Furness Abbey

The impressive remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings. Originally of the Savigniac order, it passed to the Cistercians in 1147 and despite damage by Scottish raiders became, after Fountains Abbey, the second most prosperous Cistercian abbey in all England. Set in the 'vale of nightshade', the romantic ruins were celebrated by Wordsworth in his Prelude of 1805.
An exhibition on the history of the abbey, with a quality display of elaborately carved stones can be seen in the visitor centre.
A special audio tour is included in the admission price.