Overlooking the Long Man of Wilmington: Wilmington Priory
Wilmington Priory, The Street, Wilmington, East Sussex, BN26 5SW
Wilmington Priory began as an outpost of the Benedictine Abbey at Grestain in Normandy. Never a conventional priory with cloister and chapter, the monks prayed in the adjoining parish church where the thousand-year-old yews are testimony to the age of the site. The Priory has been added to and altered in every age and much of it is now a romantic ruin, but part of it became a farmhouse. This is a rare chance to stroll the ruins and see inside the Landmark Trust's restoration of the farmhouse, now usually let for holidays.
Free admission, information on the building's history and children's activity sheets will be available. Well behaved dogs are welcome at this open day.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds or combine it with a walk to the Wilmington Long Man on the South Downs above.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 10am-4pm
- Sunday 08 September:
- 10am-4pm
Location & directions
Wilmington Priory, The Street, Wilmington, East Sussex, BN26 5SW
- Directions:
- If coming by car, having left the A27, you pass The Long Man Inn pub almost immediately on your right, and then carry on into Wilmington village. Drive on through the village for a quarter of a mile until you reach the church on your right. This is not very obvious as it is above you behind a bank and a high hedge. The pavement outside the church is bordered by railings. Wilmington Priory is just beyond the end of these railings on your right. The pedestrian entrance is via a green gate marked ‘private' and is accessed from steps up the bank. Look out for signage to the Long Man car park on the right.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Pre-booking preferred via Landmark Trust website, but walk in's on the day are welcome.
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/upcoming-events/wilmington-priory-open-day-24/
- Booking opens:
- 01 Jun 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 08 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
At this property, you are able to drive down and drop any guests with limited mobility at the main house and then return your car to the allocated car park. It is still a little distance to walk to the house from this point. Please ask a member of staff on site if you need to do this.
