Woodspring Priory

Woodspring Priory is a former Augustinian monastery in North Somerset, a few miles north-east of Weston-super-Mare in the parish of Kewstoke. It sits beside the Severn Estuary, close to the limestone headland of Sand Point and the open hill of Middle Hope. The Landmark Trust now looks after it, and most of the buildings are let as holiday accommodation.

Who founded Woodspring Priory?

The house dates from around 1210. The Landmark Trust credits William de Courtenay, grandson of Reginald Fitz Urse, one of the knights who killed Thomas Becket. The canons followed the uncommon Victorine rule, a strand of the Augustinian tradition, and the place was known in medieval records as Worspring. Early details vary by source: Historic England's educational material traces the community to Dodlinch and says it had settled at Woodspring by 1226. Much of the complex was rebuilt in the 15th century. Henry VIII's Dissolution closed the priory in 1536, after which the buildings passed into farm use.

What is there to see?

The key survivors are the priory church, the infirmary, the farmhouse and a large medieval barn standing roughly 50 metres north-west of the church. The church, infirmary and barn are Grade I listed, the highest tier in England, and so is the gatehouse. The farmhouse is Grade II*. The whole site, together with its fishponds and field system, is also a scheduled monument (Historic England list entry 1012722).

How was it saved?

After the Dissolution the site declined through centuries of agricultural use. The Landmark Trust, a charity that rescues historic buildings, acquired the priory in 1969. Wikipedia notes that the neighbouring Middle Hope land went to the National Trust in 1968 under Project Neptune. Restoration happened in two phases: the first finished in 1976, the second in time for Christmas 1992.

Can you visit Woodspring Priory?

Because the buildings are let to guests, access is limited. The priory opens to the public about once a year as part of Heritage Open Days; the 2026 dates were 12 and 13 September. Check the Landmark Trust site before travelling. The surrounding countryside is open year-round, and paths across Middle Hope give views over the Severn towards Wales.

How do you get there?

The nearest town is Weston-super-Mare, about 5 km to the south-west. A car is the easiest way, as Kewstoke lies on the coast and the final stretch follows narrow lanes. By train, travel to Weston-super-Mare station and continue by taxi or local transport.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stay overnight at Woodspring Priory? Yes. The Landmark Trust rents most of the site as holiday accommodation inside the historic walls.

Is it open to the public? Interiors can mainly be seen on open days, normally once a year. Dates and ticketing are set by the organiser.

When was the priory built? It was founded around 1210, substantially rebuilt in the 15th century and dissolved in 1536.

What protection does it have? The church, infirmary and barn are Grade I listed, and the wider site is a scheduled monument.