Michelham Priory

Upper Dicker, Nr Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3QS

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From £12.00
Michelham Priory

About

Michelham Priory boasts England’s longest medieval water-filled moat and offers a great day out for all the family.

The moat encircles a site steeped in history dating back to 1229, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house for farming families in times of peace and Evacuees from London in and Canadian Army during WWII.

On our picturesque island you will find seven acres of magnificent gardens, the Tudor mansion, impressive 14th century gatehouse, the historic watermill and forge, Elizabethan Great Barn, Dovecote shop, café and playground.

Explore eight hundred years of history in the house and gatehouse with hands-on activities and displays of furniture and artefacts. Rooms include an interactive Victorian kitchen, our WWII evacuee’s bedroom, Tudor kitchen, Prior’s room and Undercroft.

Discover our rural heritage with our historic watermill and forge.

Relax in seven acres of tranquil gardens and grounds. Take a walk around the moat, the recreated cloister, physic and kitchen gardens and watch the abundance of wildlife.

Enjoy the many sculptures throughout the grounds. There are also many special events held throughout the year.

Play in the children’s playground and try on dressing up clothes in the house.

Eat in the popular café, serving hot and cold food and drinks all day.

Plenty inside and out to keep the family entertained all day.

 

The Gardens

Explore seven acres of beautiful grounds at the majestic Michelham Priory, near Hailsham. From 80,000 blooming daffodils in the spring to summer displays of peonies, roses and alliums, once you cross the medieval moat onto the picturesque island you will be immersed in the tranquil sounds and smells of nature. A moat walk, children’s playground and café with homemade produce makes this the ideal day out for the family.

 

Why not stay longer?

If you're visiting with children, check out the nearby Knockhatch or Drusillas adventure parks. Or take a visit to pretty Pevensey, the spot where the Normans landed in 1066, or Herstmonceux with its fantastic observatory and moated castle. 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£13.00 per ticket
Child£6.50 per ticket
Family (1 adult + up to 3 children)£22.00 per ticket
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children)£32.00 per ticket
Senior£12.00 per ticket

See website for more details.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      243
    • Very Good
      105
    • Average
      20
    • Poor
      9
    • Terrible
      11

    Recent Reviews:

    • kaylasJ7894PE
      Wonderful Art and Craft events as always. Beautiful Grounds.
      2 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 30th July 2023
      We go to all the Craft Fairs and yesterday was again a really wonderful experience apart from the cafe food and drink and the dodgy toilets. We've been visiting Michelham Priory events for about 20... Read full review
    • peterjS8319TX
      Brings history to life
      4 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 17th September 2023
      Lots to see - medieval gate house, remnant of old priory, Tudor house, tithe barn, and very impressive gardens. Also interesting collections of artefacts - plant illustrations, wagons, Tudor... Read full review
    • missmarpletrainee
      Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
      A lovely house and garden
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 25th September 2023
      A lovely house and garden, a real hidden gem. Lovely cafe which is disabled friendly and good access to the house and lower rooms. A very kind house steward who took time to explain the kitchen and... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Facilities

    Catering

    • On-Site cafe/restaurant

    Children & Infants

    • Family Friendly, Children Welcome

    Establishment Features

    • Event Venue

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Provider Preferences

    • In countryside

    Opening Times

    Opening hours (25 May 2023 - 30 Sept 2023)
    DayTimes
    Monday - WednesdayClosed
    Thursday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00

    * Michelham Priory is also open for Groups, School Groups, Events and Weddings. Please contact them for details.

    Video

    • Video of Michelham Priory

    Events

    Friday, 27th October 2023 - Friday, 27th October 2023

    relief of face in stone architectureHaunting Tales & Craft Ales: Ghost Story Stroll, Beer, and BurgersAn enchanted evening at Michelham Priory.
    more info

    Friday, 27th October 2023 - Friday, 27th October 2023

    Saturday, 28th October 2023 - Saturday, 28th October 2023

    three children holding paper lanterns in the shape of starsMagical Light: 'Same Sky' Lantern WorkshopEnchanted workshops at Michelham Priory.
    more info

    Tuesday, 31st October 2023 - Tuesday, 31st October 2023

    silhouette of a large house at twilight with rooms aglow.Halloween Ghost Walk ExperienceTake a ghost walk with a difference this Halloween at Michelham Priory.
    more info

    Sunday, 3rd December 2023 - Sunday, 3rd December 2023

    a young man wearing a cap and scarf lighting a candle.A Christmas CarolAn enchanting theatrical experience at Michelham Priory.
    more info

    Sunday, 10th December 2023 - Sunday, 10th December 2023

    birds eye view of Christmas wreath-making workbenchFestive Wreath Making WorkshopDiscover the Enchantment of Wreath Making at The Great Barn, Michelham Priory.
    more info

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous -WTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

    What's Nearby

    1. Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, features a Petting Farm, Owl Sanctuary Centre,…

      1.02 miles away
    2. Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe, the award-winning Drusillas Park in East…

      3.67 miles away
    3. A fully restored windmill in the Sussex countryside.

      4.98 miles away
    1. Enjoy spectacular science amongst domes and telescopes in the former home of the Royal…

      5.54 miles away
    2. The majestic, moated castle is the centrepiece of this beautiful 300-acre estate.

      5.56 miles away
    3. 16th century court room housing local museum with prison cells below. Site of Norman…

      6.07 miles away
    4. Walk the massive outer walls and gatehouse of one of the Romans' Saxon shore forts,…

      6.15 miles away
    5. Pevensey, a village that boasts an impressive historical background also has a lot to…

      7 miles away
    6. Set in the Sussex in countryside in a village called Brightling, these bizarre structures…

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    7. Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a…

      11.11 miles away
    8. It’s curious, it’s quirky, it’s packed to the rafters with diverse objects with a…

      11.17 miles away
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    11. This picturesque area of Bexhill is home to some fine examples of Georgian architecture…

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    12. Take a trip around the picturesque Manor Gardens, with wonderfully colourful plants and…

      11.73 miles away
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