English Heritage

Mount Grace Priory was the last of the great Yorkshire monasteries, founded in 1398. Five centuries later, its ruins were bought by wealthy industrialist Sir Lowthian Bell, enthusiast for the late Victorian Arts and Crafts movement.

Bell refurbished a 17th-century mansion within the priory buildings and created terraced gardens. Wander the terraces with their mature, richly planted borders and walk through a wildflower meadow to the Monks’ Pond.

There’s a family trail and pamphlets pointing out seasonal highlights. The Orchard Café is open to all.