English Heritage - Wenlock Priory

The tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory stand in a picturesque setting on the fringe of beautiful Much Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously re-discovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the priory.

By 1101 Wenlock had been re-founded by the Normans as a priory of Cluniac monks. It is the impressive remains of this medieval priory which survive today, everywhere reflecting the Cluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts of the great 13th century church still stand high.

Much Wenlock was also the home of Dr. William Penny Brookes (1809-95), originator of the still-continuing Wenlock Olympian Games, a major inspiration for the modern International Olympics

ACCESSIBILITY

Access information for the site is listed below. For more information, or if you have particular access needs, please contact English Heritage before you visit. Please note that some facilities may require booking in advance.

- Accessible Toilets

- Handrails

- Assistance Dogs Welcome

- Braille Guides

- Tour Transcripts

- Wheelchair Access: Wenlock Priory and the visitor Reception are easily accessible by a ramp. All parts of priory and gardens accessible via compacted gravel paths and smooth grass.

- Disabled Parking: The car park is opposite the Priory, with a ramp leading to the visitor Reception. Visitors with disabilities should call the site prior to a visit for more information.

- Pathways Surface And Gradients: Compacted gravel paths and smooth grass.

PARKING

Parking charges apply to non-members. Parking free for members. Space for 25 vehicles. Additional pay-and-display parking is available in Wenlock town centre (approximately 5 minutes walk from the Priory).

FOOD AND DRINK

Vending machine selling tea, coffee, cappuccino and hot chocolate. There are numerous cafes and tearooms in Wenlock town, the nearest is less than a five minute walk from the Priory.

PICNIC AREA

You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds.

SHOP

Gift shop is located in the visitor centre, and offers a range of English Heritage souvenirs and themed gifts, including books.

TOILETS

Male and females toilets on site. There is a disabled toilet with baby-changing facilities situated in front of the shop.

GARDENS

Topiary-filled cloister garden as well as benches and picnic areas.

AUDIO TOURS

Audio tour included in admission price (subject to availability) which gives an overview of the history of the Priory.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Baby-changing facilities situated in front of the shop.

BOTTLE / FOOD WARMING: No

CHILDREN'S CUTLERY: No

CHILD SIZED PORTIONS: No

HIGH CHAIRS: No

PLAY AREAS / ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND: No

PUSH CHAIRS ALLOWED: Pushchairs are allowed and access is provided via a ramp.

SLING LOAN: No

TOY / DRESSING UP BOX: No

INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE AUDIO TOURS

French and German.

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPH AND FILMING

English Heritage welcomes all photographers to our sites and we hope you will share your pictures with us on Flickr and Facebook. We do have some restrictions at certain locations, so if photography is your main reason for visiting, please call the site ahead of your visit to check if any parts of the site are restricted. We are keen to promote the use of our sites to location managers. If you are interested please go to (Filming Locations) for more information and contacts. English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.

HOW TO REACH

ROAD ACCESS
In Much Wenlock

SAT NAV
Postcode : TF13 6HS
Latitude : 52.597922
Longtitude : -2.555457

BUS ACCESS
Arriva service 88, 88A & 436

TRAIN ACCESS
Telford Central 9 miles

ADMISSION

Entry without gift aid/with gift aid:
Member Free/Free
Adult £6.00/£6.60
Child (5-17 years) £3.60/£4.00
Concession £5.40/£6.00
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) £15.60/£17.20