Kirkham Priory
Malton, North Yorkshire
Augustinian ruins beside the River Derwent with a spectacularly carved gatehouse, giving your dog level riverside grass and mature trees.
Two things make Kirkham worth the drive. The first is the gatehouse: elaborately decorated with the heraldry of the lords of Helmsley Castle alongside worn figures of St George and the Dragon, and far grander than the modest priory behind it would suggest. The second is much more recent. During the Second World War these ruins became a training ground for the D-Day landings, with tanks testing their waterproofing in a pool between the ruins and the river and soldiers practising on scrambling nets hung from the priory walls. Churchill and the King both came to watch.
As you take in the gatehouse carving and the 1120s priory behind it, your dog gets level riverside grass with mature trees and the Derwent alongside, which makes this one of the more relaxed abbey sites to visit.
Free to enter, with free parking for about 50 vehicles outside the gate, not managed by English Heritage. There is picnic seating but no café. No dog rules are published for the site, so keep your dog on a lead near the river and the ruins.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- House & Palace
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Parking, Picnic seating, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 0370 333 1181
- Parking
- Free parking for about 50 vehicles outside gate, not managed by English Heritage.
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirkham Priory dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Kirkham Priory. The site offers level riverside grass, mature trees, and the River Derwent alongside the ruins, making it one of the more relaxed abbey sites to visit with a dog.
Are dogs allowed at Kirkham Priory year round?
The site is free to enter and no seasonal restrictions on dogs are published, so visiting year round should be fine. As always, it's worth checking locally if you're planning a trip in unusual weather or around any special events.
What should I know before visiting Kirkham Priory with my dog?
No specific dog rules are published for the site, but it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead near the river and the ruins out of courtesy and for their safety. There's free parking for around 50 vehicles outside the gate, picnic seating for a relaxed stop, but no café on site, so bring your own supplies.
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