What has happened at Priory Bay Hotel?

What Is Happening At Priory Bay Hotel? (2023 Update)

5/5/2023

Priory Bay has long been one of our favourite Isle of Wight beaches

Priory Bay Hotel is in an absolute stonking location, with one of the best Isle of Wight beaches on its doorsteps - yet it has been empty for seven years now.

The beach has a special place in my heart (Ed: get a grip, man). It was our second favourite beach growing up (Compton Bay was first) and we would have been there more often if it had been slightly closer to Carisbrooke.

I've been Googling Priory Bay Hotel sporadically and thought I would share the latest update for those who haven't seen it themselves.

Here's a potted history of the last decade, including an update from the new owners last year.

The Closure of Priory Bay Hotel

Back in 2016, Priory Bay Hotel went into administration and went up for sale. It had been a pretty posh hotel for a long time and featured in our guide the best posh hotels on the Isle of Wight when we started this website in 2013.

According to the Caterer magazine, Priory Bay Hotel had been owned by the founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company. This has no real relevance but my mother enjoys reading little details like this.

Aria Resorts

In 2017, Priory Bay Hotel was bought by Aria Resorts. It went on the market for £3m, although Land Registry says it actually sold for £2.3m. Today, that would just about be enough money for a one bedroom flat with sea glimpses in Yarmouth.
Aria Resorts had grand plans for Priory Bay Hotel and also bought up three Isle of Wight holiday resorts in St Helens, Colwell and Rookley. At the time these three holiday parks were called Rookley Country Park, St Helens Holiday Park and Colwell Bay Holiday Cottages. They renamed them as The Lakes Rookley, The Bay Colwell and St Helens Coastal Resort. The whole investment was worth £30m, according to reports.
From my memory, there was then a long period where Google maps showed Priory Bay Hotel as 'reopening in May 2020'. Or perhaps it was 2019. I can't remember exactly. Anyway, things were looking very promising.
In 2019, there was a bit of a hoohaa about the planned redevelopment which included 'A two storey extension to the existing hotel and internal alterations to existing structure; conversion, alteration and refurbishment of existing outbuildings to provide 14 hotel suites, a restaurant, bar and spa; provision of up to 56 holiday lodges, 10 tree houses and 12 woodland retreats. The main issue seemed to be the properties in the woodland overlooking the bay.
In summer 2020, we stayed at St Helens. As guests of Aria Resorts we had permission to cut through the grounds of the Priory Bay Hotel to get to the beach. I took great pleasure in saying this to someone who told me I was trespassing whilst I wandered down to the beach with a bucket and spade under my arm. They apologised and we became great friends. And that's how I met your mother.
During my triumphant walk, I was able to see the hotel from the footpath. As far as I could tell, there hadn't been any activity for some time and the grounds were overgrown. The terrace had a couple of champagne flutes which appeared to have been abandoned when the hotel had shut. I expected to see a skeleton playing a cello.

The photos I took in summer 2020 aren't great, but I'll share them anyway:

My poor quality photos of Priory Bay Hotel from 2020 showed no activity...

...and it was getting a little overgrown

The grass was up to waist height and the pond was very green

Later in 2020, there was a slightly bizarre episode of 'security guards riding quad bikes' on the beach.

A dramatic turn of events

I may have overdone the headline here, but the next developments were quite dramatic in my mind.

In 2021, Aria Resorts then merged with another holiday company - Away Resorts, which owns Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. It wasn't immediately clear to me what this meant for the Priory Bay Hotel. Away Resorts are more of a holiday park company than a hotel company, so my assumption was that the hotel wouldn't really fit in their plans. The Aria Resorts name disappeared.
In December 2021, Priory Bay Hotel was purchased by Priory Bay Property Limited. Land Registry says it was sold for £4.75m. If you want to be nosey, you can look on companies house and discover that two of the directors are also directors of a luxury watch brand called Richard Mille (again, this detail has no real relevance to Priory Bay Hotel but my mother enjoys reading these little nuggets).
In June 2022, a big update appeared on the new owners' Priory Bay website, including several highlights:
- "As owners of the property, we are also island residents and so understand the importance of working with and integrating into the local communities of Nettlestone and Seaview"
- "although planning permission had already been secured by the former owners, for a total transformation across the estate, we nevertheless sought the advice of several independent consultants so as to safeguard the heritage of the destination for local residents and tourists alike"
- We are "currently exploring options for revising the existing proposals; in particular, by removing fifty-six planned lodges and replacing them with alternative significantly lower density accommodation, the specification of which is yet to be confirmed but which will befit, and harmonise with, the beauty of the surrounding landscape."

