Mount Grace Priory
England's Best-Preserved Carthusian Monastery
Posted on 23rd July 2026
Tucked away at the foot of the Cleveland Hills on the edge of the North York Moors, Mount Grace Priory is widely regarded as the best-preserved Carthusian monastery in Great Britain. Owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage, it offers a rare glimpse into the silent, hermit-like existence of medieval monks alongside a turn-of-the-century Arts & Crafts mansion.
Our Days Out Yorkshire Take
Last Visited: April 2025We were blown away by how remarkably peaceful Mount Grace Priory. What surprised us most was just how much there is to explore — it’s far more than a single set of ruins.
Stepping into the fully reconstructed monk’s cell and garden gave us a genuine sense of what life was like in total isolation. Coupled with the Arts & Crafts manor house, the landscaped gardens designed by Chris Beardshaw, the famous colony of wild stoats.
Highlights / What to See 🌿
Unlike standard monasteries where monks lived and worked together, Carthusian monks lived as hermits in individual cells. Here is what you shouldn't miss during your trip:
- Reconstructed Monk’s Cell: Experience hermit life firsthand in Cell 8, which has been authentically rebuilt to show the two-story living quarters, workshop, and private walled garden where a monk spent almost his entire life in silence.
- The 13th-Century Priory Ruins: Walk through the remains of the main church tower, chapter house, and the expansive cloisters surrounded by the footprints of 23 individual monastic cells.
- The Arts & Crafts Manor House: Explore the converted 17th-century guest house, lavishly renovated in the early 1900s by industrialist Sir Lowthian Bell, featuring period furnishings and exhibition rooms.
- Restored Gardens & Woodlands: Stroll through the terraced gardens and orchard, or take the short scenic woodland walk up to the ruined Lady Chapel on the hill for sweeping views across the vale.
- The Famous Mount Grace Stoats: Keep your eyes peeled around the stone walls — Mount Grace is famous for hosting a thriving, active colony of wild stoats!
Brand New Children's Play Area 🎈
For families visiting with younger children, a brand-new outdoor playground has just been completed on-site! Located right near the visitor path, it's a fantastic spot for little ones to climb, slide, and burn off energy before or after exploring the ruins.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential visitor details for organizing your day out:
Admission Cost
Free for English Heritage & National Trust members.
Non-member tickets required in advance.
Opening Hours
Typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily during summer season (check seasonal winter hours online).
Café & Facilities
On-site tea room serving hot drinks, cakes, and light lunches. Outdoor play area, toilets, and gift shop available.
Accessibility
Smooth gravel paths around the lower grounds and house. Some uneven turf around the priory ruins.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Mount Grace Priory, Stoney Lane, Osmotherley, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3JG
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located just off the A19, approximately 12 miles north of Thirsk and 7 miles northeast of Northallerton. Parking is available directly on-site (Free for members, token/charge for non-members).
🚌 By Public Transport
The nearest main train station is Northallerton (7 miles away). Local bus services stop in the nearby village of Osmotherley (approx 1.5-mile walk via public footpaths).
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