This picturesque island boasts the country's largest medieval water-filled moat and offers a great day out for the family Explore 800 years of history at Michelham Priory, from its foundation by Augustinian canons and later dissolution by King Henry VIII. This Grade I listed building became a country house in the 1930s and was home to evacuees and Canadian troops during WWII.
What a gem of a place! Very quiet, wonderful gardens, beautiful priory with lots of history. Jill the house guide was really informative. Kids will love it as well. There's a family of ducks who will join you when you sit outside the cafe. Well worth a visit.
Lovely, peaceful day out. Great place to relax. Wish they removed some of the reeds in the water ways. Shame the water mill is not a feature. I remember helping the restoration many years ago.
This is a beautiful place with so much history. There are dressing up clothes and explorer maps for children. Lots of places to sit indoors and out, which I was very grateful for. There's quite a few stairs if you want to fully explore but there are things on the ground floor and the grounds are very accessible. I couldn't take them all in because my mobility is poor but they're beautifully laid out with lots of ancient trees as well as flowers and shrubs. The Physic Garden is wonderful and there are often plants for sale. They often have activities for children in school holidays and I've been to a medieval fair and a barn dance, quite a while ago and not at the same time. My eldest nephew was married there and it's a very romantic setting for weddings. Not all couples leave by helicopter though, as my nephew and his bride did. A big surprise for them both. There's an ancient moat which had very new ducklings when we visited. Carefully watched by their parents. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Although I think the gentleman in the cafe was a bit worn out by the time we got there. It's not the cheapest place to visit but it's very well maintained and Sussex Past members get free entry there and to their other properties, which is well worth the cost. The cafe was a bit disappointing as although it's very pleasant it was a bit expensive and the piece of cake I bought could have doubled as a weapon. The great grandchildren had ice cream, which they enjoyed but at PS3 or possibly PS3.50 a scoop, I can't remember which, it was a bit steep. My cake was PS3.50 too. A thin slice of banana bread was around that as well. My daughter had eaten there before and said it was much better value then. Having said that, we'd go again but eat and drink elsewhere.
Had not visited for many years. A good way to spend a couple of hours. Well kept gardens and lots to see in the priory, especially from the mid 20th Century. Great options for snacks in the tea rooms with lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
One of the best historical buildings , stunning beautiful gardens with an amazing selection of plants and flowers . Good little cafe and clean toilets.This one needs to be on your list of places to visit.
Lovely house and gardens with lots of historical furniture and exhibits including the story of wartime evacuees. Also a large, modern restaurant where you can get good simple food
On-site services
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair rental
Restaurant
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Good for kids
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What a gem of a place! Very quiet, wonderful gardens, beautiful priory with lots of history. Jill the house guide was really informative. Kids will love it as well. There's a family of ducks who will join you when you sit outside the cafe. Well worth a visit.
Lovely, peaceful day out. Great place to relax. Wish they removed some of the reeds in the water ways. Shame the water mill is not a feature. I remember helping the restoration many years ago.
This is a beautiful place with so much history. There are dressing up clothes and explorer maps for children. Lots of places to sit indoors and out, which I was very grateful for. There's quite a few stairs if you want to fully explore but there are things on the ground floor and the grounds are very accessible. I couldn't take them all in because my mobility is poor but they're beautifully laid out with lots of ancient trees as well as flowers and shrubs. The Physic Garden is wonderful and there are often plants for sale. They often have activities for children in school holidays and I've been to a medieval fair and a barn dance, quite a while ago and not at the same time. My eldest nephew was married there and it's a very romantic setting for weddings. Not all couples leave by helicopter though, as my nephew and his bride did. A big surprise for them both. There's an ancient moat which had very new ducklings when we visited. Carefully watched by their parents. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Although I think the gentleman in the cafe was a bit worn out by the time we got there. It's not the cheapest place to visit but it's very well maintained and Sussex Past members get free entry there and to their other properties, which is well worth the cost. The cafe was a bit disappointing as although it's very pleasant it was a bit expensive and the piece of cake I bought could have doubled as a weapon. The great grandchildren had ice cream, which they enjoyed but at PS3 or possibly PS3.50 a scoop, I can't remember which, it was a bit steep. My cake was PS3.50 too. A thin slice of banana bread was around that as well. My daughter had eaten there before and said it was much better value then. Having said that, we'd go again but eat and drink elsewhere.
Had not visited for many years. A good way to spend a couple of hours. Well kept gardens and lots to see in the priory, especially from the mid 20th Century. Great options for snacks in the tea rooms with lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
One of the best historical buildings , stunning beautiful gardens with an amazing selection of plants and flowers . Good little cafe and clean toilets.This one needs to be on your list of places to visit.
Lovely house and gardens with lots of historical furniture and exhibits including the story of wartime evacuees. Also a large, modern restaurant where you can get good simple food
