Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse — A Surviving Monastic Entrance

A Striking Gatehouse from a Lost Abbey

In the village of Kingswood, the Abbey Gatehouse is the only visible remnant of a once-large Cistercian monastery.
Built in the early 16th century, it stands at the entrance to the former precinct.
Today, its carved stonework and tall arch serve as a reminder of the abbey that once filled the surrounding fields.

It’s a small but impressive monastic survival.

A Cistercian Abbey with Royal Ties

Kingswood Abbey was founded in 1139 by William of Berkeley.
The community belonged to the Cistercian order, known for strict discipline and rural settings.
However, like many monasteries, it was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1538.

Only the gatehouse survived the demolition.
Its construction dates to the final decades of the abbey’s life.
Therefore, the building reflects late-medieval monastic architecture at a moment of change.

Exploring Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse
1. The Tall Central Archway

The gatehouse’s large pointed arch once served as the main entrance.
Visitors and carts passed through this gateway into the abbey precinct.
In addition, the arch’s mouldings and stone details remain sharply defined.

2. Carved Windows and Upper Rooms

The upper floor once contained rooms for gatekeepers or officials.
Although the interior is not accessible, the exterior windows show fine craftsmanship.
Moreover, the building’s height gives a strong sense of authority.

3. Setting Within the Village

The gatehouse stands beside modern houses and quiet lanes.
This contrast highlights the scale of the abbey that once surrounded it.
Furthermore, boundary lines in nearby fields mark traces of the original precinct.

(Learn more at the English Heritage page for Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse.)

Walks and Nearby Sites

Kingswood sits near several historic Gloucestershire locations.
Popular combinations include:

Berkeley Castle — Historic fortress with gardens

Newark Park — Country house with valley views

Wotton-under-Edge — Market town with heritage trails

The Cotswold Way — National walking route nearby

For more monastic sites, see our guide to Hailes Abbey

Visiting Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse
How to Get There

Location: Kingswood, Gloucestershire

Parking: Limited street parking in the village

Train: Nearest mainline at Cam & Dursley

Bus: Local services to Kingswood and Wotton-under-Edge

Opening Hours & Admission

Exterior view only

Free access

Facilities

No on-site facilities

Shops and cafés in Wotton-under-Edge

Nearby Attractions

Berkeley Castle — Medieval stronghold

Newark Park — Tudor and Georgian house

Tyndale Monument — Hilltop viewpoint

Hailes Abbey — Cistercian ruins with museum

These form part of the Gloucestershire Abbeys & Castles Trail.

Why Visit Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse?

The Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse experience offers:

A rare surviving monastic entrance

Fine late-medieval stonework

Free, easy access

A peaceful village setting

Whether you enjoy monastic history, small heritage sites, or short stops on a wider route, Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse is a worthwhile visit.
It’s not just a gateway — it’s a final reminder of a vanished Cistercian abbey.