Alton may be approached from the M3, A31 and A339.

From the A339, take the exit for Beech onto Medstead Rd and follow the long hill for 2 miles. Do not turn into Wellhouse Rd at the “Church” sign; it refers to St Peter’s, the local parish church, which is nowhere near the Abbey! Likewise, do not be distracted by the grand, gated entrance of “Priory House”; it is a private residence, unassociated with the Abbey.

As you finally crest the hill you will exit the tree-line and the first thing you will see is a pair of 40mph speed signs and a large green sign for “Jardinique” garden centre on the left-hand-side of the road. Directly opposite the latter is the Gatehouse for the Abbey. You will see a large red-and-white sign for the Abbey once you are nearer the off turn. There is ample parking space at the end of the short driveway.

Sometimes, for large events, we use an adjacent field or Jardinique’s driveway for parking. Please watch out carefully for white signs on the road telling you whether to turn into the Abbey or into Jardinique, opposite. There is usually someone at the gate to help direct traffic so please follow any further instructions he gives you!

We allow only disabled, blue-badge holders to park in the Abbey at large events so please wave them out of your window at the gate attendant and he’ll let you in. Square pieces of plain blue card do not count, so don’t try that again! If you are not a blue-badge holder but have significant mobility problems, please let the attendant know and he’ll let you in too.