Today, as you approach Michelham Priory down a quiet Sussex lane, it is hard to imagine that in the 13th century, when the Augustinian priory was founded, it stood only a few hundred yards from the main road linking Lewes with Hailsham, Battle and the port towns of Hastings, Rye and Winchelsea, which added to its strategic importance. How times change.
Eight hundred turbulent years of history are reflected in the now tranquil house and gardens at Michelham. Unlike most priories, which were destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries ordered by Henry VIII, Michelham survived in part, and what remained was turned into a magnificent country house. The Tudor reception rooms, the Elizabethan Great Barn, the historic watermill and the working forge all reflect Michelham’s changing role over time, while the wonderful grounds include a kitchen, physic and mediaeval herb garden, all a haven for wildlife.
Our day begins with a guided tour of the house for one group and a separate tour of the gardens for the other. As we are a large group, there will be two separate sittings for lunch. In the afternoon, the groups are reversed and there will also be time to relax and explore the site at your own pace.
If you would like to join us on this day out, click here for more information about completing the application form and how to pay.
Deadline for applications: Monday 09 June 2025 but as visits tend to fill up quickly, please book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information about Michelham Priory, please click here.
To discover more about this Grade-1 listed historic house, please click here.
To view a short introductory film about Michelham Priory presented by the historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland, who is a patron of the Sussex Archaeological Society, please click here.
Planned programme for the day: TBC
09.00: Depart Hop Oast
10.15: Arrive Michelham Priory – welcome tea / coffee at the Blue Door Café
10.45: Our tour guides will collect us at the café (2 separate groups)
11.00: Group A – House Tour / Group B – Garden Tour
12.30: Group A – lunch (preordered) at the Café or bring a picnic to eat outside
13.15: Group B – lunch ditto
14.00: Group A – Garden Tour then free time to explore
14.30: Group B – House Tour then time to look around at your own pace
16.15: Coach departs Michelham
17.30: Arrive Hop Oast
Cost: £50 pp incl. coach hire & gratuity, entry to Michelham Priory, tea/coffee on arrival + two guided tours. Lunch (extra) is available at The Blue Door Café, or bring a picnic to eat outside. As the Café cannot accommodate all of us at one time, there will be two separate sittings. We will contact you concerning lunch options as soon as we know our final numbers and a separate payment will be required for those people having lunch at the café.
