First consecrated in the presence of William the Conquerer, the ruins of this once-great abbey are in a sorry state. A jumble of discarded masonry has been pushed aside in the aisles, below graceful tiers of arches, galleres and windows framing trees and sky. From the ambulatory, there is a territic view back through the soaring arch which once supported the lantern to the imposing 140-foot twin towers flanking the facade.

In all honesty, if the car park is crammed with coaches, think twice about visiting.