Getting to Priory Bay has always been difficult, unless you are staying in the hotel. It requires a walk from one of the adjacent beaches and is easier at low tide. On the issue of access, the new owners now say that "it has been necessary to install boundary fencing along a section of Bridleway R84, the primary purpose of which is to safeguard the health and safety of the public throughout the construction process. We will also be implementing a signage strategy to warn any members of the public who might stray from the public rights of way on the coastline". The website continues to give further details on the access issues.

Anyway, it is great to see something happening at the site! Best of luck to the new owners - let's hope it can re-open soon.

Update: 2024

We've just added a gallery of photos of Priory Bay Hotel in July 2024. Thanks to Ian, who got in touch and provided this.

62 Comments

Justin Lawson

13/6/2023 02:54:57 pm

Thank you for you most wonderful and intriguing article, I stumbled upon your article by accident.
I was a semi resident in the late 80’s as a live in pot washer!!!!!
I have never returned to the priory since….. however it is still a great desire to return to the island 🏝️ to see the ( old place) just to put to bed my memories that alas I can never return to but I yearn for those summer days and nights.
Maybe I’m looking for something that I can never find.
Your images of the priory are both very sad and uplifting, in one respect the land and house are in disrepair but on the other it’s not a ( new build ) estate.
Thank you for your article.
Perhaps one day I may return….
Regards
Justin lawson

Isle of Wight Guru

16/6/2023 09:37:53 am

Thanks Justin, I didn't expect a lot of people to read this post but I have great affection for that beach so wanted to put something together for my own interest if nothing else!

I still hold out hope that the hotel will return. The location is really something and the new owners seem to have big ideas.

Justin Lawson

16/6/2023 11:04:21 am

Hi guru,
Thank you for your response reply, I hope your correct abt the future of the hotel and land.☀️
Regards
Justin lawson
P.s did you take any more pics of the site?

Isle of Wight Guru

16/6/2023 11:30:42 am

I'm afraid those are the only ones I took. I am hoping to take a few more this summer, depending on how accessible it all is!

Nina

8/8/2024 03:48:10 am

Hi,
I used to go camping on the priory bay beach and it is my idea to do this again this summer. Someone said there were security guards??? On the beach??? What the devil??? Is this still the case?

Joanne Abrahams

17/6/2023 10:46:32 am

This is a really interesting read, thank you.

I stayed at the hotel on a school trip almost 30 years ago. It needed updating then! We played cricket on the beach. I have many fond memories there.

I was hoping to go back there but it seems that won't be possible, which is sad. However, it would be lovely if the property gets restored and any further development on the land are in keeping with the surrounding area.

Thank you.

Justin Lawson

17/6/2023 07:55:14 pm

Hi Joanne,
Thank you for your message, I find it heart warming to know it wasn’t just me that the hotel and land, that left a mark on our hearts.
I probably hold that great time in my life through rose tinted glasses, but for me it’s still a strong draw to me.
Regards
Justin lawson

TERRY GOULD

30/6/2023 08:49:02 pm

Great article!!
I often look for an update on the hotel and found your info. Great job.
A frequent visitor to IOW and first stumbled on this hotel in 2015. Retuned in both 2016 and 17 just before it closed. Only called in for a beer and update as I could see what great potential this place had.
The last time I visited, I was, again, greeted at reception by the owner. A "very proper chap" who directed me to the Bar and advised me that a staff member would be with me very shortly. A few minutes passed and the same man walked through the side door behind the bar as though we hadn't met before and asked if I would like a drink.
Ended up having a great chat and learning about what was about to happen.Sad day for him and for me as I could see what it meant to him.
He invested a load of his money made from the soup business but I think it required more than just money.
He very kindly gave me a tour of the bedrooms and other areas and I could see how difficult it would be to return it to its past glory.
I hope any development is sympathetic but I realise to invest it must provide a return.
Keep up with the news on this one and post with ANY NEWS. Thanks

Isle of Wight Guru

1/7/2023 11:21:26 am

Thanks Terry, love the story about the barman!

