Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House Exterior photoWhalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House Exterior photoWhalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House Exterior photo
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From148US$ /night
Check-in
08May2026Select date
Check-out
09May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Whalley Abbey The Sands, Whalley, United Kingdom, BB7 9SS
-
Close to the Ribble Valley
Great
8.6
/10
5.0
/5

Location

Whalley Abbey is situated in the Ribble Valley, along the banks of the River Calder, surrounded by the remains of a 14th Century Cistercian Abbey. The hotel provides convenient access to local motorway and rail networks, facilitating travel for guests. The historic grounds are ideal for those seeking quiet reflection in natural beauty.

Accommodations

The Retreat House offers 17 en-suite bedrooms which can accommodate up to 29 guests in a mix of twin, double, and single arrangements. A self-catering cottage is available, which includes a double bed and a pull-out sofa bed for extra convenience. All rooms come equipped with essentials including linen and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Spiritual Focus

As part of the Church of England Diocese of Blackburn, the retreat emphasizes prayer, hospitality, and learning. Guests can participate in daily prayer sessions in the Chapel at 8 am, 12:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. The setting serves as a spiritual powerhouse, providing opportunities for guests to deepen their faith and engage in personal reflection.

Wellness Offerings

Whalley Abbey promotes a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating relaxation, mindfulness, and movement workshops. Guests can partake in various activities like yoga and guided meditation, all aimed at recharging the body, mind, and spirit. Creative workshops also provide a space for personal expression through art and reflection.

Dining and Events

The hotel offers a three-course meal served in the atmospheric Great Hall, suitable for large gatherings and special events. Guests have the opportunity to join organized activities that include spiritual teachings and sharing meals. The Great Hall accommodates up to 70 people, making it an excellent venue for various functions.

Highlights

Location: Stunning grounds and ruins of a 14th Century Cistercian Abbey

Rooms: 17 ensuite bedrooms accommodating 29 guests

Wellness: Blend of relaxation, prayer and mindfulness

Dining: Three-course meal served in the atmospheric Great Hall

“This B&B offers something special: a chance to stay within the walls of a historical abbey, now serving as a retreat house. The setting is peaceful, with gardens and abbey ruins creating a unique atmosphere. It's a place for quiet reflection, supported by friendly staff and simple, comfortable accommodations.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Studio Disability Access
2 persons
1 Double bed
Single Room Garden View
2 persons
1 Single bed
Garden view
Shower
One-Bedroom House
2 persons
1 Double bed
Family Room Garden View
2 persons
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Garden view
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Facilities

Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House Location

Whalley Abbey The Sands, Whalley, United Kingdom, BB7 9SS
Map view
Whalley Abbey The Sands, Whalley, United Kingdom, BB7 9SS
Nearby
The Sands
Whalley Abbey
100 ft
Ribble Valley
1200 ft
The Sands
Whalley Abbey Gatehouse
1200 ft
23 Ridding Ln
Whalley Viaduct
1500 ft
Restaurants
Amico Mio
1200 ft
Clitheroe 49 King Street
Forum Bar + Kitchen
1400 ft
41 King Street
The Toby Jug Teashop
1700 ft
20 King Street
The Friary
1500 ft
34 King Street
The Dog Inn
1200 ft
55 King Street Whalley
Romero
1400 ft
37 King Street
Tastebuds
1100 ft
1 George Street
Jack's Of Whalley
1100 ft
59 King Street
Benedicts of Whalley
1100 ft
Restaurant
Explore Whalley
Local Highlights Near Whalley Abbey
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Whalley Abbey
Whalley Abbey
1 minute walking
Historic site featuring tranquil grounds and the remains of a once-thriving monastic community, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Ribble Valley
Ribble Valley
5 minutes walking
Scenic valley offering beautiful landscapes and numerous walking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whalley Viaduct
Whalley Viaduct
6 minutes walking
Stunning Victorian railway viaduct providing great views and a chance for photography enthusiasts to capture its grandeur.
Martholme Viaduct
Martholme Viaduct
10-min drive
An architectural marvel featuring impressive arches, ideal for leisurely walks and exploring the surrounding nature.
Walking in Ribble Valley
5 minutes walking
Enjoy a variety of scenic walking paths suitable for all levels, highlighted by local flora and fauna.
Cycling Tours
10-min drive
Bike rental services available nearby, offering thrilling rides through picturesque countryside trails.
Wellness Retreats
1-minute walking
On-site yoga sessions and guided mindfulness walks promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
Amico Mio
Amico Mio
5 minutes walking
Charming Italian eatery known for its authentic pizzas and homemade pastas; ideal for family dining.
Forum Bar + Kitchen
Forum Bar + Kitchen
5 minutes walking
Modern pub serving hearty British dishes with a contemporary twist and craft beer on tap.
The Toby Jug Teashop
The Toby Jug Teashop
6 minutes walking
Delightful teashop offering local favorites like scones and a variety of teas; perfect for afternoon tea.
The Dog Inn
The Dog Inn
5 minutes walking
Cozy pub with a warm atmosphere, featuring quiz nights and live music events for a lively night out.
Local Theatre
10-min drive
Offers a range of performances from drama to comedy; a great choice for culture lovers.
Getting around
City Centre
Whalley5 min  ·  1400 ft
Airports
Blackpool International (BLK)73 min  ·  30.1 mi
Leeds Bradford (LBA)102 min  ·  42.1 mi
Bus
Bus stop13 min  ·  5.0 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14
Former name
whalley abbey - christian retreat house offering b&b

