Bridlington Priory Church
📍 Church Green, Bridlington Old Town, Bridlington, East Riding Of Yorkshire, YO16 7JX
About Bridlington Priory Church
Description
The Priory Church of St Mary, in Bridlington’s Old Town, was founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1113 and was from the start a rich and important religious house.
At the Reformation the Priory, along with many other foundations, was ‘dissolved’, most of its buildings destroyed and its property seized. What we see now is the original nave and is a fine example of medieval architecture.
Inside the church, as well as beautiful soaring columns and impressive stained glass windows, visitors can learn about the history of the Priory through a fascinating series of appliquéd pictures.
Similarly, a display about a former prior, John de Thweng, who became St John of Bridlington gives a good insight into life in a medieval monastery.
Children can dress up as an Augustinian canon and colour illuminated letters.
In the 20th century restoration of the church included a wide range of wooden pieces carved by ‘Mousey Thompson’ of Kilburn, North Yorkshire.
Visitors might like to follow the ‘Mouse Hunt’ sheet and find them all.
Also of interest is the magnificent 4-manual Anneessens organ. A programme of organ recitals featuring world-renowned organists runs on the last Saturday of the month from April to September.
The churchyard includes the memorial to the Great Gale disaster of 1871 where many lives were lost.
The Priory also is a member of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Living Churchyard Project and has areas set aside for nature conservation by providing a variety of habitats for our native flora and fauna.
With a shop, a coffee machine, a warm welcome and free entry, Bridlington Priory is well worth a visit.
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📍 Church Green, Bridlington Old Town, Bridlington, East Riding Of Yorkshire, YO16 7JX
from 474 reviews
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Showing 5 of 474 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 26 June 2026.View all on Google →
We had a lovely time wandering around the priory church. It is beautiful kept and contains a beautiful work of art made by the ladies of the church depicting the history of the church. It also has a challenge of finding the mice in the churches furniture that was made by the Mouseman. Well worth a visit.
What a beautiful church! Lots of History. I was particularly impressed with the applique of the church's history. You can also use an activity sheet to spot 18 mouse carvings around the church.
Full of history and beautiful to be in. There's a shop inside selling local honey, prints, religious and other small items. The outer grounds are worth walking round too. Donations can be made via contactless.
Attended an organ(s) recital with Robert Poyser and Lewis Scott. Wearing of a woolly was advisable but hot drinks, biscuits and sausage rolls were available at a reasonable price. Toilets are in the Parish Rooms, one minute walk away . Lovely friendly vicar.
Visited the Priory on a few occasions. There are a number of volunteers upon arrival who show you around. The tour round is very interesting and recommend. You can take dogs in which is lovely and you can also get a tea or coffee. Inside there is also a giftshop which is stocked with a variety of goodies. Well worth spending time here. It is beautiful.