I assume you said "I've just seen your brother", which is obligatory in those situations!

Justin Lawson

3/7/2023 04:53:44 pm

Hi Terry,
Thks for the great reply you gave, love the story abt the barman.
Regards
Justin lawson

My Phung Huynh

12/7/2023 05:41:26 am

Wow, amazing to stumble upon your article. And also so sadden to see photos of the hotel now. In 2016, I had booked one of the yurts right along the beach and had such a special 2 days. Except for meals, we didn’t really go into the main house. The place was of an otherworldly time and memories of it live in my mind still. I hope it find it’s way back.

London babe

3/8/2023 05:39:32 pm

Hi there! I was looking for any updates about this hotel because we stayed there few times and wanted to return in some point! Sad to see nothing really happened I visited the place last time before Covid but was boarded up with fences … Did they still kept statue of Churchill and Roosevelt sitting on the bench ? 3 copy of one in New Bond Street London and Washington DC ?! Would be amazing if it’s still there !!
I really enjoy to read your article …

Derek

28/1/2024 09:07:44 pm

I am an Island resident and stayed at the hotel in 2003. I remember the statue my called “Allies”, it is the one of several copies made and i suspect it was sold and removed from its site at The Priory Hotel. We all hope that the Hotel is restored, but it is unlikely in the current economic climate.

Justin Lawson

5/8/2023 02:38:15 pm

Hi all,
Thank you for all your memories of the special priory hotel and beach, it is so uplifting and inspiring that the place has left a mark on not just my heart ❤️ but also other people’s….
Regards
Justin lawson

Susan Hall

19/9/2023 06:37:13 pm

Wonderful memories of The Priory when it was a Christian Guest House. We stayed there for two weeks in 1971 and again in 1972. I was only 7/8 at the time, but could tell you so much! I visited the hotel about 12 years ago and the staff let me look around and reminisce. So sad to see it looking as it is in your photos. Let's hope it's given the TLC it deserves.

Justin Lawson

20/9/2023 12:36:25 pm

Thank you Susan for your wonderful story

JUSTIN LAWSON

20/9/2023 01:30:38 pm

Hi Susan,
Thank you for you wonderful memories
Regards
Justin lawson

JUSTIN LAWSON

20/9/2023 01:33:04 pm

As a big favour, can I ask anyone with any images of the priory hotel 🏨 and its grounds send me them, this is a very special place to me and my images are very limited.
[email protected]

Isle of Wight Guru

20/9/2023 02:06:28 pm

I did take my drone over the site in August but there was some problem with the signal and I couldn't really get anywhere near it. I will patch together what I have and put it on Youtube, but don't get your hopes up!

Isle of Wight Guru

20/9/2023 02:30:27 pm

Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b57C-jk_Z40

As I said, not great shots of the hotel but better than nothing!

Claire

3/11/2023 03:44:38 pm

Hi Justin.

So many of us have incredible memories of this hotel, and in some way feel attached to it, if not with the land registry, with something much deeper. I have a wonderful album, full of photos of the rooms in the Priory and the grounds, which I will have to take photos of, but will email these to you as and when I can. My parents and many years later, I, honeymooned at the Priory and we always had an annual family excursion, which we have been unable to replicate elsewhere. It has a magic you can’t quite define - not to mention a ghost, connected, if I recall correctly, to a stuffed dog in a glass case!

Best wishes

Claire Longden

JUSTIN LAWSON

4/11/2023 03:05:08 am

Hi Claire,
Thank you so much for your email, it is very kind of you to search and take pictures of your collection, it is so romantic that you honeymooned in the hotel after spending so many summers there in the past.
It really is heartwarming to get so many replies to my call for images and stories from the priory, I’m speechless to be frank.
[email protected]
Regards
Justin lawson

Denise

3/10/2024 09:37:15 pm

If you go to a youtube channel called Vacant Haven you will see the very sorry state the interior of this hotel is in now. The episode was uploaded a month ago titled 'we explored the Isle of Wight's ABANDONED Priory Hotel.

