Worksop Priory (Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert)
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Worksop Priory (Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert)

4.6
·68 reviews·, United Kingdom

An ancient Augustinian priory with impressive architecture, rich history, and peaceful grounds, offering a glimpse into medieval England.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During local events

Experience special fairs and decorations

CrowdMedium
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Worksop Priory (Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert)

Worksop Priory (Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert)

Best Time

During local events

Experience special fairs and decorations

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient Augustinian priory with impressive architecture, rich history, and peaceful grounds, offering a glimpse into medieval England.

4.6
(68 reviews)

"Beautiful, but personally not sure of the mix of old and new. Parking nearby. Wonderful welcome."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Hours First

Many visitors found it closed unexpectedly. Always verify hours before your visit! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the gardens and graveyard are beautiful and well-maintained. :evergreen_tree:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Priory Church Exterior

Impressive Priory Church Exterior

Admire the grand architecture and remnants of its rich history, even from the outside.

Well-Kept Gardens and Graveyard

Well-Kept Gardens and Graveyard

Stroll through peaceful grounds with beautifully maintained gardens and historical gravestones.

14th Century Gatehouse

14th Century Gatehouse

Discover the historic gatehouse, which once served as a school, a testament to the priory's enduring legacy.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check opening hours before you go, as many visitors report finding Worksop Priory closed unexpectedly. Planning around local events like the Priory Fair can offer a unique experience, but also means higher crowds.

Exploring the Grounds

Even if the interior is closed, the well-kept gardens and graveyard offer a peaceful walk and a chance to admire the impressive exterior architecture and historical significance.

Best Times

When
During local events
Why
Experience special fairs and decorations
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Potentially fewer crowds inside
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Check Opening Hours First

Many visitors found it closed unexpectedly. Always verify hours before your visit! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the gardens and graveyard are beautiful and well-maintained. :evergreen_tree:

📅 Look for Special Events

The Priory Fair offers a unique glimpse inside with decorations and stalls. :gift:

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Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Hours First

Many visitors found it closed unexpectedly. Always verify hours before your visit! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the gardens and graveyard are beautiful and well-maintained. :evergreen_tree:

📅 Look for Special Events

The Priory Fair offers a unique glimpse inside with decorations and stalls. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(68 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Worksop Priory is a beautiful and historically significant site, with visitors praising its impressive exterior architecture and well-maintained grounds. However, many have experienced unexpected closures, leading to disappointment. Planning ahead and checking opening times is crucial for a successful visit.

"The Augustinian priory was founded in about 1120 but it was re-endowed around 1140 and the earliest parts left date from then.

Originally the nave was 358 feet long but the surviving nave is 135 feet long.

Beautiful, but personally not sure of the mix of old and new. Parking nearby. Wonderful welcome."

Jo G

"İt was closed when we came to visit but we walked around the grounds. Very impressive priory church. Would have loved to see the inside- maybe next time.
The surrounding gardens and graveyard were well kept.
Beautiful building"

Tara Peam

"One of The Thousand - sadly closed on my visit. Grand on the outside and bespectacled with slabs of its past."

Peter Robinson

What People Like

Impressive exterior architecture
Well-kept gardens and graveyard
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Frequent unexpected closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Worksop Priory is located in the town of Worksop. Parking is available nearby, making it accessible by car. Public transport options to Worksop town center should also be considered for those traveling without a vehicle.

Yes, visitors have noted that parking is available nearby the priory, which is convenient for those driving to the location.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Several visitors reported that the priory was closed during their planned visits. It is highly recommended to check the official opening hours before making your trip to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Information regarding ticket purchases is not readily available, but given its nature as a church, entry might be free or by donation. However, always confirm opening times as it may be closed to visitors.

