Woodspring Priory

Reviews:

(Provided by Julian Spicer) - On the map, it looks uncomfortably close to Weston super Mare - and this is not a town likely to appeal to Landmarkers! Do not worry, because the Priory is reached by long quiet lanes and is situated on a really lovely peninsular that is good for walking, picnicking and looking at the sea. There are two walled gardens (one with shrubs and flowers - so rare for a Landmark garden) and a bumpy orchard with sheep. Inside is really nice, and the church windows in unexpected places make it both light and interesting. Great fireplace in the kitchen, so large that it has seats inside and a chimney that you can see the stars through. Access to the M5 is easy.

(Provided by Sexton Blake) - Woodspring Priory has a very homelike comfortable feel about it. Basically it is a church that has been converted into a farmhouse after the Reformation. Inside it is very comfortable and un-churchlike. We found it warm and cosy. We liked the fact that a cavernous bit of church is attached which houses a few display cases. The walls are a complex mixture of periods and are pretty interesting, if architecture is your thing (after a Landmark or two, it should be). There is a jumble of mounds outside to puzzle over and a couple of nice buildings near by - a big medieval barn and a monk's hospital. The warden will happily show you these and take you up the church tower for the view. The Priory was built by the family of one of the assassins of Thomas Becket and it seems that a pot of Becket's blood was kept there for a while. Nice. The location is lovely - a paddock with a friendly horse is next door and the garden is well tended. A set of lawn bowls is provided, and a pitiful selection of games - draughts (yawn) and a really disturbing jigsaw of a country cottage. Bring your own games and leave one behind please. A few minutes walk away is lovely rolling hill cliff footpath. A massive Sainsburys is a short drive away. Pricey wood is provided for the fires if you want it. We really enjoyed this Landmark experience.

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