Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
If you happen to be in Gloucester when you're enjoying your large group holidays in the UK, take a break from the busy city centre shops with a pre-booked tour of Blackfriars Priory. Mainly used as a wedding venue these days, this Dominican monastery, dates back to 1239 and is the most complete surviving example of its kind in Britain. Take your time to explore the beautiful hallowed buildings; you'll see a rare scissor braced timber roof and the Scriptorium, the oldest and most well preserved medieval library in the UK. Just feel the immense sense of history, stretching back all those years, covering over 900 years, imagine what it was like when it was inhabited by monks and how they lived here. For a moment of pure mindfulness sit quietly in the tranquil courtyard garden.
Guided tours should be booked online for groups of 10+ visitors at least 6 weeks in advance; packages can be arranged to include afternoon tea.
Open: March-September, Sun and Mon 10-4.
All information correct at the time of writing