St Cecilia's Abbey is home to community of Benedictine nuns dedicated to the service of God and the Church, living a traditional monastic life of prayer, work and study. At the heart of their life is the praise of God and intercession for all mankind, expressed in the solemn celebration of the liturgy. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass and the various services of the Divine Office, which are sung in Latin, in Gregorian Chant. The abbey church is open all day for private prayer. The abbey also has a small shop selling religious books, CDs of the Chant, statues, rosaries and other religious goods.

The Abbey is situated on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight. The Island lies just 4-7km off the central south coast of England, about 120km south-west from London. To travel by car from London take the A3 all the way to Portsmouth. Those coming from the West can travel to the ports of Southampton for Red Funnel ferries (tel: 0870 444 8898) or from Lymington WightLink (tel: 08705 827744).

To find the best route, have a look at the RAC Route Planner.

The Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne WightLink car ferry service runs regularly throughout the year. At Fishbourne turn right out of the terminal, follow the road for just under 1km up to the traffic lights, turn left towards Ryde (A3054). The abbey is about 3km from the ferry on the other side of Ryde (see the Parish map of the route.)

There are regular Hovertravel services from Clarence Pier Southsea (tel: 02392 811000) and WightLink Fast-Cat ferries (tel: 08705 827744) from Portsmouth Harbour train station that cross over to Ryde Pier Head throughout the year.

There is an Island Line train down the pier to Ryde Esplanade and the Southern Vectis bus station.

St. Cecilia's is approximately 1km East of Ryde, just off East Hill Road (A3055). The abbey can easily be reached by foot from Ryde Esplanade railway and bus station or the Hovercraft terminal. Walk along the Esplanade with the sea on your left until you reach the boating lake. Keeping the boating lake on your left you will see a black and white timber framed building with a thatched roof next to a small roundabout. Pass this thatched building, again on your left side, and walk up Appley Rise. The Abbey is about half way up on the left.

You can take either the 8, or 12 Southern Vectis bus services to close-by the Abbey which run every 30 minutes throughout the day. There is also a taxi rank operating from the Esplanade and mini-cabs can be arranged (Telephone Como's 01983 566566 or Lil's 01983 562130).

To contact the Abbey by telephone 01983 562602, fax 01983 562602, email or write to: Quarr Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4ES. Visit St. Cecilia's Abbey's own web site