Louise

24/7/2024 08:02:50 am

Hi there .
I have just viewed lots of photos on Facebook under Chloe urbex .
Apparently taken last week

JUSTIN LAWSON

27/7/2024 09:43:43 am

Hi Louise,
Unfortunately I’m not on Facebook, but have you seen those new images shot last week.
It’s a bloody disgrace .
Regards
Justin lawson

Justin Lawson

21/9/2023 03:37:53 am

Thank you… stunning shots from a great angle.

Peter Deacon

28/9/2023 10:42:47 am

About 20 years ago we arranged a weekend company BBQ at the Priory Bay as a 'Trains and boats and planes' trip, a couple of us had light aircraft and flew over, some had small sea going cruisers and some went by car and train, about 30 of us in total. I loved the place, and always remember the bench with Winston Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt life sized statues sitting on the bench in the garden overlooking the beach, are the statues still there?? We had the BBQ in an area overlooking the beach a short walk down a path from the hotel. It was a memorable day and just a brilliant location. We walked along the beach and explored the area, such a shame that the place has been left to deteroriate for so many years. I just hope that it is renovated and keeps as much of the original splendid character and is not modernised and loses its grand past..... such wonderful memories

JUSTIN LAWSON

29/9/2023 06:29:54 am

Thank you Peter,
For a wonderful, detailed account of your adventures on the island, this took place a good few years after I left, but extremely interesting in its own right.
Justin Lawson

Robin Philip

10/10/2023 02:04:45 pm

We went to the Priory Bay hotel for the first time in about 1953 when it was part of the Workers Travel Association, I was 4 years old. I have vague memories of a Bonfire on the beach and English Country Dancing in a Barn. A small sea wall was being built on the beach and my Father wrote his name in the wet cement. We returned in 2004 to celebrate my mother-in-laws 90th birthday. The place had changed quite bit, particularly with the addition of Churchill and Roosevelt, but we could just make out my father’s name on the sea wall. Such found memories. I do hope it comes back to life.

Jo Abrahams

21/10/2023 11:32:36 pm

That is such a lovely memory Robin and the fact that you went back and you could still see your Father's name in the cement wall!

In case anyone is interested, I was in the IOW a few weeks ago and before I travelled there I contacted the owner(s) of The Priory. Mainly because I wanted to visit the beach and I know they had fenced some of it off. Unfortunately I didn't get to visit it this time but this is a copy of the email I sent/received -

Hi Joanne,

Thank you for your email.

The beach at Priory Bay is accessible by walking public footpath R89, either coming from Seaview or Nodes Point. This involves rough terrain and/or stairs.

Please do let me know if you have any questions and I’d be happy to send you a map showing the designated routes.

Unfortunately I am unable to permit access from the private land itself, which remains a development site.

Kind regards,
Tom

This may or not be something you already know but it's good info. I am tempted to reply and ask some questions about the development...any questions I can ask on anyone's behalf?

Jo Abrahams

21/10/2023 11:37:08 pm

Sorry Justin,

I did see that you had already put up info on how to get to the beach!

If anyone wants to email the land owners it is on the website but I'll put it here for reference - [email protected]

JUSTIN LAWSON

24/10/2023 09:21:11 am

Thank you Jo,
Your information is much appreciated, I am still searching for my long lost past ( obviously I will never find it)
Regards
Justin lawson

Rob Newby

29/10/2023 07:12:29 pm

What sad news about The Priory. I worked there for two summers, 1982 and 1983 as placements from our hospitality college course from Thomas Danby College in Leeds. There were 10 of us sent down to work there for the summer - we had expected to join other staff but found out that we were it! It was a steep learning curve. At that time the hotel was owned by Ken and Margaret Battle from Bradford - they had a business making Formica tops for twin tubs (that ages me!) The only other people there were a couple called Roy and Daphne. Roy did the grounds and was a general handyman and manager and Daphne was the housekeeper. They lived in a flat in the basement. We had a great two summers and got up to all sorts!
I wonder whatever became of the stuffed dog!The story was the place was haunted by the Blue Lady but she was quite happy as long as her precious dog remained in the building but if anyone removed her dog she would appear. The dog was in a glass case on the main staircase. We were never brave enough to tempt fate.
I’m still in touch with a few of the people I was there with, even 40 years on. Hopefully it will be brought back to its former glory.

