St Catherines Chapel, Abbotsbury Heritage

The medieval chapel of St Catherine dominates the picturesque village of Abbotsbury from its perch on a hill high above the village. A climb to the chapel gives superb views out over The Fleet and Chesil Bank to Lyme Bay.

Sitting high on the hills above Abbotsbury St Catherines Chapel is a sight to behold from many locations. Imagine the views if you make that climb over the Chesil towards Portland and in the other direction to Lyme Bay.

The massive roof of St Catherine's Chapel is even built with the same stone as the main building, hauled up to the hilltop on which it is perched. It is probably a Pilgrim chapel. In addition to the chapel is a tiny oratory in the turret.

Built by Monks the interior of the Chapel is bare. Its dedication to St Catherine has caused many women to travel there and pray for a husband!!!! The chapel survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries that destroyed the abbey, because it was so valued as a navigational beacon to sailors who used Lyme Bay.

Opening Times

Any reasonable day you want to make the climb.

Directions

Abbotsbury is 9 miles west of Weymouth on the B3157. The chapel can be reached from the western end of the High Street via Rope Walk (signposted).

Additional Information

The climb from the village takes 10 minutes or so (depending on how many stops you take to enjoy the view!) The slope is not terribly steep, and once you've reached the top, a very short level walk to the seaward side of the hill gives stunning views out over Lyme Bay, with Abbotsbury Swannery, The Fleet, and Chesil Bank in the foreground.

Pictures with thanks to http://www.weymouth-pictures.co.uk and ©Mark Godden

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