Michelham Priory

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

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 383 reviews383 reviews
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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
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    241
  • Very Good
    103
  • Average
    20
  • Poor
    8
  • Terrible
    11

Recent Reviews:

  • rosshenson
    Canterbury, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Stupendous. Hope to go again.
    4 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 6th December 2022
    Considering we visited in December, was surprised by how much there was to see. Have Historic Houses membership. Some of the land including childrens play area was inaccessible due to the rain we... Read full review
  • Steve-Marilyn
    East Sussex, United Kingdom
    Excellent daffodil display well worth the visit
    5 of 5 stars
    Sunday, 26th March 2023
    We went to see the daffodil displays and they were excellent and well worth the trip. The staff were very friendly and welcoming as ever. We had a guided tour of the house and it was very informative... Read full review
  • lindamM3467TM
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    Awful
    1 of 5 stars
    Saturday, 29th April 2023
    U3a group booked to go and at the last minute the priory told us that they were only opening for our group. No cafe so no drinks and no food! Freezing cold throughout, rushed around tour of house 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

Saturday, 10th June 2023 - Saturday, 10th June 2023

Photograph of three glasses of ales, with wooden barrel in background, surrounded by vegetable and cheese produce.A Taste of Sussex: Brewed and MaturedExperience the Sussex food and drink scene with this expert tour, tasting and demonstration.
more info

Sunday, 18th June 2023 - Sunday, 18th June 2023

cars on a lawn in front of historic brick property.Minis at MichelhamMinis at Michelham, a celebration of this iconic British motor car on Father's Day.
more info

Friday, 28th July 2023 - Sunday, 30th July 2023

craft demonstrationContemporary Craft Show with The Sussex GuildA three-day craft show at Michelham Priory.
more info

Tuesday, 8th August 2023 - Tuesday, 8th August 2023

Poster dark red background with red rose in centre. Overlaid white text reads "Romeo & Juliet".Outdoor Theatre: The Lord Chamberlain's Men presents Romeo & JulietThe classic love story performed at this historic 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. Stone Cross Windmill was built in 1875/6 for Samuel Dallaway and fully restored in 2000.…

    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 oldest brick building of note still standing in the country, Herstmonceux Castle was…

    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. A Church or Priory has existed as a place of worship on the site of St. Nicolas, since…

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

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

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

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

    11.17 miles away
  10. This 17th century Sussex Ironmaster's house, built in a Wealden valley, was the home of…

    11.38 miles away
  11. Bexhill's traditional seafront is punctuated by some fantastic pieces of modernist…

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

    11.69 miles away
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1066 Country of Origin Original by nature
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