About
Missenden Abbey is a dedicated conference, wedding and events venue offering you a first class experience.
Whether you are looking for a training venue, meeting space or strategy away day, Missenden Abbey’s learning environment, sumptuous cuisine and dedicated team ensure that all of your requirements are thought of, allowing you and your colleagues to get the most out of your stay.
This 12th Century abbey also makes for the perfect wedding and party venue, with vaulted ceilings and dramatic landscape, catering for large events to intimate family gatherings……
Missenden Abbey is a dedicated conference, wedding and events venue offering you a first class experience.
Whether you a looking for a training venue, meeting space or strategy away day, Missenden Abbey’s learning environment, sumptuous cuisine and dedicated team ensure that all of your requirements are thought of, allowing you and your colleagues to get the most out of your stay.
This 12th Century abbey also makes for the perfect wedding and party venue, with vaulted ceilings and dramatic landscape, catering for large events to intimate family gatherings.
During your stay you should also sample our award winning chocolate brownie, as featured in our 2013 Cookbook.
History Of The Abbey
Missenden Abbey has a history of over 800 years. It was founded in 1133 by a group of Augustinian Cannons from Arrouaise in Northern France. It was particularly favoured by Henry III who accepted the Abbot’s hospitality on a number of occasions. At the dissolution of the monastery the land was forfeited to the crown and was left by Henry VIII to his daughter, the Princess Elizabeth. Soon, after her accession to the throne Elizabeth granted the Abbey to her favourite, Robert, Earl of Leciester, and he in turn in 1574 to the Sir William Fleetwood, Recorder of London and Member of Parliament for the City.
The Fleetwoods retained the Abbey as a manor house until the mid-18th century when the male line died out. It was then purchased by a rich ironmonger from Holburn, James Oldham, who largely pulled down the old Abbey building which had already been much altered by the Fleetwoods. In 1806 it was purchased by John Ayton, who again largely rebuilt the Abbey and left the Neo-Gothic structure as it is today.
In 1815 the Abbey was puchased by a family of West Indian Planters, the Carringtons, who settled down in Buckinghamshire and devoted themselves to managing their extensive farms in Missenden and other villages in the County.
It remained with the Carringtons until 1946 when the family sold the house to the Buckinghamshire County Council for use as an Adult Learning College.
Following a major fire in 1985, the entire interior was gutted and faithfully restored to its earlier splendour:vaulted rooms, the ceremonial staircase, stained glass and ornate plasterwork, all were recreated with the aim of following the architectural traditions of the original building.
The restoration was completed in 1988, when the new building was officially reopened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Missenden Abbey has been owned by Buckinghamshire New University since the 1990’s.
Local Area
Missenden Walled Garden
The Missenden Walled Garden Charity which is based within the grounds of Missenden Abbey provide day support for people with disabilities or mental health issues. Come and see how they grow vegetables, fruit and herbs, which we are lucky enough to be able to source and use this freshly grown produce in the Missenden Abbey kitchens and incorporate them into our menus. And when you visit you will also have the opportunity to purchase their plants and other produce, such as: pressed apple juice, honey and seasonal floristry items.
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Within walking distance of the abbey, you will find this great little award-winning Museum situated in the village of Great Missenden.
“Our founding objective as a charity is to further the education of the public in the art of literature and creativity, by running a museum and literature centre based on the works of Roald Dahl. We think that making stories is part of what makes us human, and everyone is a story maker. We use our collection and location – Roald Dahl’s archive, in the village where he found inspiration in the everyday – to help our visitors unlock the stories we all have inside.”
Kew Little Pigs
A multi award-winning miniature pig farm with a variety of unique experiences for visitors to Access petting pens to pet & play with friendly pigs.
“We have a large selection of micro pigs of all ages and sizes, as well as goats, chickens, cockerels, ducks, guinea fowl and guinea pigs! Micro pigs can grow to around knee height, but sizes may vary. We have been breeding our pigs for over 10 years and have significantly reduced the size of our pigs through selective breeding.”
The National Trust
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, is an independent charity and membership organisation for environmental and heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Click below for great days out with the National Trust.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
A visitor attraction for all ages is only a 30 minute drive from Missenden Abbey, so a great day out for all the family when you can delve into the magical, mystical world of Harry Potter. Stunning costumes, breathtakingly detailed sets and intricate props are just some of the exciting things to see.