Michelham Priory

England’s longest water filled moat surrounds the site which dates back to 1229.

Explore Michelham’s fascinating 800 year history, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house.

One of the Society’s places to visit in Sussex and ideal for a family day out.  As well as the historic house, additional highlights include
-seven acres of grounds with kitchen garden and medieval herb garden
-working watermill
-working forge
-interactive medieval gallery in the 14th century gatehouse
-replica Bronze Age roundhouse
-children’s play area
-trails, dressing up and hands-on activities throughout the house
-newly refurbished café and gift shop
-regular events throughout the year (check our ‘events’ page for details)

Education

The friendly education team offer a wide range of customised activity days enabling children to discover the past using drama, hands on activities, challenges, costumes, tours, artefact handling and demonstrations in the forge and watermill.

We can accommodate up to 120 children at a time and visitors are given a warm welcome with indoor spaces for activities and eating lunch.  In good weather, lunch can be taken to our picnic area next to our new playground, just across the moat.

Key Stage 1 & 2: Houses & Homes, Food/Water, Monarchs & Michelham, Fire, Stone Age to Iron Age, The Roman Countryside and Saxon Invaders, Tudors, Victorians, World War 2 and the Battle of Britain.

Key Stage 3: Britain’s Changing Landscape from the Iron Age to the Present, Medieval Britain 1066-1509, Religion and Superstition in Daily Life 1509-1745.