St. Bees Priory

About

The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and historic church in the seaside village of St Bees, built in 1120, is all that remains of the original Priory, but it is a thriving and much loved parish church.

Walk along the Sleeping Child Garden, by Josefina de Vasconcellos, a memorial to lost young lives; then enter the church through the west door, a magnificent Norman doorway. To the left is the Lady Chapel and in the opposite transept, the famous Willis organ, an instrument of cathedral size built in 1899 and still in regular use for services, recitals and concerts.

If you stand in the doorway and look towards the entrance of the church and to the back of the hall you can appreciate that this church was originally of cathedral proportions.

 

Key Features

 

Captivating architecture

Spectacular stained glass

Magnificent memorials

Glorious furnishings

Enchanting atmosphere

Fascinating churchyard

Wildlife haven

Social heritage stories

National heritage here

Famous connections

 

Visitor Information

Bus stop within 100m

Train station within 250m

Level access to the main areas

Car park at church

On street parking at church

Parking within 250m

Accessible toilets in church

Church shop or souvenirs