Quick answer
Kirkham Priory is a free English Heritage ruin by the River Derwent, about 5 miles south-west of Malton, with open grass for little legs. Entry is free and English Heritage says it is open any reasonable daylight hours. On 13 November 2026, its calendar showed that on every date we checked to 10 January 2027, Christmas Day included. English Heritage does not suggest a visit length. The access page lists deep water close by in the River Derwent, and a one metre drop at the edge of the site. Keep small children close. The official pages do not mention any toilets on site.
Is it right for my child?
- Space to run: the facilities page says there is plenty of space for children to run around and explore. It suggests hide-and-seek and frisbee. It does not mention any play equipment.
- Things to spot: English Heritage picks out newly uncovered medieval floor tiles, the monastic washbasins and the great gatehouse.
- Carved gatehouse: it is decorated with coats of arms and worn figures of St George and the Dragon, and David and Goliath.
- A wartime secret: during the Second World War, tanks bound for Normandy tested their waterproofing in a pool between the ruins and the river. Winston Churchill and King George VI made a top-secret visit to watch.
- Old story: the priory dates from the 1120s and was home to Augustinian canons until 1539.
- Safety: the access page lists low ruined walls, a one metre drop at the edge of the site and smaller drops within the ruins. It also lists steep steps from the cloister to the refectory, and grass that can be slippery when wet.
- Water: the River Derwent is close by. The access page says it is not part of the property, but lists it under deep water.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- Go in good daylight. English Heritage gives no closing time, only “any reasonable daylight hours”, so we suggest arriving well before dusk.
- Use the toilet before you set off. The official pages do not mention toilets on site, and the access page marks accessible toilets as not available.
- Pack a picnic and drinks. The official pages do not mention a café, but picnics are welcome.
- Wear boots or wellies. The access page says grassed areas can be slippery when wet, with some rough grass and grassy slopes.
- Agree a river rule early. The River Derwent is close by, so keep young children with you.
- Leave the barbecue at home. Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not permitted.
Prices and tickets
Kirkham Priory is free to visit. The venue page says “Free Entry”.
On 13 November 2026, we clicked every date on the English Heritage calendar from 13 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Every adult, child (5 to 17), concession and family ticket line showed as free, with or without a donation.
The calendar lists the free tickets as advance online and on the day. The official pages do not say whether you need to book for entry. The access page notes that some facilities may need booking in advance.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Pushchairs: the facilities page says pushchairs are allowed.
- Ground: expect grass, with some rough grass and grassy slopes. Grass can be slippery when wet.
- Steps: the access page lists steep steps from the cloister to the refectory, and there is no lift.
- Toilets: the official pages do not mention toilets on site. The access page marks accessible toilets as not available.
- Baby changing: the official pages do not mention baby changing.
- Not available: the access page marks high chairs and bottle or food warming as not available.
- Seats: there are benches near the entrance and around the ruins.
Food and drink
The official pages do not mention a café, kiosk or shop at Kirkham Priory. Bring your own food and drinks.
English Heritage calls it a delightful place for a picnic. You can sit on the grass among the ruins, overlook the river or use one of its picnic tables.
Getting there and parking
The address is Whitwell on the Hill, Malton, North Yorkshire YO60 7JS. English Heritage says the priory is 5 miles south-west of Malton and 12½ miles north-east of York, on a minor road off the A64.
- Parking: free parking for about 50 vehicles outside the gate. It is not managed by English Heritage.
- Blue Badge: the access page says there are no allocated disabled parking spaces.
- Sat nav: English Heritage gives the postcode YO60 7JS and the what3words address village.guarded.mystified.
- Bus: English Heritage names the Ryecat 184 and 185 to Kirkham Priory village on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
- Other buses: otherwise it names the Yorkshire Coastliner X40, 840, 843 and 845 to Whitwell on the Hill, then a ¾ mile walk.
- Train: Malton station is 6 miles away.
- Bikes: English Heritage points cyclists to Sustrans to plan a route.
When to visit
- 13 November to 23 December 2026: on 13 November 2026, the calendar showed “Open any reasonable time during daylight hours” on every date, with free entry.
- Christmas and New Year: the calendar showed the same daylight-hours line on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December 2026 and 1 January 2027. It gave no separate holiday arrangement.
- Weather: there is no indoor space mentioned, so choose a dry day. Grass can be slippery when wet.
Additional needs and disability support
English Heritage publishes an access page for Kirkham Priory, and it says to contact them before you visit if you have particular access needs.
- Wheelchairs: the access page says “Good access although manual wheelchair users may wish to bring an assistant.” Wheelchair loan is marked as not available.
- Steps: steep steps from the cloister to the refectory. There is no lift and no on-site transport.
- Rest points: benches near the entrance and around the ruins.
- Sensory: the access page lists the sounds of wildlife and the weir on the River Derwent.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Not available: accessible toilets, an adult changing area, handrails, audio tours, induction loops, tactile models, Braille guides and large print or easy read material.
- Parking: no allocated disabled parking spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirkham Priory free?
Yes. English Heritage lists free entry. On 13 November 2026, every ticket line on its calendar showed as free, from 13 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Is Kirkham Priory open in winter?
English Heritage says it is open any reasonable daylight hours. On 13 November 2026, its calendar showed that on every date we checked to 10 January 2027, including Christmas Day.
Are there toilets at Kirkham Priory?
The official pages do not mention toilets on site. The access page marks accessible toilets as not available, so plan a stop before you arrive.
Can you take a pushchair to Kirkham Priory?
Yes, the facilities page says pushchairs are allowed. Expect grass, some rough ground and grassy slopes, plus steep steps from the cloister to the refectory.
Are dogs allowed at Kirkham Priory?
English Heritage lists Kirkham Priory among its dog-friendly places, and assistance dogs are welcome. Its general dog note says to keep dogs on a lead in fields with livestock and clean up after them.
Is Kirkham Priory safe for toddlers?
It needs close supervision. The access page lists the River Derwent close by and a one metre drop at the edge of the site. It also lists smaller drops in the ruins and low walls to trip on.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official English Heritage pages for Kirkham Priory, its opening times, facilities, access, directions and history, and its dog-friendly places list. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
