Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse

Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse is right up near Immingham and the Humber estuary. It is maintained by English Heritage and it is one of just a few English Heritage sites in Lincolnshire.

What is there to see at Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse?

The car park for the gatehouse is tiny and we only just managed to get a space. I have honestly never been anywhere quite like it. The gatehouse is breathtaking in design. It is a 14th Century three-storey gatehouse and it is the largest and one of the finest in the country. The abbey was one of the richest and the gatehouse certainly reflects that even today.

It was so much fun wandering the corridors, peering out of the arrow slits and walking up and down staircases. There was so much more to wander around and see than there looked to be. There are even rooms with fireplaces within the gatehouse.

Little remains today of Thornton Abbey, however, there are extensive earthworks that give you an idea of its vast structure. The church itself is said to have been constructed starting back in 1264. Just two walls of the chapter house walls remain. To get to the Abbey you have to walk across working farmland. For us, this involved walking past sheep.

There are a few signs dotted around the site telling you more about the abbey and giving you an idea of how it used to look. We spent quite a while wandering around and exploring. It was fun to think what each area was used for or could have looked like.

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

There is no cafe etc on-site. There is a small gift shop at the entrance where you can purchase hot and cold drinks and snacks.

What are the main things to do?

Impressive 14th-century gatehouse with Abbey ruins. There are toilets.

What are the ticket prices?

Free to members of English Heritage. An adult ticket without donation costs £6.90, a child 5-17 years old costs £4.10, under 5s are free and other pricing options are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.