Yes, even when the church interior is closed, visitors can still walk around the surrounding grounds, gardens, and graveyard, which are described as well-kept and impressive. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can find beautiful architecture and historical remnants. During special events like the Priory Fair, the church is adorned with decorated Christmas trees and hosts various stalls and tombola for charities. Reddit

Founded around 1120 and re-endowed in 1140, the priory has a long history. It's known for the Worksop Bestiary and Tickhill Psalter, and William de Lovetot, a founder of Sheffield, is buried here. The 14th-century Gatehouse also has historical significance. Reddit

Absolutely! The surrounding gardens and graveyard are consistently described as well-kept and offer a peaceful atmosphere for a stroll. Reddit

Some visitors note a mix of old and new elements within the priory, which can be an interesting aspect to observe during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While specific rules aren't detailed, photography is generally permitted in churches for personal use, provided it doesn't disrupt services or other visitors. It's always best to be respectful of the sacred space.

The impressive exterior architecture, the historic gatehouse, and the well-maintained gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capturing the scale and details of the priory from various angles is recommended.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Worksop Priory can be an interesting stop for families, especially if timed with a special event. The well-kept grounds and gardens offer space for children to explore safely, and the historical aspects, like the old gatehouse, can spark their imagination. If visiting during a fair or festival, there might be activities or stalls that appeal to younger visitors. Reddit

However, it's important to manage expectations regarding interior access, as it can be closed. If the priory is closed, focus on the outdoor exploration – the graveyard can be a fascinating place for kids to discover old gravestones and imagine the lives of those buried there. Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited depending on the day of your visit.

🚶‍♂️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in history and architecture, Worksop Priory is a must-see. You'll be captivated by the surviving sections of the original Augustinian priory, dating back to the 12th century, and the remnants of its once much larger nave. The 14th-century Gatehouse is a significant architectural feature, offering a glimpse into medieval construction and later adaptations. Reddit

Delve into the priory's connection to important historical documents like the Worksop Bestiary and Tickhill Psalter, and learn about figures like William de Lovetot. Even if the interior is closed, the exterior facade, the gatehouse, and the historical context provided by the grounds offer a rich experience. Consider researching the priory's history beforehand to fully appreciate its layers of significance.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Worksop Priory, officially the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in about 1120, with a significant re-endowment around 1140. The earliest surviving parts of the structure are from this period. Originally, the nave was an impressive 358 feet long, but the surviving section is now 135 feet. This Augustinian priory has witnessed centuries of change and has been a center of religious and cultural life.

The priory is associated with significant historical artifacts, including the Worksop Bestiary and the Tickhill Psalter, both believed to have been produced here and are now housed in New York. William de Lovetot, often credited as the founder of Sheffield, is buried within its grounds, underscoring the priory's connection to regional development. The 14th-century Gatehouse also stands as a testament to its past, having been used as a school at one point. Reddit

Despite its historical importance, visitors have noted that the priory can sometimes be closed, leading to disappointment. However, even when the interior is inaccessible, the well-kept gardens and graveyard provide a serene environment to appreciate the priory's exterior grandeur and historical atmosphere. Reddit

Experiencing Worksop Priory Today

Visiting Worksop Priory offers a chance to connect with history and architecture. While some visitors have expressed a slight reservation about the 'mix of old and new' elements, the overall impression is one of beauty and historical significance. The warm welcome often extended to visitors, particularly during events like the Priory Fair, enhances the experience. Reddit

During special occasions, such as Christmas, the church is beautifully decorated with numerous trees from local organizations and schools, creating a festive and community-oriented atmosphere. These events also feature various stalls and tombola, offering a lively experience for attendees. Reddit Even if you can't enter the church, taking time to walk around the surrounding gardens and graveyard is highly recommended. These areas are noted for being well-maintained and provide a peaceful setting to reflect on the priory's enduring presence.

For those planning a visit, it's crucial to check the opening hours in advance, as unexpected closures have been a common experience for some. Reddit This practical tip can save a trip from being a missed opportunity to explore this impressive historical site.

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