Mount Grace Priory, Saddlebridge (North York Moors)

This 13th century monastic ruin is one of the best preserved priories of the reclusive Carthusian order in Britain.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Picnic area

Introduction

This 13th century monastic ruin is one of the best preserved priories of the reclusive Carthusian order in Britain. Set amid woodland, it’s a haven for wildlife and home to the famous 'Priory Stoats'.

There is a children's story box, and special children's trails during school holidays.

History to the present day

Set below the escarpment of the North York Moors and the Cleveland Way National Trail, Mount Grace is a monastic ruin of an unusual kind.

It is the best-preserved of the ten British 'charterhouses', whose Carthusian monks lived as hermits in cottage-like cells. A reconstructed and furnished monk's cell and a recently revamped herb plot offer aglimpse into the lives of the medieval residents.

An award-winning exhibition on the first floor of the Priory Guesthouse gives an introduction to the history of the site.

Other facilities

Toilets: Not adapted.

Shop: Via 2 steps.

Refreshments: Snacks available. Picnics in grounds.

Access to priory and grounds: Via main gate (apply at shop).

Access to priory ruins on smooth grass; slight slope to cloister and cell (one step). Only the cell's ground floor and monastic herb garden to rear (one step) are accessible without going through narrow doors.

Exhibition: Exhibition is on upper floor of manor house reached via 3 flights of stairs.

Parking: 40m from entrance via sloping tarmac drive. Disabled visitors may be set down nearer the entrance on request.

Visually Impaired Visitors: Wildflowers, bird song and animal sounds.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Mount Grace Priory, North York Moors, , United Kingdom

Road Access: 12 miles N of Thirsk; 6 miles NE of Northallerton, on A19.

Train Access: Northallerton 6 miles.

Bus Access: Arriva North East 80, 89 from Northallerton - Stokesley, alightPriory Road End, then 1⁄2 mile.

Opening Times:

April to March

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed.

Price:

Adult: £4.50

Children: £2.30

Concession: £3.80

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.