Bolton Priory

The Priory Church, is a practicing Church of England amid the historic ruins of the former Augustinian Priory of St Mary and St Cuthbert, which stands beside the River Wharfe surrounded by scenic countryside. The Church was founded in 1154 and underwent major restoration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Church is open to visitors every day between 8 a.m. and dusk (or 5 p.m. if this is earlier) except on Fridays, when the Church closes at 4 p.m. for cleaning. Throughout the summer, weekends and winter holidays volunteers are available to act as guides, and groups of any age are welcome with prior notice.

There is level access to the Church and parking adjacent for disabled visitors and rugged terrain wheelchairs available. Guides are happy to give assistance, there are large print hymn books and an induction loop system to assist people with hearing difficulties.

Visitors will discover the peace and tranquillity which makes this ancient church so special and learn about its intriguing history. Some of the aesthetic highlights include the East wall paintings, stained glass windows which bathe the church in rainbows and the reinstated stone altar, which had acted as a tombstone.