Once part of an ancient Benedictine monastery, this miniature tower house is open to the public.
The priory was founded at the start of the 12th century and the gatehouse controlled the entrance to its outer courtyard. When the priory was dissolved in 1538 the gatehouse and a nearby stretch of wall were the only parts to survive. The crenellated gatehouse has three storeys, with the main entrance and porters' lodge on the ground floor and two domestic chambers on the upper floors. English Heritage considers the building to be 'the finest medieval gatehouse in Cumbria'. Closed because of flooding at the time of our visit.
Definitely worth a visit for anyone with an interest in historical buildings or architecture. The walk around the area is beautiful and getting to visit the priory is well worth a look. The staircases are well lit and safe for most people as long as you hold the hand rail. The old fireplace area must have been grand in its day. The views from the windows are beautiful. For safety reasons the roof area is not accessible. There are signs with information about the rooms and history about the priory.
Couldn't find a carpark. Had to park in a side road outside somebodys house. The gatehouse was better than expected but took around 1 minute to fully explore. Not worth a journey unless you are trying to complete your English Heritage checklist.
Great place to visit. Beautifully kept gatehouse from the 14th century Run and owned by English heritage, it is free to enter.
Interesting place to visit. Free entry. Narrow Steep Spiral staircase with uneven steps, would be quite challenging for elderly or disabled
Sorry but it didn't do anything for me. Looks good from the outside but if I hadn't gone inside I wouldn't have missed anything. 3 stars because of good photo opportunities helped by the glorious weather. If it had been a horrible day I'd have barely given it 1 star
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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The priory was founded at the start of the 12th century and the gatehouse controlled the entrance to its outer courtyard. When the priory was dissolved in 1538 the gatehouse and a nearby stretch of wall were the only parts to survive. The crenellated gatehouse has three storeys, with the main entrance and porters' lodge on the ground floor and two domestic chambers on the upper floors. English Heritage considers the building to be 'the finest medieval gatehouse in Cumbria'. Closed because of flooding at the time of our visit.
Definitely worth a visit for anyone with an interest in historical buildings or architecture. The walk around the area is beautiful and getting to visit the priory is well worth a look. The staircases are well lit and safe for most people as long as you hold the hand rail. The old fireplace area must have been grand in its day. The views from the windows are beautiful. For safety reasons the roof area is not accessible. There are signs with information about the rooms and history about the priory.
Couldn't find a carpark. Had to park in a side road outside somebodys house. The gatehouse was better than expected but took around 1 minute to fully explore. Not worth a journey unless you are trying to complete your English Heritage checklist.
Great place to visit. Beautifully kept gatehouse from the 14th century Run and owned by English heritage, it is free to enter.
Interesting place to visit. Free entry. Narrow Steep Spiral staircase with uneven steps, would be quite challenging for elderly or disabled
Sorry but it didn't do anything for me. Looks good from the outside but if I hadn't gone inside I wouldn't have missed anything. 3 stars because of good photo opportunities helped by the glorious weather. If it had been a horrible day I'd have barely given it 1 star
