Up Holland is well suited to a stay focused on two distinct themes: the medieval building history of the Benedictine priory and the hilly landscape of Beacon Country Park. The priory retains medieval fabric and architectural features of the dormitory; the park covers more than 300 acres on the slopes of Ashurst Beacon. If you are looking for a hotel in Up Holland, these themes can help you choose the focus of your trip: would you rather explore a historic complex of buildings or a landscape?
Monastic History and Architecture
The Benedictine priory was a late foundation. When it was established, it took over the site and buildings of an earlier religious college. Its history can therefore be read in two phases: the earlier institution was followed by a priory that used existing structures. The change affected both how the site was used and its buildings. The late foundation can thus be understood as the development of a site already used for religious purposes.
The main standing ruins lie south of the church and include parts of the monks’ dormitory. A dormitory was the monks’ sleeping quarters, so its architectural features point to a specific function within the monastic complex. This is about more than medieval architecture in general: the surviving parts identify a clearly defined area of monastic life. Two aspects therefore complement each other when exploring the priory: its foundation history and the use of a specific part of the building.
Hilly Landscapes and Nature
Beacon Country Park offers a contrasting landscape. It covers more than 300 acres of hilly countryside on the slopes of Ashurst Beacon, between Upholland, Dalton and Skelmersdale. Unlike the priory, the park is defined by its extent and terrain. Its combination of hilly ground and location on the slopes of Ashurst Beacon sets it apart from the concentrated architecture of the priory.
Abbey Lakes is a refuge for wildlife. Here, the focus is on providing a haven for animals, while the hilly landscape defines Beacon Country Park. This distinguishes two different nature themes without combining them into a single focus on one place.
The Lancashire Monastic Way
The Lancashire Monastic Way offers a different perspective: it starts in Upholland and connects medieval monastic sites in Lancashire and South Cumbria. The priory represents building history at one site; the route, by contrast, links monastic sites across two regions. Anyone interested in medieval monastic history can use it to distinguish between a specific complex of buildings and a regional route. The two perspectives answer different questions: what has survived at one site, and what regional connections does the route create?
Coffee and a Break
Becket's Coffee Shop serves coffee, cakes, sweet treats, and freshly made sandwiches and barm sandwiches. The offerings may change; if you have a particular item in mind for your break, check the current selection in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hoghton, Kirkham, Rishton, St Michael's On Wyre, Garstang, Whitworth, Great Harwood, Whalley
For the main travel overview: Lancashire.
