About
Founded between 1093 and 1100, St Botolph's Priory was one of the first religious houses in England to follow the Augustinian rule. Its church, finished around 1150, is a striking example of early Norman building in flint rubble and Roman brick reused from Colchester's ruins, with massive circular piers, round arches and an elaborate west front where two tiers of interlacing arches and the remains of a great round window survive. Part of it served as a parish church until the siege of 1648, when Parliamentarian cannon fire wrecked it for good. Look out for the stone bench of the cloister's north range and fragments of medieval tiles in the south aisle. The ruins are managed by Colchester City Council and sit beside Colchester Town station, a few minutes' walk from St John's Abbey Gate. Reviewers enjoy it as a quick, free stop on the edge of the town centre. Dogs on leads are welcome.
ClosedPick a day for times and prices
- Daily 10:00–16:00
Fri 2 Oct: 10:00–17:00 · Closed Fri 25 Dec
Today, Friday 2 October
- St Botolph's Priory10:00 – 17:00
Free entry
From English Heritage's published calendar, updated 1 October 2026, with dates up to 16 March 2027.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Free to everyone during opening times.
ParkingNo car park
Arrive on foot, by bike or by public transport.
Parking details
No parking on site. Charged public parking nearby, not managed by English Heritage; the nearest is Britannia Car Park, off St Botolph's Circus, CO2 7EF.
Driving arrival: Britannia Car Park, Britannia Way, CO2 7EF (Google listing), next to the priory; the site can also be entered from Priory Street and St Botolph's Church Walk.
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