JUSTIN LAWSON

4/11/2023 02:58:40 am

Hi rob,
Many thanks for your email, it was so interesting to read that you had the same experience as me at the priory.
I was employed there in ‘88 & ‘89, as a “ pot washer”, but o my those two summers made me who I am now.
Mr Kenneth battle employed me £80 per week but free board and lodging, what a hard man to impress but fair at the same time.
Sadly he passed in ‘98, I presume his family after selling the hotel returned to West Yorkshire, but wonderful memories I have of those summer days and nights.
Regards
Justin lawson

Michael Foggin

10/12/2024 11:54:48 am

I followed in your footsteps - was there on my placement in 1984. Spent my 18th birthday working split shifts on breakfasts and then there was a party of darts players in for a tournament who never seemed to go to bed....
Spent the close season decorating bedrooms, painting the swimming pool and demolishing some ancient greenhouses.
Also; I think I nearly put Roy in an early grave. They had me mowing the par 3 golf course with a mini-tractor and gang mowers. I had a happy morning, but since the course hadn't been touched in months and I didn't know what I was doing I went over fairways, roughs, greens all the same length.
Spent a fortnight with a roller getting tyre tracks out of the greens :D

Karen Wheeler

11/11/2023 09:18:10 am

Hi All , this was lovely to read & brought back lots of memories we went every August to stay at the Priory for two weeks made lots of friends & lovely memories I remember Ken & Margaret & especially Roy who did everything around the place it was a fabulous place . I particularly remember nights dancing in the barn ! We returned back in July 2018 & wandered up the beach path into the grounds had a great explore before the lovely man explained we should not be there . I have some photos looked very overgrown & neglected but still has that magic & it hold a special place on my heart . I’d love to be kept updated on any progress & happy to share photos

JUSTIN LAWSON

13/11/2023 08:04:28 am

Hi Karen,
Firstly thank you for your wonderful email, full of happy and detailed memories, that we all have in our minds.
I am amazed that so many people have my train of thought 💭 about the priory.
My email is [email protected] if you wish to share your images.
They will be greatly received and cherished.
Regards
Justin lawson

David Macdonald

19/11/2023 04:26:36 pm

Great to see your update re. the hotel....we had a great wedding anniversary party there in 2013 and have been regularly trying to find news of the re-development. It's a great location and I hope it eventually emerges having kept at least a bit of its character rather than emerge 'blinged', urbanised and submerged in new extensions or whatever but hat sadly may be a forlorn hope!

David White

20/11/2023 05:16:59 pm

Will the Priory Bay hotel ever be re-opened for business?

Justin lawson

23/11/2023 07:46:04 pm

Hi David,
In regards to your question, if there is money to be made I’d say yes.
On the other hand if the costs out weight the profit, I’d say no.
Regards
Justin lawson

Matthew

21/12/2023 07:09:50 pm

My family owned the Priory in the 1700s. I have letters relating to Sir Nash Grose. I am aware of the story of the blue lady and the stuffed dog and believe it to be true. When I last visited the dog was in the glass case above the entrance. The house was quite neglected then, I would have loved to have looked around.

Malcolm woodhouse

8/2/2024 05:05:23 pm

From the age of 12 to 19 I spent two weeks a year the last week in July and the first week in August
At the Priory with my parents with a group of young guys and there parents from1958 to1965
The hotel was then run by the WTA was the
Workers Travel Association it changed to the world travels

Christine Divall (was Holden)

17/3/2024 05:15:33 pm

My family stayed at the Priory in the 60s and 70s almost every year when it belonged to WTA. Workers travel association. We travelled there from Bolton by car. We loved it there and I have many happy memories which I'm happy to share if anyone is interested. Also I met Steve there in 1966 and in 1969 we were married - and still are - to each other! We are having a short holiday on IOW in May this year. It would have been good to visit the Priory but if doesn't look possible?

