Wroxall brings together several periods of cultural history: the priory dates back to a foundation around 1141, while the present-day manor house, Wroxall Abbey, was built in the 19th century. Other points of interest include the surviving priory remains, St Leonard's Church, which is used as a place of worship, the Wren Garden and themed entertainment at Wroxall Park. You can therefore choose between monastic history, architecture, gardens and events when planning your trip.

The manor house and its history

The present-day manor house, Wroxall Abbey, was designed for James Dugdale and built in 1866–1868. The architect, Walter Scott, was from Liverpool. These details provide a clear historical and biographical context for the house: its story centres on a specific client, a named architect and a 19th-century building phase. If you are particularly interested in architectural history, this offers a counterpoint to the priory’s medieval history.

The medieval priory

St Leonard's Priory was founded around 1141 as a Benedictine nunnery and is designated a Scheduled Monument. The surviving remains include the ruins of two convent buildings and parts of the priory church dating from the early 14th century. The foundation date and the date of the surviving church sections therefore represent different phases in the priory’s history. The ruins and architectural features provide tangible points of reference for the priory’s long history.

The church and garden history

St Leonard's Church is a Grade I listed building and is used for worship. It includes the north aisle and the Lady Chapel of the former priory church. The church can therefore be understood both in terms of its use for worship and its architectural connection to the former priory church. If you would like to attend a service, check the specific times in advance.

The Wren Garden is the surviving northern section of the garden. Brick walls dating from the early 18th century enclose it to the east and north. The garden thus shifts the focus from the buildings and monastic history to another part of the historic heritage: the surviving garden area and its walls. The Wren Garden’s brick walls date from a later period than the surviving parts of the priory church.

Events and planning

Wroxall Park offers family-oriented themed shows and activities. If a particular event is the reason for your trip, check its dates in advance. If you are travelling for an event, the date is an important part of your planning; for a cultural stay, the focus could instead be monastic history, architectural history or the garden.

As of August 2026, the Wroxall Abbey Hotel was closed; check before travelling to see whether this status still applies.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Kenilworth, Marton, Halford, Little Packington, Ettington, Long Itchington, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick.

For the broader travel overview: Warwickshire.