Wilmington Priory was a cell of the Benedictine Abbey at Grestain in Normandy. Never a conventional priory with cloister and chapter, the monks prayed in the adjoining parish church, where the thousand-year-old yews are testimony to the age of the site. The Priory has been added to and altered in every age, some of it has been lost to ruin and decay, but what is left shows how highly it was once regarded.

Staying here you will have the benefit of enjoying the medieval site with its fine vaulted entrance porch, mullioned window in the wall of the ruined Great Chamber, and stair turrets, combined with the comfort of living in rooms improved by the Georgians. Add to that the sense of adventure as you make your way to bed in the first floor medieval porch bedroom, through the unconverted chamber above the kitchen with its open cathedral-like roof and tracery. Once there, look out at the Long Man in this peaceful, unchanged landscape.

From this ancient place you can go to the opera at Glyndebourne, admire the work of the Bloomsbury group or perhaps go bucket and spading in Eastbourne. Whatever you choose, Wilmington itself with its agreeable village street, pub, and downland walks, all overlooked by the famous Long Man, has much to offer.

View our history sheet for this Landmark

Sleeps: 6