Since March 2023, we have allowed dogs in almost all areas of the site. The only exception is inside the café, but there is alternative seating available for dog walkers. As we recognise that not everyone is comfortable around dogs, we ask that dogs be kept on leads under control and not be allowed to approach other visitors uninvited.
- What does National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) mean? In 2023 we became Halton Borough's first National Portfolio Organisation. This is a group of arts and cultural organisations that receive funding from Arts Council England (ACE), and thus some indirect government funding. This funding is to support a specific range of activities, mainly an expansion of our events programme including the "Discover Sundays" activities.
- How does the admission fee support Norton Priory? We are an independent charitable trust, so do not receive direct government funding and rely on admission fees and fundraising. This is why your admission fee is vital in helping us to maintain our fantastic programmes and preserving our unique heritage. This includes caring for our wonderful objects, sharing our history, running our community programmes and ensuring that Norton Priory Museum & Gardens can be enjoyed today and in the future.
- Do I need to book in advance? For normal admission, you don't need to book in advance to visit Norton Priory, however tickets are slightly cheaper booked online. Some events require pre-booking if spaces are limited, such as for performances and workshops. It's always best to check the event description online to make sure.
- Is Norton Priory part of...? We are an independent charitable trust, so are not part of any other national heritage organisation or trust.
- What do members of Norton Priory receive? Annual memberships start at £30 and grant the member/s free entry to the site for 12 months, free or discounted entry to some events (members rates will be advertised) and on-site discounts. Full T&Cs can be found on our website: https://www.nortonpriory.org/membership.php
- How does Gift Aid help Norton Priory? If you are a UK taxpayer, you can choose to Gift Aid your admission which includes a voluntary contribution of 10%*. This means that we can reclaim 25% of the full ticket price back from the Government - helping your money go even further. For example, a Gift Aided adult ticket costing £11.00 means that we will actually receive £13.75.
*You can only donate Gift Aid if you pay income or capital gains tax in the UK. Your donations will qualify as long as they’re not more than 4 times what you have paid in tax in that tax year (6 April to 5 April).
- How long can I expect a visit to Norton Priory to last? In the summer when our full 42 acre site is open to visitors, it is easy to spend hours wandering the woodlands and gardens. There is an on-site café and plenty of good spots for a picnic if you want to make a full day of it. Even in the very worst weather, we recommend at least a couple of hours to enjoy our museum and ruins.
- Is Norton Priory an accessible site? The visitor centre and exhibition galleries are all accessible, with a lift available for access to the first-floor gallery. There are no steps on the main entrances and exits to the visitor centre. The Undercroft has ramps available to help maximise access, but as an original medieval structure, some areas are not fully accessible. Likewise, the archaeological remains or ruins of the monastic complex are not fully accessible, due to limitations of the historic nature of this part of the site. All paths behind the visitor centre have been resurfaced, with the majority being flat or with gentle inclines. There are two stepped parts along the stream glade path: our team will be only too happy to identify these on your arrival upon request. The path leading to the Walled Garden, which is closed in the winter season, has also been resurfaced, with most of the paths in the Walled Garden being gravelled. There is blue badge parking outside the main entrance to the museum and at the Walled Garden. We also offer free entry for carers. The museum has a fully accessible toilet. For visitors who require seating, we have a range of seats at different points within the grounds and within the Walled Garden. There is also seating available in the visitor centre atrium. Our team is always ready to extend a warm welcome to all our visitors, so if you have any questions about your visit, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Does Norton Priory have on-site car parking? We have three car parks: the main visitor centre car park, an overflow carpark which is often used on event days and a smaller car park at the Walled Garden (seasonal opening only). All Norton Priory car parks remain free of charge for museum visitors, but please be considerate when parking your vehicle. The disabled parking spaces must only be used by blue badge holders.
- Can I bring a group/school or book Norton Priory for a corporate event? We offer a discounted rate for advance bookings of 12 or more, plus options for guided tours. We have a conference room and a classroom that can be booked for events such as corporate events. Norton Priory also offers a full education programme for schools with workshops covering history, nature and craft activities (https://www.nortonpriory.org/schools.php).
- Can I get married at Norton Priory? Norton Priory is a licensed wedding venue and we offer packages ranging from 1 hour hire for just your ceremony up to use of the site for the whole day, including ceremony and reception. Most couples choose to get married in our medieval Undercroft and have their reception in our spacious atrium and we have a list of local businesses such as caterers that we can recommend. Our motto is "Your wedding, your way," and a wedding at Norton Priory can be completely unique.
