Binham Priory Norfolk
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 1091 Benedictine monastery, featuring a functioning church and a charming cafe with a unique cheese vending machine...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Binham Priory Norfolk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 1091 Benedictine monastery, featuring a functioning church and a charming cafe with a unique cheese vending machine.
"A truly fascinating place to visit at any time of the year, with a special spiritual presence."
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious coffee, pancakes, and meals at The Parlour next door. They even have a toilet with a view of the cows! :coffee:
🧀 Unique Cheese Vending
Don't miss the award-winning local cheeses available 24/7 from the vending machine at The Little Dairy Shop. :cheese_wedge:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magnificent West Front
Binham Priory
Admire the 13th-century Early English architecture of the largely intact west front, a stunning example of bar tracery.
The Parish Church Nave
Binham Priory
Explore the Romanesque nave, which still serves as the active parish church, offering a blend of history and spirituality.
The Little Dairy Shop
Adjacent to Binham Priory
Discover local cheeses, jams, and raw milk from a unique vending machine – a true hidden gem for foodies.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Beyond the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious coffee, pancakes, and meals at The Parlour next door. They even have a toilet with a view of the cows! :coffee:
🧀 Unique Cheese Vending
Don't miss the award-winning local cheeses available 24/7 from the vending machine at The Little Dairy Shop. :cheese_wedge:
🚶♀️ Free Entry & Parking
Binham Priory is free to visit, with donation boxes available. Parking is also free on-site. :car:
👻 Haunted Legends
Explore tales of the Black Monk and underground tunnels; the Norfolk coast is rich with spooky local legends. :ghost:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious coffee, pancakes, and meals at The Parlour next door. They even have a toilet with a view of the cows! :coffee:
🧀 Unique Cheese Vending
Don't miss the award-winning local cheeses available 24/7 from the vending machine at The Little Dairy Shop. :cheese_wedge:
🚶♀️ Free Entry & Parking
Binham Priory is free to visit, with donation boxes available. Parking is also free on-site. :car:
👻 Haunted Legends
Explore tales of the Black Monk and underground tunnels; the Norfolk coast is rich with spooky local legends. :ghost:
♿ Accessible Site
The priory grounds and facilities are fully accessible for all visitors. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Binham Priory for its charming functioning church and atmospheric ruins, highlighting its historical significance and spiritual presence. The adjacent cafe and shop, with its unique cheese vending machine, are also frequently lauded for their delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere. While generally a peaceful experience, it can get surprisingly busy on weekends.
"Charming functioning church and priory ruins. Lovely café/restaurant and shop selling jams, local cheeses and raw milk from their dairy herd."
WJ Hill
"Binham Priory, North Norfolk.
The church is all that remains of a larger Benedictine monastery. Started in 1091 and was completed nearly 2 centuries later. It survived until its demise at the hand of Henry VIII.
The front is considered one of the finest pieces of bar tracery architecture in the country."
Mazhar Abbas
"A truly fascinating place to visit at any time of the year .
Ample parking and facilities in the church and also in the tearoom/cafe beside the priory.
This is a free place to visit with donation boxes around to help support the priory and church .
We visited on a Sunday in mid March at 10.30 am and its was surprisingly busy but extremely quiet with a special spiritual presence all around.
Trevor.
Tjx_ontheroadagain (instagram)
The site is fully accessible to all .
Car park is free .
Post code : NR21 0DQ"
Trevor Tjx
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Binham Priory is located in the village of Binham, near Fakenham in North Norfolk. The postcode is NR21 0DQ. There is ample free parking available on-site. Visitors often combine a trip here with exploring other North Norfolk villages like Cromer or Stiffkey.
Yes, Binham Priory is well-signposted within the village of Binham. Its prominent ruins make it easy to spot as you approach.
While public transport options to Binham village might be limited, it's best to check local bus routes. Many visitors opt to drive, as it offers more flexibility for exploring the wider North Norfolk area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Binham Priory is free. There are donation boxes available to help support the upkeep of the priory and church.
As a functioning church and historic site, Binham Priory is generally accessible during daylight hours. The adjacent cafe and shop have their own operating times.
Yes, there is a free car park available for visitors at Binham Priory.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive ruins of the Benedictine monastery, including the largely intact Romanesque nave which serves as the parish church, and the magnificent 13th-century west front.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and imagining life in a monastery. The adjacent cafe also offers kid-friendly options.
Yes, there are facilities available, including a cafe/tearoom and shop next to the priory, as well as toilets.
Photography is generally permitted at Binham Priory for personal use. Be mindful of the fact that it is a place of worship.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The Parlour, located right next to Binham Priory, offers a great selection of food, from breakfasts and pancakes to hot chocolate.
The Parlour serves traditional breakfasts, porridge, delicious pancakes, and other simple yet warming options. They also offer rich and flavorful coffee.
Yes, there is a charming shop adjacent to the priory, known as The Little Dairy Shop, which sells local produce like jams and cheeses.
Indeed! The Little Dairy Shop features a unique cheese vending machine stocked with award-winning local cheeses, available 24/7.
📸 📸 Photography
The magnificent west front with its intricate tracery, the soaring pillars of the nave, and the atmospheric ruins against the Norfolk sky offer fantastic photographic potential.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, dramatic shots of the priory ruins. The golden hour can cast a warm glow on the ancient stone.
Focus on the 13th-century Early English architecture of the west front, the Romanesque arches of the nave, and the scale of the remaining monastic structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss The Parlour cafe next door, which serves kid-friendly meals and treats like pancakes and hot chocolate. The unique cheese vending machine at The Little Dairy Shop can also be a fun novelty for younger visitors.
+1🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Delve into the priory's Benedictine past and its dissolution under Henry VIII. The atmospheric ruins themselves tell a story of centuries gone by, making it a deeply rewarding site for those who appreciate historical depth and architectural grandeur.
🧀 Foodies & Local Produce Lovers
Complement your visit with a meal or coffee at The Parlour, known for its delicious offerings and friendly service. It's the perfect place to refuel and enjoy the local culinary scene after exploring the priory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Monastic Life
+2Visitors can explore the largely Romanesque nave, which continues to serve as the local parish church, providing a unique blend of ancient history and active worship. The magnificent west front is particularly noteworthy, showcasing exquisite 13th-century Early English architecture and intricate bar tracery, considered one of the finest examples in the country.
Legends also add to the mystique of Binham Priory, with tales of secret underground tunnels connecting it to the nearby Walsingham Shrine and the haunting presence of a ghostly monk. These stories contribute to the priory's enduring allure and make it a fascinating site for those interested in history and folklore.
+1Culinary Delights at the Priory
The menu at The Parlour features a range of delicious options, from hearty traditional breakfasts and warming porridge to delectable pancakes. They also serve excellent hot chocolate and coffee, making it a great spot for a casual meal or a comforting drink. The friendly staff and great service contribute to its positive reputation.
A unique highlight is the Little Dairy Shop, which boasts a fantastic cheese vending machine stocked with award-winning local cheeses, available 24/7. Alongside the cheese, you can find local jams and other artisan products, offering a true taste of North Norfolk's agricultural bounty.
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