.
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Car
Driving from central Reading to Douai Abbey takes about 20 minutes via the A4 and local roads. Limited parking is available on-site, but note that the car park is unlit at night. There is no parking fee.
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Bus and Walk
Local bus services run from Reading towards Woolhampton; from the nearest stop, it is a 20-30 minute walk on country lanes to the abbey. Buses operate several times daily but check schedules in advance. Walking terrain is mostly flat but rural.
Douai Abbey location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Douai Abbey
Roots of an Enduring Monastic Community
Douai Abbey traces its origins to 1615 in Paris, where the community of St. Edmund was founded to serve English and Welsh Catholics during a time of religious exile. After the upheavals of the French Revolution, the monks settled in Douai, northern France, continuing their mission of training priests and ministering to Catholics. The community was forced to leave France in 1903 due to anti-clerical laws, relocating to Woolhampton in Berkshire, England, where they established Douai Abbey, preserving their centuries-old heritage.Architectural Evolution and Spiritual Heart
The abbey church, a Grade II* listed building, was initially opened in 1933 and completed in 1993, reflecting a blend of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture and later additions. The monastery complex was significantly expanded in the 1960s with modern buildings designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, complementing the historic structures. The abbey church remains the spiritual heart of the community, where the monks celebrate the liturgy daily, and visitors can attend services or enjoy concerts of sacred music.Community Life and Outreach
Douai Abbey is home to a vibrant Benedictine community dedicated to prayer, hospitality, and pastoral work. The monks serve in parishes across England and Wales and welcome guests for retreats, spiritual courses, and conferences. The abbey’s library and archives hold valuable collections for research, underscoring its role as a center for study and cultural heritage. The peaceful gardens and grounds provide a tranquil setting for contemplation and connection with nature.Historical Significance and Jacobite Connections
The abbey maintains historic ties to the Stuart dynasty and the Jacobite cause, reflecting its deep roots in English Catholic history. The community honors St. Edmund, King and Martyr, their patron saint, symbolized in the abbey’s heraldry. Douai Abbey once ran Douai School until its closure in 1999, continuing its educational legacy. In 2005, monks returned to Douai, France, restoring historic links and fostering international monastic connections.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to Douai Abbey find a serene retreat in the Berkshire countryside, with opportunities to explore the abbey church’s stained glass and architecture, stroll the well-kept gardens, and participate in the abbey’s spiritual life. The welcoming community offers a unique glimpse into Benedictine monasticism, enriched by the abbey’s peaceful ambience and cultural events. The site balances historic significance with a living, active monastic presence.Preservation and Cultural Role Today
Douai Abbey continues to be a beacon of English Benedictine spirituality and heritage. It is actively preserved as a historic site and functions as a place of worship, learning, and hospitality. The abbey’s commitment to tradition and openness to visitors make it a distinctive destination for those interested in history, faith, and quiet reflection in a beautiful rural setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hilton Reading
13.7 km
Discover the perfect blend of modern luxury and convenience at Hilton Reading, your ideal base to explore the vibrant city and surrounding attractions.
Edward VII Statue
14.8 km
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Holy Well of St Anne
15.1 km
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Lord Wantage Monument
22.2 km
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Maidenhead Railway Bridge
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Ray Mill Island
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Iffley Lock
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Dorney Court
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Explore the enchanting Dorney Court, a historical landmark with stunning gardens and rich heritage, perfect for an unforgettable day out.
Miniland
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LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
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The Kidneys
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The White House
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Virgin Experience Days
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River Thames
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Cliveden House
37.3 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and stunning natural beauty at Cliveden House, a historic hotel and spa in the heart of Berkshire.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park
3.1 km
Discover hands-on farm life and magical deer encounters at Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park, a perfect family day out in the English countryside.
Towney Lock
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The Nature Discovery Centre
7.2 km
Explore wildlife, interactive exhibits, and scenic trails at Berkshire’s vibrant Nature Discovery Centre.
Moor Copse Nature Reserve
8.0 km
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The Living Rainforest
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Step into a lush indoor tropical rainforest with exotic animals, vibrant plants, and family-friendly fun near Newbury, Berkshire.
Shaw House
10.1 km
Explore Shaw House, a stunning Elizabethan manor blending Tudor grandeur, royal history, and vibrant community life on Newbury’s peaceful edge.
Victoria Park
10.4 km
Newbury’s vibrant green heart with diverse activities, historic charm, and scenic riverside walks for all ages and interests.
West Berkshire Museum
10.4 km
Explore West Berkshire’s rich history and heritage in Newbury’s iconic 17th-century Cloth Hall and Granary buildings with free entry and engaging exhibits.
Whitchurch Bridge
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Historic white lattice iron toll bridge linking Pangbourne and Whitchurch-on-Thames over the scenic River Thames.
Basildon Park
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Explore Basildon Park’s elegant Georgian mansion and 400 acres of scenic parkland, blending history, nature, and family fun near Reading.
Beale Wildlife Park
10.6 km
Discover native wildlife, exotic species, and family fun in scenic riverside gardens at Beale Wildlife Park near Pangbourne.
The Cunning Man
10.7 km
Rustic charm and hearty British classics await at The Cunning Man, a beloved country pub in Berkshire’s tranquil Burghfield Bridge.
Northcroft & Goldwell Parks
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Award-winning green spaces in Newbury offering playgrounds, sports pitches, woodland walks, BMX thrills, and stunning panoramic views.
Donnington Castle
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Hartslock
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Discover rare orchids, vibrant chalk grassland, and stunning Thames views at Hartslock Nature Reserve near Reading.
Essential places to dine
The Spring Inn
4.8 km
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The Pot Kiln
5.4 km
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Bella Luna
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Bunk Inn Pub & Dining
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The Herd Restaurant
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GOAT ON THE ROOF
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Harvester Mansion House Reading
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The Woodspeen Restaurant
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Damson Restaurant
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Coconut Bar & Kitchen
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Bill's Reading Restaurant
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Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse - Reading
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Miller & Carter Oracle
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The Botanist Reading
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London Street Brasserie
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Peach's Stores
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Englefield Stores & Tea Room
6.3 km
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Yattendon Village Stores & Post Office
6.7 km
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Bonmarché
7.7 km
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B&M Store
8.6 km
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Litten Tree Antiques
9.3 km
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The Rhubarb Tree
10.1 km
Discover whimsical gifts, artisanal chocolates, and creative balloon art at The Rhubarb Tree, a charming boutique in Pangbourne’s historic High Street.
Artisans Handmade UK
10.5 km
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Parkway Shopping Centre
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The Works
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No 96 Home and Gifts
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Kennet Shopping
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La La Vintage
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Well Cool Stuff
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Barbara's Antique and Bric a Brac Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Sesh Bars
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The Fox and Hounds
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The Lock Stock & Barrel, Newbury
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The Bell Inn, Aldworth
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The White Eagle
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The Nag's Head
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The Face Bar
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Reading
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The Purple Turtle
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Milk Bar Reading
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All Bar One Reading
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Wild Lime
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Oakford Social Club
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High Spirits Cocktail Company
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Valpy Street Bar & Bistro
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
