Roche Abbey is a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1147, and set in an enchanting valley landscaped by Capability Brown. Excavation has revealed the complete layout of the abbey. Although many of the buildings now survive only as low standing walls, the transepts of the church remain almost to their full height and are a magnificent example of the French-influenced early Gothic architecture. Roche Abbey is almost as inaccessible today as it might have been over 800 years ago but fortunately there is a small parking area nearby.