Lanercost Priory, Carlisle

Ruins in Carlisle

Lanercost Priory From The South
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Dixon

Lanercost Priory is one of the best places to visit in Carlisle's surrounding countryside, a stunning blend of medieval architecture, monastic calm, and dramatic borderland history. Founded in the late 12th century by Robert de Vaux, the priory housed Augustinian canons for nearly 370 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. Nestled close to Hadrian's Wall and Naworth Castle, the priory occupies a landscape shaped by Roman legions, medieval nobles, and the ebb and flow of Anglo-Scottish conflict.

Today, its atmospheric ruins and beautifully preserved church reveal stories of devotion, warfare, royal refuge, and medieval resilience. This spot is often visited on walking tours of Carlisle’s northern fringe thanks to its mix of spiritual heritage, fortified structures, and links to King Edward I, who stayed here during the final years of his life.

History and Significance of Lanercost Priory

The priory was established in the 12th century to house Augustinian canons under the patronage of Robert de Vaux, a powerful lord of Gilsland. For almost four centuries, the community served as a religious, cultural, and agricultural centre in a region frequently troubled by cross-border warfare.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, the priory’s buildings passed to Thomas Dacre of nearby Naworth Castle. He converted much of the west cloister range into private dwellings known today as Dacre Hall. This included the Prior’s Tower, a four-storey fortified tower with an adjoining two-storey domestic range to the west. The remaining monastic structures fell gradually into ruin.

Lanercost is also famous for its connection to King Edward I. In declining health during the winter of 1306–1307, he stayed at the priory for several months while campaigning against Scotland. He lodged in what is now called King Edward’s Tower—a 13th-century, two-storey stone pele tower featuring distinctive dog-tooth ornament beneath its parapet. The priory’s proximity to the border made it a target for raids, including an attack by Robert the Bruce, whose forces repeatedly struck the region during the Wars of Independence.

Things to See and Do in Lanercost Priory

Visitors can explore the impressive priory church, whose restored nave has served as the local parish church since around 1740. Its soaring columns, medieval stonework, and quiet atmosphere provide a powerful sense of continuity between past and present.

The ruins of the cloisters, chapter house, and refectory evoke the daily life of the Augustinian community. The Dacre family additions, including Dacre Hall and the fortified Prior’s Tower, add a layer of Tudor and medieval domestic history that contrasts beautifully with the monastic spaces.

King Edward's Tower is another highlight, admired from the exterior for its sturdy pele-tower design and decorative dog-tooth stonework. The wider setting near Hadrian's Wall enriches any visit, allowing travellers to explore layers of Roman, medieval, and early modern history within a short walk or drive.

How to Get to Lanercost Priory

Lanercost lies east of Carlisle near Hadrian's Wall. Most international visitors arrive via Newcastle International Airport before travelling west by train or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Carlisle on Booking.com.

Carlisle Railway Station provides excellent connections to the region, and from the station Lanercost can be reached by local bus, taxi, or bicycle along scenic rural routes. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Drivers can access the priory via the A69 or local roads leading toward Brampton, with parking available near the site.

Practical Tips on Visiting Lanercost Priory

  • Best time to visit Lanercost Priory: Spring to autumn for pleasant weather and atmospheric light.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Admission fee applies; check English Heritage listings.
  • Opening hours: Open seasonally with regular daytime hours.
  • Official website: Refer to English Heritage for site details and events.
  • How long to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the church, cloisters, and grounds.
  • Accessibility: Some uneven ground and steps; church more accessible than the ruins.
  • Facilities: On-site shop, restrooms, and a nearby tearoom.
  • Photography tip: Capture the priory ruins from the churchyard at golden hour.
  • Guided tours: Occasional tours available through English Heritage.
  • Nearby food options: Tearoom adjacent to the priory and cafés in nearby Brampton.

Where to Stay close to Lanercost Priory

The surrounding countryside offers peaceful places to stay close to the priory. For a comfortable base in Carlisle with easy access to Hadrian's Wall, consider The Halston. For a village atmosphere near the Wall, The Kings Arms is a warm and welcoming option. Another convenient stay is Pinegrove Hotel, with good access to both Carlisle and the rural sites east of the city.

Is Lanercost Priory Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Lanercost Priory offers a rich blend of medieval spirituality, turbulent border history, and royal drama. Its well-preserved church, evocative ruins, and connection to Edward I make it one of the region's most compelling heritage sites. Whether you're exploring Hadrian's Wall or the history of northern England, the priory is a deeply rewarding stop.

FAQs for Visiting Lanercost Priory

When was Lanercost Priory founded?
In the late 12th century by Robert de Vaux for Augustinian canons.

Did Edward I stay here?
Yes, he stayed for several months in 1306–1307 in King Edward’s Tower.

Is the church still in use?
Yes, the restored nave has served as the parish church since the 18th century.

Can you explore the cloister ruins?
Yes, the ruins are open to visitors and maintained by English Heritage.

Is Lanercost Priory near Hadrian’s Wall?
Very close—several Wall sites are just minutes away.

Nearby Attractions to Lanercost Priory

  • Naworth Castle: A powerful medieval stronghold linked to the Dacre family.
  • Hadrian's Wall: Roman frontier remains stretching across northern England.
  • Birdoswald Roman Fort: One of the best-preserved forts on the Wall.
  • Brampton: A historic market town with shops, cafés, and local heritage.
  • Carlisle Castle: A major medieval fortress with centuries of border history.

The Lanercost Priory appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Carlisle!

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Visiting Lanercost Priory

Hours:

10am-6pm Apr-Sep, 10am-5pm Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Nov-Mar

Price:

Adult £5.90, Child £3.50

Address: Lanercost Priory Lanercost Brampton CA8 2HQ United Kingdom
Carlisle: 17 km
Official Website

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