Thornton Abbey Guided Tour
Admissions
Overview
Between Thornton Abbey’s magnificent gatehouse and the ruins of the abbey church and chapter house lie dozens of humps and bumps – some large and obvious, some low and confusing. These remains relate not only to the medieval complex, but to the later reuse of the site as a private home with elaborate gardens. English Heritage landscape archaeologist Al Oswald will lead two guided tours explaining how mapping the humps and bumps, together with geophysical survey and targeted excavation, transformed our understanding of this incredibly wealthy and internationally important abbey.
Each walking tour will last about 90 minutes. We will not be able enter the gatehouse, which is currently undergoing conservation works. The walking route will be fairly level, but the ground is uneven in many places, so not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues, and the grass can become muddy and slippery after rain. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted, due to the presence of the farmer’s sheep, and the tour is probably not suitable for under-16s. There are no toilets or other facilities on site and no shelter from bad weather. Parking is available immediately outside the gatehouse, about 100 yards from the start-point for the walking tours.
Each walking tour will last about 90 minutes. We will not be able enter the gatehouse, which is currently undergoing conservation works. The walking route will be fairly level, but the ground is uneven in many places, so not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues, and the grass can become muddy and slippery after rain. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted, due to the presence of the farmer’s sheep, and the tour is probably not suitable for under-16s. There are no toilets or other facilities on site and no shelter from bad weather. Parking is available immediately outside the gatehouse, about 100 yards from the start-point for the walking tours.