Brinkburn Priory

School Visits

Immerse your class in the history of Brinkburn Priory, from its early 12th century beginnings to its conversion to a manor house after the dissolution. The priory was re-roofed and restored in the 19th century and is one of the best examples of early Gothic architecture in Northumberland.  

We’ve made some changes to the opening times at Brinkburn Priory. You can find these, as well as all the information you need for a memorable visit, on this page. We’re also working on a new learning offer, as well as special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions, which learning groups will be able to enjoy.

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Brinkburn Priory will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1-3 History: Local history study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1745

Self-Led Visit

Book a self-led visit to Brinkburn Priory and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives. Explore the stained glass windows of the church of the Augustine Priory and sing a song to appreciate the beautiful acoustics.  

UK schools and eligible learning groups can visit for free to support your teaching. Find out more about our offer for international education groups.

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page. 

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip! 

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: The car park is free of charge and located around 400 metres from the site. Coach and minibuses are advised to contact the site ahead of visiting.
    • TOILETS: There are two portable toilets and an accessible toilet on site.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
    • SHOP:  There is a very small gift shop selling some English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. We recommend bringing your students in small groups at a time.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: There is no education room or bag storage on site.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Disabled visitors may be set down near to the site entrance. Please call and arrange this in advance with the site staff. There are two allocated disabled parking spaces twenty yards from the reception. There is wheelchair access to the grounds. The pathways are loose gravel.
    • WET WEATHER: In the case of inclement weather the site team will do their best to accommodate your group.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group

Learning Resources

  • Teaching Medieval History

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.

  • A Mini Guide to Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.