Lanercost Priory
Nr Brampton, Cumbria
One of Cumbria's best preserved monasteries, half ruin and half working church, in a quiet sheltered valley that makes for calm going with your dog.
Lanercost is two buildings in one. Part of the great 13th century church is still in use as a parish church, while the roofless east end stands to full height beside it, carrying a dramatic triple tier of arches. Inside are fine Dacre family monuments, including the affecting Victorian effigy of Elizabeth Dacre Howard, who died at four months old. Much of the stone was taken from Hadrian's Wall, which runs close by.
While you take in the monuments and the arches, and consider that Edward I spent his final winter here in 1306 with the priory repeatedly raided from across the border, your dog gets a quiet Irthing valley setting: green, sheltered, level and rarely busy, which makes for a calm visit. Hadrian's Wall path is close enough to turn it into a proper walk.
Dogs on leads are welcome. There is parking next to the church with a vehicle height restriction, and free parking nearby. There is a shop, toilets, exhibition and picnic seating but no café. Please be mindful that part of the building is an active place of worship.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £8.50 adult
- £4.25 child · £21.25 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Exhibition, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01697 73030
- Parking
- There is parking next to the Church. Please note that a vehicle height restriction applies. Free parking is also available at the nearby tearoom (not managed by English Heritage).
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
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 Lanercost Priory dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Lanercost Priory, provided they are kept on leads throughout the site. The setting is a quiet, sheltered valley alongside the River Irthing — green, level and rarely busy — which tends to make for a calm visit with a dog. The Hadrian's Wall path runs close by, so it's easy to combine a visit with a proper walk.
Are dogs allowed at Lanercost Priory year round?
The listing confirms dogs on leads are welcome, but there's no specific information about seasonal restrictions. It's worth checking directly with English Heritage before visiting, particularly if you're planning a trip outside the main season.
What should I know before visiting Lanercost Priory with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead at all times, and bear in mind that part of the building is an active parish church, so a degree of quietness and consideration is appreciated. For parking, there is a car park next to the church but a vehicle height restriction applies — free parking is also available at the nearby tearoom, which is not managed by English Heritage. The site has a shop, toilets, an exhibition and picnic seating, but there is no café on site.
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