Brinkburn Priory Northumberland
An Augustinian monastic site in Northumberland, featuring a beautifully restored church and atmospheric manor house ruins amidst enchanting woodlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Brinkburn Priory Northumberland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An Augustinian monastic site in Northumberland, featuring a beautifully restored church and atmospheric manor house ruins amidst enchanting woodlands.
"The most atmospheric site in the North. And surprisingly very few people."
🚶♀️ Forest Walk to Priory
Enjoy a scenic 5-10 min walk through woods from parking to Priory. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spot Paradise
The grounds are perfect for a peaceful picnic by the River Coquet. Bring a blanket! :picnic_table:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Priory Church
Main Priory Building
A beautifully intact Augustinian church with a magnificent Hill and Son organ, showcasing a mix of architectural styles.
Manor House Ruins
Adjacent to the Priory
Explore the atmospheric remnants of the monastic buildings adapted into a manor house, a fascinating blend of eras.
Woodland Setting
Surrounding the Priory
Wander through enchanting woods along the River Coquet, a fairytale landscape perfect for picnics and reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Wedding Venue Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Forest Walk to Priory
Enjoy a scenic 5-10 min walk through woods from parking to Priory. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spot Paradise
The grounds are perfect for a peaceful picnic by the River Coquet. Bring a blanket! :picnic_table:
♿ Accessible Exploration
Main site is accessible for wheelchairs/scooters, though some basement areas are not. :wheelchair:
🎶 Concert Venue Vibe
The Priory hosts concerts, adding a unique cultural layer to your visit. Check schedule! :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Forest Walk to Priory
Enjoy a scenic 5-10 min walk through woods from parking to Priory. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spot Paradise
The grounds are perfect for a peaceful picnic by the River Coquet. Bring a blanket! :picnic_table:
♿ Accessible Exploration
Main site is accessible for wheelchairs/scooters, though some basement areas are not. :wheelchair:
🎶 Concert Venue Vibe
The Priory hosts concerts, adding a unique cultural layer to your visit. Check schedule! :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brinkburn Priory for its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and unique historical significance. The intact Priory church and the atmospheric manor house ruins, set within enchanting woodlands along the River Coquet, are major highlights. While some mention the manor house's dilapidated state, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many finding it a perfect spot for reflection and exploration.
"Here for a wedding. Lovely grounds even on a stormy day. The Priory is in fantastic shape. Nice venue for a wedding and the staff were very good at catering for your needs. I’ve been told that it will no longer be open as a wedding venue from January. Sad if true."
Chris
"English Heritage at its finest!
The most atmospheric site in the North. And surprisingly very few people. Gorgeous priory, and the neighbourhooding manor house are hidden in the woods and looks like a fairytale.
Staff was very helpful and super friendly!"
Hermann Parkhomenko
"Beautifully intact Priory sits alongside a terribly run down Manor House. The gorgeous River Coquet flows past both. English Heritage site, so free to members and another pop badge for the kids. The site is a 5-10 minute walk from the car park on a sloped gravel driveway through a lovely forest (the sort of place that I imagined the Black riders chasing the Hobbits would look like - strange old trees clinging to the slope down to the river). There is a tiny shop/ticket office and the lady working the day we visited was kind and informative. There is a toilet on site. The priory itself is stunning with a beautiful, big Hill and son organ at the front. It was part of an extensive monastery but survived the dissolution of the monasteries because it was also a parish church. Look out for the interesting mix of architectural styles with pointed and curved arches - best seen above the entrance door. The manor house was adapted from the old monastic buildings and is a fascinating mix of different eras. It has suffered a lot of damage over the years from wood rot, etc. The children liked the little book shop, the art installations and Dissolution: The Game. Well worth a visit."
Gaz Dad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brinkburn Priory is located in a secluded woodland setting near Longframlington. Driving is the most common way to reach it. There is accessible parking available on-site, followed by a short, sloped gravel driveway walk through the woods to the Priory itself.
Public transport options are limited due to its rural location. It's best to check local bus routes that go near Longframlington and then consider a taxi for the final leg of the journey.
There is accessible parking available. The walk from the car park to the Priory is about 5-10 minutes on a sloped gravel driveway through a lovely forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brinkburn Priory is an English Heritage site. Entry is free for English Heritage members. For non-members, there is an admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, especially due to private events like weddings. It's highly recommended to check the official English Heritage website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, Brinkburn Priory is a popular and elegant venue for weddings. If you are attending a wedding, confirm details with the couple. If you are considering it for your own event, contact the venue directly for availability and packages.
Children often enjoy exploring the Priory and the surrounding woodland. There are also activities like 'Dissolution: The Game' and art installations that can engage younger visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully intact Priory church with its impressive organ, the atmospheric ruins of the manor house, and the surrounding woodland along the River Coquet.
The main site is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. However, some areas, like the basement kitchen, are not accessible.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available on-site for visitors.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use. The Priory and its grounds offer many picturesque opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
Brinkburn Priory was an Augustinian monastic site that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries because it also served as a parish church. The manor house was adapted from the original monastic buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small shop/ticket office, but typically no extensive food services are available on-site. It's advisable to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds.
The nearest amenities and dining options would be in the nearby village of Longframlington or the larger towns in Northumberland.
📸 📸 Photography
The Priory church interior with its organ, the exterior ruins against the woodland backdrop, and the River Coquet offer stunning photographic opportunities. The surrounding forest also provides a fairytale atmosphere.
Early mornings and late afternoons, during the 'golden hours,' provide beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmospheric ruins and woodland setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples & Wedding Inquiries
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels and History
The adjacent manor house, adapted from the original monastic buildings, offers a fascinating glimpse into later periods. It showcases a blend of different eras, reflecting its evolving use over time. While parts of the manor house have suffered from damage due to rot and age, its historical significance and architectural layering remain captivating. Visitors can explore these remnants and imagine the lives lived within these ancient walls.
The Enchanting Woodland Setting
The River Coquet adds to the serene ambiance, providing a picturesque backdrop to the historic ruins. The combination of the ancient priory, the atmospheric manor house, and the lush, natural surroundings creates a unique and memorable destination. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a tranquil escape from the everyday.
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