Leighton Abbey

Leighton Abbey 

Houses at Leighton Abbey 

The wind gained strength in the night and blustered over us. The van moved occasionally but we slept snugly.

The Chapel

Part of the main Chancel

Abbey cottages

Chapel half hidden behind Abbey walls

Lottie leads the way

“I’m not taking the van out in this,” Van-Man muttered as the van rocked in the wind. He set about cooking breakfast as a staying in treat. I enjoyed the bacon and eggs even though I had to wash up afterwards. On the way back from the wash up facilities I stopped to chat to a van owner that was preparing to move off.

“We’ll be all right,” she said stoically. “Its worse back home in Yorkshire.” Brave people, I’d hate to be wafted around by the wind and passing Lorries.

We had lovely hot showers and relaxed reading until lunch. Lottie was happy to lie inside after using the dog exercise area.

After eating the wind dropped and the sun appeared.

Brick was used due to lack of local stone 

imposing window arch

“We need milk,” Van-Man said. “Let’s walk to the village.”

We found a footpath and followed it after checking the map hoping for a circular walk to the shop at the far end of the village. It led round onto the edge of the heath land and then down a lane to the main road.

“Which way’s the shop?” Van-Man wondered.

“That way,” I said as two children licking ice creams came around the corner.

We got back to the van as a heavy shower started after a lovely walk.

However the weather soon cleared and the wind abated so Van-Man took the van out after all. He decided to visit the Abbey remains in Leighton.

The remains were extensive, much of it in good condition. There were cottages that could be hired for a visit. Nearby the Chapel (one of two side chapel) had been re-roofed so that it could be used for special services. It stayed sunny throughout our visit. Part of the Abbey featured brick work. This unusual feature was explained as necessary due to the lack of local stone in the area. The checkerboard walls of the later built Priors house showed that the monks were wealthy landowners with status.

Lottie enjoyed sniffing around even though she had to remain on the lead. At one point when Van-Man was taking photos Lottie lay down and sunned herself. 


Thankfully the wind remained moderate for the drive back to the camp site.

checkerboard walls

imposing ruin

Once back she lay outside our van. She came in for her dinner but went back outside until it became chilly.