Walsingham Abbey
Home to the remains of a mediaeval Priory, a classic English landscape with garden features of the nineteenth century created from scattered antiquarian ruins.
Little Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6BP
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Easily accessible without car
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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No parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
Walsingham Abbey is famous for the spectacular remains of the mediaeval Priory of Our Lady, one of England’s most visited places of pilgrimage, which was destroyed at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The Abbey Grounds are also renowned for the swathes of naturalised snowdrops filling the woodland garden from late January into February. Both bring visitors from all over the world, all year round.
Remodelled in the early 19th century by Sir John Soane’s designer John Haverfield, the Abbey house sits in a classic English landscape, reminiscent of Repton, with garden features of the 1800s created from scattered medieval ruins.
The Shirehall was Walsingham’s courtroom for 200 years, and the court is in original 18th century condition. Originally built in the 15th century as a pilgrim hostel, it was converted to create a court in the 1770s and is now a museum. You are at liberty to explore it, to sit in the dock, on the jury benches or the judge’s chair. Museum displays remind of harsh punishments in the past, together with the history of pilgrimage.
Access to the Museum is from within the Abbey Grounds and included with admission.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Walsingham Abbey Opening Times 2026
Snowdrop Season: 26 January – 1 March 2026
The Abbey Grounds open for the popular Snowdrop Season from Monday 26th January to Sunday 1st March 2026, with gates opening daily from 10am to 4pm. Snowdrop walks begin on 26th January. This is an ideal time to visit as the snowdrops progress through their seasonal cycle, beginning to open at the end of January and reaching full bloom in mid-February. Candlemas (2nd February) marks a key date in the snowdrop calendar, and a Snowdrop Charity Day takes place on Saturday 14th February 2026.
Main Season: 27 March – 1 November 2026
Following a brief closure period in early March, the Abbey Grounds reopen for the main season from Friday 27th March to Sunday 1st November 2026, open daily from 11am to 4pm. The transition period in March includes limited weekend openings (Fridays to Mondays) from 6th–9th March, 13th–16th March, and 20th–23rd March, also from 11am to 4pm.
Shirehall Museum
The Shirehall Museum is open whenever the Abbey Grounds are open. Access is from within the Grounds, and no separate opening hours are maintained.
Weather-Related Closures
The Abbey Grounds may close at any time due to high winds, particularly during the winter months. Closure announcements are made on the website and social media, so visitors are advised to check before planning a visit.
Historic Houses members visit for free except on charity days. No need to book.
Adult: £7.50
Child 6-16: £3
Under 6: free
The Abbey Grounds are open throughout the year and groups are welcome.
For group bookings and rates
For guided tours
School groups are welcome, school visits are mostly arranged with the education department of the Anglican Shrine. We welcome self-guided school groups.
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Little Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6BP
Between Fakenham and Wells-next-the-Sea on B1105.
Walsingham is on National Cycle route 1 and close to the Wells & Holkham circuit. This is a 10 mile circular route for cyclists and walkers, using part of National Route 1 and the Norfolk Coast Cycleway.
PARKING
Nearby pay and display village car park. 2 mins walk. From £2.50 for up to 2 hours. £4 for 4 hours.
Entry is at the High Street Gate ///remover.dusted.reliving
Mr & Mrs Meath Baker
While filming 'Glorious 39' here a few years ago, shooting August in November, our Aga came in useful to dry Romola Garai's pink ballet slippers (it was very wet and wardrobe had only supplied one pair)...
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