Shap Abbey
Penrith, Cumbria
A full height 15th century tower alone in a secluded Lowther valley, free, with quiet open Cumbrian grass for your dog and a better stop than the M6 services.
Shap was the last abbey founded in England and one of the most remote, and it still feels that way. Established in the late 12th century in a secluded valley of the River Lowther, it belonged to the Premonstratensian order of white canons. What survives above everything else is the impressive 15th century west tower, standing to full height in the middle of an empty valley, with the lower remains of the church and cloister spread around it.
Whilst you read the plan off the information panels, your dog gets quiet, open Cumbrian valley: grass, the river alongside, fells rising on either side, and very few other visitors even in summer. It makes a good stop off the M6 and a much better one than the motorway services.
Free and open any reasonable time during daylight hours, with a £2 parking charge for non-members. There are no posted dog rules here. The surrounding land is grazed sheep country, so keep your dog on a lead, close gates and be aware of the river. There are no facilities at the abbey.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Abbey & Church
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shap Abbey dog friendly?
There are no posted dog rules at Shap Abbey, so dogs are welcome to explore alongside you. It's a genuinely lovely spot for them too — a quiet, open Cumbrian valley with grass to roam, the River Lowther running alongside, and fells rising on either side, often with very few other visitors even in summer.
Are dogs allowed at Shap Abbey year round?
Yes — Shap Abbey is free and open any reasonable time during daylight hours throughout the year. It makes a particularly peaceful visit outside of peak season, though even in summer it tends to stay quietly uncrowded.
What should I know before visiting Shap Abbey with my dog?
The surrounding land is grazed sheep country, so keep your dog on a lead and make sure to close any gates as you go. The River Lowther runs alongside the site, so it's worth keeping an eye on dogs near the water. There are no facilities at the abbey itself, so come prepared with water and anything else you need.
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