The building preservation charity the Landmark Trust is opening the building, which is a former cell of the Benedictine Abbey at Grestain in Normandy, to give people a chance to see inside and learn more about its history.

The Priory is open from 10am-4pm today and Sunday and 10am-1pm on Monday.

The earliest parts of the priory date back to the 13th century, but the structure has been added to and altered in every age since.

Some of it has been lost to ruin and decay, but what is left shows how highly it was once regarded. Wilmington Priory, which is available for stays for up to six people, was never a conventional priory with cloister and chapter.

The monks prayed in the adjoining parish church where the thousand-year old yews are testimony to the age of the site.

All are welcome to attend these open days and look around this beautiful historic building and landscape. There is no need to book.

A free information leaflet will be available which explains the building's history and restoration. For directions please contact the Landmark Trust on 01628 825925 or www.landmarktrust.org.uk. The booking office is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

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