Father Ignatius

A Victorian monk with a taste for drama and a gift for reinvention - that's Father Ignatius in a nutshell. This historic site near Hereford marks the story of a man who founded his own monastic community in the 1870s, at a time when such things were decidedly unfashionable in England. What you're looking at is the physical legacy of his religious experiment: buildings and grounds that speak to his vision of reviving monastic life in the English countryside.

The site itself is relatively modest compared to grand ecclesiastical ruins elsewhere, but that's rather the point. Father Ignatius was a working monk, not a tourist attraction designer, and the simplicity of what remains is oddly moving because of it. History types will find plenty to chew over - the man was controversial, ambitious, and absolutely committed to his cause. Families might find it a bit quiet and contemplative for young children, though older kids interested in religious history will get something from it.

It's a decent addition to a walking holiday based at one of the nearby campsites - Olchon Valley Campsite or Chapel House Farm Campsite both put you within easy reach. The Hereford area has enough to keep you occupied for a long weekend, and this sits well alongside the region's other historical attractions. Check ahead for opening arrangements with Hereford tourist information, as formal visiting hours aren't always obvious. Allow a couple of hours if you're properly interested; less if you're just passing through.