THE team at Cleeve Abbey, in Washford near Minehead, is pleased to announce the opening of a second-hand bookshop at the historic English Heritage site.

Members of the public can pick up a new book to read from as little as 50p, but they’re also encouraged to donate unwanted titles to help the charity continue its work in caring for the site.

The bookshop is located in the Abbey buildings. Visitors are also invited to participate in a ‘Blind date with a book’ by selecting a mystery book from the bookshelves, wrapped up and signed off with a clue as it its contents.

Teresa Pratt, Cleeve Abbey manager, said: “This is a wonderful addition to our offering at Cleeve Abbey and one that our sustainability-minded and book-loving visitors will hopefully appreciate. On your next visit, why not pick up a book to enjoy with a picnic in our beautiful grounds?”

Cleeve Abbey is a jewel in Somerset’s historical landscape, housing some of the finest cloister buildings in England. Founded more than 800 years ago, it housed a community of Cistercian monks until it was suppressed by Henry VIII’s during the Reformation.

While the church was destroyed, the cloister buildings ­­­remain today. Some of Cleeve Abbey’s most remarkable features include the surviving decoration on the walls and floors, including the beautiful, tiled 13th century refectory floor with heraldic, geometrical and foliage designs and the ornately carved oak angels and roof bosses of the later 15th century refectory

The abbey is open daily between 10am – 5pm and its history is explored in two exhibitions spaces. Ticket prices for adults start from £7.50 and English Heritage members get free admission. Washford West Somerset Steam Railway Station is a ten-minute walk away or there is free car parking available. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.