Boxgrove Priory
Explore the haunting ruins of a 12th-century priory and a gem of a church with a rare Tudor painted ceiling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Boxgrove Priory
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the haunting ruins of a 12th-century priory and a gem of a church with a rare Tudor painted ceiling.
"An old priory owned by EH. Lovely spot. Don't miss the church- its a little gem with a lovely painted ceiling."
Explore the Church
Don't miss the church! It's a gem with a stunning painted ceiling and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Wander the Ruins
The 12th-century ruins offer a glimpse into monastic life. Great for history buffs and photographers. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Priory Ruins
Exterior grounds
Explore the skeletal remains of the 12th-century Benedictine monastery, a hauntingly beautiful testament to history.
Painted Ceiling
Presbytery of the Church
Marvel at the rare Tudor painted ceiling from c.1532, a vibrant spectacle of early modern art.
Stained Glass Windows
Boxgrove Church
Admire the beautiful stained glass, including a poignant window dedicated to a WWII pilot.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Priory
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Church
Don't miss the church! It's a gem with a stunning painted ceiling and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Wander the Ruins
The 12th-century ruins offer a glimpse into monastic life. Great for history buffs and photographers. :camerawithflash:
Check for Events
Boxgrove Priory sometimes hosts musical performances and events. Check schedules beforehand! :musical_note:
Visit the Village Shop
The local village shop has delicious cakes and pasties. Worth a stop after exploring! :cake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Church
Don't miss the church! It's a gem with a stunning painted ceiling and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Wander the Ruins
The 12th-century ruins offer a glimpse into monastic life. Great for history buffs and photographers. :camerawithflash:
Check for Events
Boxgrove Priory sometimes hosts musical performances and events. Check schedules beforehand! :musical_note:
Visit the Village Shop
The local village shop has delicious cakes and pasties. Worth a stop after exploring! :cake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Boxgrove Priory for its beautiful and well-maintained ruins, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval history. The adjacent church is highlighted as a gem, particularly for its stunning painted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows. Many find the site peaceful and appreciate its free entry.
"I visited for a Sunday Service. The Church is a few minutes walk from the main road, with an impressive view of the Monastery. The 12th Century ruins give an idea of how the Monastery may have looked.
The Church is beautiful and peaceful inside. If you get the chance to visit for a Service, the Choir are very high standard - both with their standard of singing, and their beautiful harmonies."
Debbie McAvilley
"Boxgrove is a lovely little town. Nice church grounds and they have old ruins there to explore. Lovely little village shop what have delicious cakes and pasties? Lots of sandwiches ham all sort of things that you’ll get into a little village shop worth a visit.."
Lee Bessant
"An old priory owned by EH. Lovely spot. Don't miss the church- its a little gem with a lovely painted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows with one dedicated to a pilot who lost his life i
n the second world war. Free to visit."
Sue Wale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boxgrove Priory is located a few minutes' walk from the main road near Chichester, West Sussex. While public transport options might be limited, driving is a common way to access it, with a car park available on site. For those exploring the area, it's also part of walking trails, like the Halnaker Windmill Trail.
Yes, there is a car park available for visitors to Boxgrove Priory, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Absolutely! Boxgrove Priory is accessible via walking trails, including routes that connect it with nearby attractions like Halnaker Windmill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Boxgrove Priory is free to visit, making it an accessible historical site for everyone.
As an open-air ruin and an active church, Boxgrove Priory generally has accessible grounds. However, specific church service times may vary, so it's advisable to check locally if you plan to attend a service.
No, tickets are not required as Boxgrove Priory is free to enter. You can visit at your leisure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Boxgrove Priory, you can explore the impressive 12th-century ruins of the Benedictine monastery and visit the adjacent, beautiful church. Highlights include a rare Tudor painted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and learning about history. The open space provides room to roam, and the stories of the past can spark their imagination.
Photography is generally welcomed at Boxgrove Priory, especially for capturing the stunning ruins and the architectural details of the church. The painted ceiling and stained glass are particularly photogenic.
While official guided tours might not always be advertised, the site has informational boards that provide context. Exploring the ruins and church at your own pace is a rewarding experience.
Boxgrove Priory was founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 12th century. Its ruins and the surviving church offer a significant insight into medieval religious life and architecture in England. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't dining facilities directly at the priory ruins, the nearby village of Boxgrove has a lovely village shop that offers delicious cakes, pasties, and sandwiches. You can also find pubs along walking routes, such as the Anglesey Arms.
The grounds around Boxgrove Priory are suitable for picnics, allowing you to enjoy a meal amidst the historical surroundings. Remember to be respectful of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The skeletal ruins against the sky offer dramatic shots, especially during golden hour. Inside the church, focus on the intricate details of the painted ceiling and the vibrant stained glass windows.
Yes, Boxgrove Priory is a popular and picturesque venue for wedding photography, with its historic ruins and beautiful church providing a stunning backdrop.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that enhances the textures of the ruins and the colors of the stained glass. Early mornings can also provide a serene atmosphere with fewer visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to point out the painted ceiling and stained glass windows inside the church; these vibrant details can capture a child's imagination and make history come alive. The story of the WWII pilot memorialized in the stained glass can also be a poignant talking point. The nearby village shop with its treats is an added bonus for younger visitors.
📸 Photographers & History Enthusiasts
+1History buffs will be captivated by the 12th-century priory ruins and the remarkably preserved Tudor painted ceiling within the church. The intricate details of the architecture, the stories held within the stained glass, and the overall atmosphere of the site provide a rich experience for anyone interested in medieval and Tudor history.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
The priory itself is set within pleasant grounds, offering a peaceful environment to enjoy. The surrounding area provides opportunities for leisurely strolls, making it an ideal stop for those who appreciate combining historical exploration with the beauty of the natural landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Boxgrove Priory
+1Within the adjacent church, visitors are treated to a rare Tudor painted ceiling dating back to approximately 1532. This vibrant artwork, created by Lambert Barnard, transforms the stone vaults into a lively spectacle, a testament to the skill of early modern artists. Complementing this are the beautiful stained glass windows, each telling its own story, including one dedicated to a pilot lost in World War II, adding a poignant layer to the historical narrative.
The overall experience at Boxgrove Priory is one of discovery, where the grandeur of medieval architecture meets the delicate artistry of later periods. It's a place that invites contemplation and appreciation for the enduring legacy of its past.
Experiencing Boxgrove Priory: Beyond the Ruins
For those interested in local culture and amenities, the village of Boxgrove itself is worth exploring. A local village shop is noted for its delicious cakes and pasties, providing a delightful stop after a visit to the priory. This adds a touch of local charm to the overall experience, blending historical exploration with everyday village life.
Boxgrove Priory also serves as a point of interest within broader walking and cycling routes in the West Sussex countryside. It's often featured on trails that include other local attractions like Halnaker Windmill and vineyards, making it an excellent destination for a day out exploring the South Downs.
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