Ewenni Priory

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Visitor Notice

When visiting Ewenni Priory Church please respect the privacy of the residents of Ewenny Priory house.

(Ewenny Priory house is a privately-owned property and not in the care of Cadw).

Thank you.

An unusually warlike religious settlement

Founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres as an offshoot of Gloucester’s Benedictine abbey, Ewenni Priory’s austere church, presbytery and transepts are the finest surviving examples of Norman Romanesque architecture in this part of Wales.

Also notable are the settlement’s uncharacteristically robust defences, consisting of impressive walls and gates that can still be seen today.

It’s unclear exactly why a small and comparatively insignificant place like Ewenny would require such fortifications: were they built for show rather than defensive purposes? While the protective walls probably had little to do with it, Ewenni Priory has enjoyed a long and active life – the Norman nave still serves as the local parish church.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Visitor information

Car park

Parking for 7 cars available, no dedicated disabled parking.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Passing through the entrance gates, access into the priory can be gained using the parish main doors.

Following the ramp towards the rear, you will find the transept which includes several burial slabs.

The areas here are uneven, please remain on the path whilst you explore.

Please be mindful as you pass through the priory, there are a few room thresholds and steps off the main route.

A side door will lead to the graveyard, which is uneven underfoot.

Outer sections of the priory are dark in places and uneven underfoot. Please do not climb upon the priory stonework, naturally there are areas where there are hidden drops.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.