The 12th century priory church survived the dissolution of the monasteries by acting as a parish church, before being beautifully restored in Victorian times.
08:00, 15 Jan 2026Updated 08:10, 15 Jan 2026
Across the UK, many former monastic churches lie in ruins, with one notable exception nestled on a bend of the River Coquet in Northumberland.
Just four miles east of Rothbury, you'll discover the stunning Brinkburn Priory, a relic from the 12th century. Uniquely, this priory church survived the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII's reign, as it also served as a parish church.
After centuries of decline following the dissolution, it was restored in the 19th century to its current splendour. Today, it's a Grade I listed building, safeguarded by English Heritage and open to the public.
Its tranquil riverside location, nestled within a loop and accessible via a scenic woodland trail, makes it an ideal spot for history enthusiasts. The spacious grounds provide ample room for outdoor activities and fresh air. If you're lucky, you might even spot an otter snoozing by the river when peering over the hedge.
Inside, you'll find medieval structures seamlessly blended with Victorian fittings, including magnificent stained glass windows.
Adjacent to the church stands a 19th-century manor house, constructed on the site of the original monastic buildings, showcasing neo-Gothic architectural style.
Visitors can explore the priory exclusively through guided tours, with adult admission starting from £5.90. Purchasing tickets on-site will incur higher charges, and the attraction closes throughout winter.
The venue is also available for hire for special occasions and weddings, hosting various wellness activities. These range from yoga, tai chi and Pilates sessions to sound baths and digital detox experiences.
One guest shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, stating: "This is a brilliant English Heritage site. The entrance is free for English Heritage members. It is a well-preserved and well-looked-after historical site.
"There is a shop at the office and a second-hand bookshop in the priory. The kids loved the place, and we will be back soon.
"The parking is a couple hundred metres from the priory building. The views are beautiful."
Another visitor previously commented: "What a peaceful and tranquil place. We were very warmly welcomed by Juliet, the site manager, and nothing was too much trouble. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and a credit to English heritage.
"Brinkburn is a beautiful priory and has a lot of beautiful features; the stained glass windows in the priory are an impressive site even if you are not religious. We could have happily stayed all day with a picnic and a book."