Norton Priory Museum and Gardens is recognised as Europe's most excavated monastic site. Set within 42 acres, highlights include the medieval undercroft, the fourteenth century statue of St. Christopher, two museum galleries, the excavated remains of the Priory and the 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden (open April - October inclusive). Free car parking for visitors to the museum, a gift shop and the Brooke Cafe complete the offer. For opening times and ticket prices, please visit our website. Entry for children and young people (0-16 year olds) is now free (up to 3 free children admitted with each paying adult).
Visited 28th June. The lady on reception was knowledgeable, friendly & helpful. The Abbey remains and museum were great, interesting artifacts & interactive exhibits. We had a walk through the woodland, rang the bell & played the musical instruments felt like we were children again (we're in our 60's/ 70's). The walled garden was amazing, the best I've ever seen, especially the herbs in sections for treating various complaints. When I asked about a particular tree, the lady at reception even asked the head gardener to pop down and have a word about it. Thoroughly enjoyed our time there & the cafe are expecting home made ice cream, we will definitely be back.
The museum is quite interesting, seeking to give historical context to what otherwise might seem like 'just a ruin'. It's fascinating to wander round the remains of the priory, including the undercroft converted into an entrance to the Victorian house which stood on the site of the priory, incorporating some of the original buildings. There is also a lovely stroll through a woodland garden. For me, the highlight of the visit is the walled garden, a short walk away. It's a beautiful garden mate of lots of different 'rooms' with fantastic ranges of flowers and plants. The original conservatory has been converted into a lovely arbour with places to sit and admire the garden. Staff at the museum and garden are fantastically helpful.
Fabulous place, amazing history, lovely cafe and the walled garden is amazing! Only downside is that it's fairly expensive for adults! (4 adults came to PS46) however it obviously goes back into the site so isn't the worst thing ever.
Very good exhibitions displaying artefacts and how life was when the priory was in its full glory. Cafe and gift shop is refreshingly not a victim of 'the cost of living crisis' and food and items for sale remain reasonably priced. The real attraction for us was the gardens where a lovely lady volunteer welcomed us and gave us the history and what to look out for - pity the museum didn't have a similar volunteer although there is audio guides at the press of a button. Good wheelchair access. Highly recommended
Fascinating ancient historical site, excavations of an old abbey, interesting museum, beautiful formal and rewilded gardens, beautiful walks plus a lovely coffee and gift shop at very fair prices. And passionate helpful staff. A real gem to visit
Lovely historical grounds, dog friendly, with great staff, be sure to visit the walled gardens, get an early start, we got there a little late so didn't get the whole place in. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
On-site services
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair rental
Restaurant
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Good for kids
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Visited 28th June. The lady on reception was knowledgeable, friendly & helpful. The Abbey remains and museum were great, interesting artifacts & interactive exhibits. We had a walk through the woodland, rang the bell & played the musical instruments felt like we were children again (we're in our 60's/ 70's). The walled garden was amazing, the best I've ever seen, especially the herbs in sections for treating various complaints. When I asked about a particular tree, the lady at reception even asked the head gardener to pop down and have a word about it. Thoroughly enjoyed our time there & the cafe are expecting home made ice cream, we will definitely be back.
The museum is quite interesting, seeking to give historical context to what otherwise might seem like 'just a ruin'. It's fascinating to wander round the remains of the priory, including the undercroft converted into an entrance to the Victorian house which stood on the site of the priory, incorporating some of the original buildings. There is also a lovely stroll through a woodland garden. For me, the highlight of the visit is the walled garden, a short walk away. It's a beautiful garden mate of lots of different 'rooms' with fantastic ranges of flowers and plants. The original conservatory has been converted into a lovely arbour with places to sit and admire the garden. Staff at the museum and garden are fantastically helpful.
Fabulous place, amazing history, lovely cafe and the walled garden is amazing! Only downside is that it's fairly expensive for adults! (4 adults came to PS46) however it obviously goes back into the site so isn't the worst thing ever.
Very good exhibitions displaying artefacts and how life was when the priory was in its full glory. Cafe and gift shop is refreshingly not a victim of 'the cost of living crisis' and food and items for sale remain reasonably priced. The real attraction for us was the gardens where a lovely lady volunteer welcomed us and gave us the history and what to look out for - pity the museum didn't have a similar volunteer although there is audio guides at the press of a button. Good wheelchair access. Highly recommended
Fascinating ancient historical site, excavations of an old abbey, interesting museum, beautiful formal and rewilded gardens, beautiful walks plus a lovely coffee and gift shop at very fair prices. And passionate helpful staff. A real gem to visit
Lovely historical grounds, dog friendly, with great staff, be sure to visit the walled gardens, get an early start, we got there a little late so didn't get the whole place in. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
