Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens — A Haven of History and Tranquillity

A Hidden Sanctuary in the North Yorkshire Moors

Tucked beneath the hills of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Mount Grace Priory is one of England’s best-preserved Carthusian monasteries. Founded for a life of silence and solitude, it now welcomes visitors to explore centuries of faith and peaceful beauty.

The site combines three experiences in one: the medieval priory ruins, a 17th-century manor house, and carefully restored Arts and Crafts gardens. Together they offer a journey through time — from monastic simplicity to modern elegance.

A Story of Solitude and Survival

Founded in 1398 by Thomas de Holland, nephew of King Richard II, Mount Grace Priory belonged to the Carthusian Order — one of the strictest in Europe. Unlike other monastic communities, Carthusians lived alone in small cells, meeting only for worship.

The monks here devoted their lives to prayer and study, growing their own food in tiny walled gardens. However, this peace ended in 1539, when Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries forced its closure.

Centuries later, the site was revived as a country residence. Today, the National Trust and English Heritage preserve it as a place of beauty, reflection, and quiet escape.

Exploring Mount Grace Priory
1. The Priory Ruins

Walk among the peaceful remains of the monastic church, cloisters, and individual cells. Each cell was a tiny house with its own garden, workshop, and living room. In addition, one has been beautifully reconstructed to show how a Carthusian monk once lived in solitude.

2. The Manor House

Beside the priory stands the 17th-century Mount Grace Manor, transformed in the early 1900s by the Arts and Crafts architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and designer Ambrose Heal. Inside, exhibits blend medieval and modern styles, linking the site’s monastic and domestic pasts.

3. The Gardens

The surrounding gardens, inspired by Gertrude Jekyll’s Arts and Crafts designs, burst with seasonal colour and fragrance. Pathways lead through flower borders, ponds, and lawns that frame the ruins against the moorland sky.
Therefore, every season brings a new view — from spring blossoms to golden autumn light.

Learn more on the English Heritage website

Visiting Mount Grace Priory
How to Get There

By Car: Located near Northallerton off the A19 (TS9 6XL). Free parking on site.

By Train: Northallerton Station is about 7 miles away.

By Bus: Limited local services; a taxi from Northallerton is recommended.

Opening Hours & Tickets

Open daily from spring to autumn, and weekends in winter.
Entry is free for English Heritage members; National Trust members receive discounted admission.

Facilities

Visitor centre and gift shop

Toilets and café

Benches and picnic areas

Wheelchair-accessible routes in main areas

Nearby Attractions

Rievaulx Abbey: Another stunning Cistercian ruin set in a wooded valley.

Helmsley Castle: A dramatic medieval fortress overlooking a market town.

North York Moors National Park: Ideal for scenic drives and hiking.

Byland Abbey: A beautiful ruin and once Mount Grace’s spiritual neighbour.

Together, these create an unforgettable North Yorkshire monastic trail.

Why Visit Mount Grace Priory?

Mount Grace Priory offers a rare blend of architecture, art, and tranquil landscape. Its Carthusian cells reveal a monk’s solitary life, while its Arts and Crafts gardens showcase creative renewal.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, gardening lover, or seeker of quiet places, this hidden retreat offers peace and inspiration in equal measure.