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.
Welcome to Walsingham Abbey, a historic site known for its mediaeval Priory ruins and beautiful naturalized snowdrops in early spring. The grounds also feature daffodils, wild garlic, and bluebells in later seasons, providing a peaceful retreat throughout the year.
Opening Hours
Snowdrop Season: From Monday, 26th January 2026 to Sunday, 1st March 2026, the grounds are open daily from 10am to 4pm.
March 2026: The grounds are closed from Monday, 2nd March to Thursday, 5th March. They are open on the following dates and times:
- Friday, 6th March to Monday, 9th March: 11am-4pm
- Friday, 13th March to Monday, 16th March: 11am-4pm
- Friday, 20th March to Monday, 23rd March: 11am-4pm
- From Friday, 27th March to Sunday, 1st November 2026: Open daily, 11am-4pm
Admission
Admission to the Abbey Grounds and Shirehall Museum is as follows:
- Adults: £7.50
- Children (6-16): £3.00
- Under 6: Free
Payment is by card only. Season tickets are available and valid for one year from the date of first entry.
Historic Houses Members: Free admission is available for members of Historic Houses, except during special events or charity days.
Special Events
- Wine Tasting & Snowdrop Walk: Held on 6th, 7th, 20th, and 21st February 2026, featuring wine tasting from the Walsingham Estate Vineyard and snowdrop walks.
- Charity Day: On Saturday, 14th February 2026, all gate proceeds will go to Tapping House.
Visitor Information
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Accessible public toilets are available outside the main entrance. The Abbey Grounds may close during high winds for safety reasons.
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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