The Gorton Monastery reopened its doors on August 2 and boasts a range of activities to ease people out of lockdown.

Visitors looking to take a tour inside can do so for free between 10am-4pm on any day except Friday and Saturday.  

An hour of silence is also held every day at 12pm with no booking needed to attend.  

Dance for Wellbeing classes are set to run on Tuesdays and Tai Chi beginner classes on Thursdays.  

Taste of the Monastery tours will be offered on Mondays from 10.30am-2pm, teaching attendees about the building's history, it’s secrets and the story of how it was saved from dereliction.  

The array of activities at Gorton Monastery was made possible by the financial support of organisations throughout the pandemic, including the Heritage Emergency Fund and Cultural Recovery Fund.  

Elaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of The Monastery, added: “Gorton Monastery is a jewel in Manchester’s crown, an architectural treasure, and is still incredibly significant as one of Manchester’s most spiritual sites.   

“This building has been part of the community for over 150 years, so it was devastating to have to shut the doors to the public. However, this period of closure has given us time to reflect on what this building is about, and we are turning the focus back onto supporting the community in as many ways we can.” 

In 1998 and 2000, Gorton Monastery was listed by the World Monuments Fund as an endangered site of historic interest but working alongside resilient volunteers it’s continued to thrive.  

John Darlington, Executive Director at World Monuments Fund Britain, added: “By highlighting Gorton alongside other world-famous sites, such as The Valley of the Kings, Pompeii and Machu Picchu, we were able to help Gorton on its road to recovery, repurposing an extraordinary asset for people and place.  

“I am absolutely delighted that the Monastery is such a success, illustrating beautifully the power of heritage-led regeneration.” 

For more information, go to www.themonastery.co.uk

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