Mattersey Priory
Explore the 13th-century ruins of a unique English Gilbertine priory, offering historical insights and scenic countryside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for walking and views
Mattersey Priory
Best Time
Best for walking and views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 13th-century ruins of a unique English Gilbertine priory, offering historical insights and scenic countryside views.
"Interesting historical ruins, but be prepared for a walk and limited direct access."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The access path is a long, bumpy gravel road with sharp stones. Avoid flip-flops! :athletic_shoe:
Park in the Village
Park in Mattersey village and follow the brown signs. Locals prefer you don't drive up to the priory. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
13th-Century Refectory & Kitchen
Main ruins
Explore the remnants of a small Gilbertine priory, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
Impressive Views
Surrounding area
Enjoy scenic vistas of the countryside from the priory grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Parking
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The access path is a long, bumpy gravel road with sharp stones. Avoid flip-flops! :athletic_shoe:
Park in the Village
Park in Mattersey village and follow the brown signs. Locals prefer you don't drive up to the priory. :car:
Manage Expectations
It's a small ruin, best viewed from a distance. Don't expect extensive grounds or facilities. :camerawithflash:
Check Access
Direct access to the ruins can sometimes be restricted. Be prepared to view from a distance. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The access path is a long, bumpy gravel road with sharp stones. Avoid flip-flops! :athletic_shoe:
Park in the Village
Park in Mattersey village and follow the brown signs. Locals prefer you don't drive up to the priory. :car:
Manage Expectations
It's a small ruin, best viewed from a distance. Don't expect extensive grounds or facilities. :camerawithflash:
Check Access
Direct access to the ruins can sometimes be restricted. Be prepared to view from a distance. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mattersey Priory to be a free historical site with interesting 13th-century ruins, offering impressive countryside views. However, many are disappointed by the difficult access via a long, bumpy gravel path and the lack of direct entry to the ruins, often requiring viewing from a distance. The need to park in the village and the short time needed to see the site are also common points of feedback.
"NO ACCESS, don't go
Ruins look amazing! But, you can only see them from about 75 feet away. The entrance was locked by I assume the local residents, there was about 3 house and a B+B at the end of a very bumpy and unpaved gravel road. Few passing places. I walked around to see if I could find an entrance, but was met with someone's backyard. The ruins are small, would only need about 15 minutes to see everything."
Matthew Allen
"Disappointing venue, well no, the venue is as expected, just some ruins but it's the getting there. You're not supposed to drive up to it, the access road is now a bridleway with supposed only access for the few houses along the road so it's a long mile or more walk on an awful sharp stone surface to be greeted by not a lot. Not ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs or flip flops, plus the same walk back to the village to get your car. To be honest you're better off looking at photos on the Internet of the place."
Paul Simpson
"This historical place is a English Heritage, it is free for everyone but it doesn't have car park instead you must park in Mattersey village and you should walk where you parked but don't worry there is a sign just look for brown sign. But beware there is a private houses. There isn't wheelchair accessible entrance"
Mohamed Mohamed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mattersey Priory is located down a long, bumpy gravel path. You should park in Mattersey village and walk approximately 3/4 of a mile to the site. Locals prefer visitors not to drive directly to the priory. +1
No, there is no dedicated car park at Mattersey Priory. You must park in Mattersey village and walk to the site.
The access road is a long, bumpy gravel path with sharp stones, not ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, or flip-flops.
While the access road exists, locals prefer visitors to park in the village and walk. Direct driving access may be restricted.
The walk from Mattersey village to Mattersey Priory is about 3/4 of a mile on an uneven gravel surface. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Mattersey Priory is owned by English Heritage and is free for everyone to visit.
As an open-air ruin, Mattersey Priory does not have set opening hours. However, access to the immediate site can be restricted.
No, tickets are not required as Mattersey Priory is free to visit.
No, the access road is a rough gravel path, and there isn't a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the priory ruins.
Direct access to the ruins can be restricted, and you may only be able to view them from a distance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the remains of a small monastery, primarily the 13th-century refectory and kitchen, belonging to the Gilbertine canons.
Given the size of the ruins and potential viewing restrictions, a visit typically only requires about 15 minutes to see everything.
No, there are no facilities such as toilets or visitor centers at Mattersey Priory.
While children might find the ruins interesting, the rough access path and limited viewing can be challenging. Adult supervision is recommended.
Visitors can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding countryside from the priory grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚶♀️ Walkers & History Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers with Limited Time
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access to Mattersey Priory
It's important to manage expectations regarding direct access to the ruins themselves. Some visitors have reported being able to see the ruins only from a distance, with locked entrances or private property surrounding the immediate site.
Understanding the History of Mattersey Priory
The priory, like many historical sites, has a past where its stones may have been repurposed. One observation suggests that the nearby farmhouse walls might have been constructed using stone plundered from the priory over time, a common practice in historical periods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit