St Olave's Priory: A Tranquil Medieval Augustinian Ruin in Norfolk

Explore the serene ruins of St Olave's Priory, a rare 14th-century brick undercroft nestled in Norfolk’s historic landscape.

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St Olave's Priory

St Olave's Priory, located on Beccles Road near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is a serene historical landmark featuring the remarkably intact 14th-century brick-vaulted refectory undercroft of a former Augustinian priory. Founded circa 1216 and dissolved in the 16th century, the site offers visitors a glimpse into medieval monastic life through its atmospheric ruins and informative heritage boards. Open during daylight hours with free entry, it is a quiet spot for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

A brief summary to St Olave's Priory

Beccles Rd, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9HE, GB
+443703331181
Visit website
Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear sturdy footwear due to uneven ground and steps within the priory grounds.
Park at the nearby Priory Farm Restaurant and walk a short distance to the priory entrance.
Visit during daylight hours for best access and to fully appreciate the ruins.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, but only assistance dogs may enter the undercroft.

Getting There

Car

Drive to Priory Farm Restaurant near Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth; parking is available here. From the car park, walk approximately 25 meters along a grass footpath to the priory entrance. Travel time varies by starting point but is typically 10-15 minutes from central Great Yarmouth. No dedicated priory parking is available.
Train and Walk

Take a train to Haddiscoe station, about 1 mile from the priory. From Haddiscoe, walk or take a taxi to the site; walking takes around 20-25 minutes on rural roads and footpaths. The terrain is uneven in places, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Bus

Local bus services run from Great Yarmouth towards Beccles Road; alight near Priory Farm Restaurant and walk 25 meters along the footpath to the priory. Bus frequency is moderate, and schedules should be checked in advance. Walking includes some uneven surfaces.

St Olave's Priory location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about St Olave's Priory

Medieval Origins and Historical Significance

Founded around 1216 by Roger Fitz Osbert, St Olave's Priory was an Augustinian religious community dedicated to St Olave, the patron saint of Norway. This dedication is unusual in England and highlights the medieval cultural and trade connections between East Anglia and Scandinavia. The priory functioned as a religious center until its suppression during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 under King Henry VIII. Post-dissolution, the priory was dismantled in 1784, and parts of it were later repurposed as a cottage until the early 20th century.

Architectural Features and Ruins

The most striking surviving element is the 14th-century brick-vaulted refectory undercroft, notable for its completeness and the rarity of brick construction in medieval England. Visitors can enter the undercroft via steps and explore its atmospheric interior with a dirt floor. Around the site, the foundations of other priory buildings such as the cloister and chapter house remain visible, providing insight into the priory’s original layout. The grounds also include low-level wall remains and grassy areas, offering a peaceful setting to reflect on the site's history.

Visitor Experience and Setting

St Olave's Priory is accessible during daylight hours with free entry, though there are no on-site facilities. Parking is available at the adjacent Priory Farm Restaurant, from which a short walk leads to the priory grounds. The terrain includes uneven surfaces and steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds, but only assistance dogs may enter the undercroft. Informative heritage boards around the site enrich the visit by detailing the priory’s history and significance.

Surrounding Area and Complementary Attractions

Situated near Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads, the priory is an ideal stop for those exploring East Anglia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Nearby attractions include the Great Yarmouth Row Houses and Greyfriars' Cloisters, which showcase medieval urban life. The surrounding countryside and coastal areas offer additional opportunities for scenic walks and nature appreciation.

Preservation and Cultural Importance

As an English Heritage site, St Olave's Priory is protected to preserve its historical fabric and archaeological value. The site’s brickwork and layout provide a rare example of Augustinian monastic architecture in Norfolk. Its dedication to a Scandinavian saint underscores the interconnectedness of medieval Europe and enriches the cultural narrative of the region.

Practical Information for Visitors

Visitors should plan for a brief visit of about 15 to 30 minutes to explore the ruins and absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The site is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with access recommended during daylight for safety and visibility. While no restrooms or food facilities are on site, nearby village amenities and the Priory Farm Restaurant provide refreshments and services.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

War Memorial

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Southwold Pier

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Southwold Beach

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Southwold Museum

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Pull's Ferry

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Southwold Lighthouse

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Barton House Railway

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Cow Tower

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Southwold Sailors' Reading Room

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Burgh Castle

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Breydon Water

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Gorleston-on-Sea Lighthouse

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Gorleston

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Priory Gardens

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Lowestoft Museum

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Essential places to dine

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Burgh Hall

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Muse Restaurant

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Joker's Diner

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Olive Garden

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Crooked Barn

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Great Yarmouth Seafront Beefeater

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Quayside Plaza

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The Courtyard Italian Restaurante

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HMS Hinchinbrook great Yarmouth

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Alexandra Restaurant

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St Olave's Priory: A Tranquil Medieval Augustinian Ruin in Norfolk

A brief summary to St Olave's Priory

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car

Train and Walk

Bus

St Olave's Priory location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of St Olave's Priory

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about St Olave's Priory

Medieval Origins and Historical Significance

Architectural Features and Ruins

Visitor Experience and Setting

Surrounding Area and Complementary Attractions

Preservation and Cultural Importance

Practical Information for Visitors

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

War Memorial

Pudding tower

Potter Heigham bridge

Barton Broad Boardwalk

SOUTHWOLD OLD DRILL HALL

The Broads Authority

Under The Pier Show Southwold Pier

Southwold Pier

Southwold Beach

Southwold Museum

Pull's Ferry

Southwold Lighthouse

Barton House Railway

Cow Tower

Southwold Sailors' Reading Room

Unmissable attractions to see

Cannells By The River

Burgh Castle

RSPB Berney Marshes

Gorleston Beach

Breydon Water

Gorleston-on-Sea Lighthouse

Gorleston

Priory Gardens

The Broads National Park

Carlton & Oulton Marshes

Lowestoft Museum

Nelson's Monument

Stracey Arms Mill Shop & Tea Rooms

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

4D Cinema

Essential places to dine

The Bell Inn

Reedham Ferry Inn

The Queen's Head

Burgh Hall

The Waveney Inn

Muse Restaurant

Joker's Diner

Olive Garden

Crooked Barn

Great Yarmouth Seafront Beefeater

Quayside Plaza

The Courtyard Italian Restaurante

Zaks Yankee Traveller

HMS Hinchinbrook great Yarmouth

Alexandra Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Reedham Stores

What Is Hip

The Loft Emporium

Picnic Patch

Aurora Gift Store

Vintage Mischief

Ferailles Shop - (Knot Just A Furniture Shop!) - Great Yarmouth

Gift Emporium

Crystal Essence

R&D Crafts

Mermaid Quay