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the B&B's location, finding it ideal for exploring the area and enjoying the peaceful gardens. The historic building is often described as beautiful, and many appreciate the spacious lounge area for relaxation. While some guests have noted that the rooms can occasionally be small or basic, the breakfast is generally well-received for its good range of choices, and the short walk to eateries in Whalley adds to the convenience.
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Review score
Based on 114 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
93%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Pros
Great location
Abbey ruins
Clean room
Cons
Grubby carpet
Guest reviews
based on 114 reviews
8.6/10
based on 332 reviews
8.6/10
Stella from Italy
Single
Single Room Garden View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 25, 2025
9.3/10

Tranquil stay at Historic Abbey

beautiful groundslovely viewaccomodating staffclean room
The building presented beautiful grounds. I enjoyed a peaceful walk there. My room offered a lovely view, a true bonus to my stay. Staff were very accomodating. They prepared a breakfast earlier than the set hours. I found a clean room both simple and comfortable.
The room seemed very small. This impacted the overall experience slightly.
Location
9/10
The hotel is located in a charming village. It boasts nearby wine bars plus coffee shops. The abbey is situated on beautiful grounds. The gardens are a nice place to take a walk. I enjoyed my time there.
Facilities
10/10
The building provides a historic space perfect for peaceful reflection. A Christian retreat centre is available. Guests may participate in morning prayer daily. Eucharist is available on Fridays. I was fortunate to experience this service.
Rooms
8/10
My ensuite room was light plus very clean. Tea and coffee making facilities are available. This added to the convenience. A secure key opening lock secured my room. It offered a secure entry.
Service
10/10
The staff was helpful. Anna facilitated my arrival outside of standard hours. The staff is lovely, friendly, and very helpful. I would certainly come back again. The team.
0 Helpful
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nicholas from united kingdom
Single
single room garden view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 10, 2025
6/10
cramped roomovercooked eggs
The room felt more like a storage closet than a place of rest. It was cramped! i found myself wishing i had packed lighter! the breakfast left much to be desired. The eggs were overcooked and tasted suspiciously like they had been sitting out for hours? i've had better breakfasts at roadside diners.
0 Helpful
Rowan from Ireland
Single
Single Room Garden View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 08, 2025
9.0/10

a special place!

varied buffethelpful staffsingle roomensuite shower
I was thrilled with my accommodation. the breakfast each morning was very good. The buffet had so many choices. all the staff i met were really nice and helpful. i found the single room perfectly adequate with its ensuite shower and toilet.
my only very minor issue was that it initially was difficult to find where to park the car.
Location
9/10
the retreat house is excellently positioned for exploring local gardens. i especially enjoyed the calm gardens surrounding the venue. the abbey ruins offer a picturesque backdrop near the river.
Rooms
8/10
my room provided tea and coffee making facilities. the courtyard view from the lounge was a nice feature. wi-fi was available and reliable throughout the building. the rooms are clean.
Facilities
9/10
the lounge offers a relaxing space with views of the courtyard. an honesty bar is available near the reception area. a separate café operates in the courtyard. breakfast is served in a refectory.
Service
10/10
anna was helpful and arranged for my out-of-hours arrival. the team were friendly and willing to assist with requests. their understanding was fantastic!!!
0 Helpful
|
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Roy from Australia
Single
Single Room Garden View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
9/10

Peaceful Stay in Historic Setting

beautiful gardenhistoric buildinghelpful check-in
The location was excellent for exploring nearby areas. The building has beautiful gardens, perfect for a walk. My room was clean and straightforward, and I liked the historical aspect of the site. I appreciated the helpfulness at check-in (especially when I needed to change my reservation).
My room had a sloping floor.
Rooms
9/10
The Single Room Garden View featured ample tea and coffee facilities. I liked that there was no TV in the room. Instead, a beautiful lounge area had a massive window. I found it a perfect place for contemplation.
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About Whalley Abbey - B&B And Retreat House
Are the bathrooms in the rooms equipped with shower cubicles?
12 November 2024
Sixteen rooms feature ensuite showers, while the separate bathroom for the ground floor twin room has a bath and shower over the bath.
Is it possible to book a vegan breakfast during my stay?
25 February 2025
A vegan breakfast option is available for guests.
Can dogs be accommodated during my visit?
7 March 2025
Regrettably, dogs are not permitted on the premises.
Are there any televisions in the guest rooms?
30 April 2025
Rooms do not have televisions; however, complimentary WiFi is provided.
What are the accessibility options for guests with mobility challenges?
19 May 2025
An accessible suite is available, featuring a wheelchair-friendly shower and an adjoining lounge area.
Are there options for early check-in to accommodate wedding schedules?
2 June 2025
Check-in occurs from 16:00 to 20:00, but arrangements for key collection at an earlier time can be made.
What can guests expect for breakfast during their stay?
10 July 2024
Breakfast includes a cooked buffet, cereals, toast, fruit, tea, coffee, and orange juice.
How far is the nearest train station from the Abbey?
15 August 2025
Whalley train station is a brief four-minute walk away, providing access to local transport links.
Is parking available for motorcycles on the property?
22 September 2024
There's a car park in the cobbled courtyard where motorcycles can be safely parked.
What are the checkout procedures for guests?
14 October 2024
Checkout is typically set for 10:00, but flexible arrangements can be made for special occasions.

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