JUSTIN LAWSON

20/3/2024 10:13:34 am

Hi Christine,
Firstly thank you for taking the time to reply, it is greatly appreciated.
The priory holds very nostalgic memories for me, the more images I can gather the better, I have already received many images but the is always more.
My email is [email protected].
Your images and email address with always remain the private.
Regards
Justin lawson

Denise Syndercombe Court

20/4/2024 11:18:24 am

Like many others on this thread I enjoyed many years of holidays at The Priory through the WTA -probably because it had tennis courts which was a passion of my father’s that continued throughout his life. It has always had a strong place in my heart. I worked there in the late ‘60s and we even moved the dog one night in a joke to disturb the residents. (The Blue Lady did not appear.). I stayed there with our young family in the late 90’s and organised an international conference there in the early 2000s. Waiting for its reopening as I would love revisit what are such strong joyous memories.

JUSTIN LAWSON

23/4/2024 07:17:46 am

Thank you,
For taking the time to reply, I too have very strong nostalgia towards the priory that will never leave me.
Yours
Justin lawson

JUSTIN LAWSON

23/4/2024 07:20:25 am

I’m jealous Denise,
You live near the priory, or even on the island 🏝️, thank you for taking the time to share your recent experiences of the priory.
Yours
Justin lawson

June Oreilly

20/4/2024 09:35:10 pm

I live on the Island and today went along to the Priory Bay Area but did not get into it. Then tonight I found all these comments and it was great. I worked there not long after the Palmers brothers bought it. If my old memory is just about working one of them ran the Hotel and one was a Solicitor in London. James the solicitor ? Both very tall handsome men and I remembered their soup Business. Enjoyable hour or so reading it all and seeing the photos.

Alan Wood

4/6/2024 05:43:42 pm

We holidayed at the Priory Hotel for many years during the 80s when it was owned by the Battles. Always good holidays, and the dog always loved the way they gave us leftovers from breakfast for her.

It was with interest that I looked a few years ago, and saw the refurbishment statements. It would be nice to see it finished and being propely cared for again Lets hope that it happens

Sarah Bowbrick

12/6/2024 01:48:53 pm

Some of my happiest memories are from the holidays spent here during the 80s.
Every year without fail with the same people... it was a magical place.
Ken & Margaret were the very best and formed a great friendship with my parents.
It saddens me to see it in such disrepair, I really hope that the future for the Priory can be secured.

JUSTIN LAWSON

17/6/2024 02:08:29 pm

Hi Sarah,
Firstly thank you for your wonderful message, Ken battle got me working when I was just a lazy teenager, I owe him a lot.
I’m glad to see your memories remain strong.
Yours
JUSTIN LAWSON

George Squires

27/6/2024 02:49:22 pm

Hi
I worked in the kitchen of the Priory for the two seasons 1976 and 1977. I well remember Roy and Daphne, gardener and housekeeper, respectively. But the hotel was owned by Galleon and the managers were Mr and Mrs Lee, their two children also worked there; Gary being bar manager of the iconic Barn. They came from the Bradford area and recruited many staff from there, myself included. It was a different world from the industrial north and I for one have never forgotten that magical place. I visited the island for the first time since those days a few years ago. It was closed and looking quite dilapidated, very sad to see.
Very happy to share memories of anyone who was involved with the hotel. I have a few photos too.
Kind regards George

Isle of Wight Guru

10/7/2024 12:49:43 pm

We've recently added some more photos of Priory Bay Hotel to a blog post. Thanks to Ian for sending them through: https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/blog/priory-bay-hotel-update-2024-gallery

TERRY GOULD

27/7/2024 12:38:27 pm

Keep the updates coming. Always interesting to get to any news.

Gavin Reynoldson

1/8/2024 11:15:02 am

My family (Reynoldson) stayed at the Priory Bay Hotel every summer in the 80's and 90's when the Battle's used to own it. All our family from around the world would get together for a couple of weeks.

I have such fond memories as a young boy playing in the pool and down at the beach and the sand castle competitions and the dancing the barn (which eventually burnt down) and playing croquet on the croquet lawn which was actually a very steep hill!

I'd love to go back and stay again with my own children if it ever opens up again!

Lesley Lancaster

2/9/2024 03:48:07 pm

Hi Gavin,

As Lesley Reynoldson (Gavin's aunt) I originally stayed at the Priory in 1955 when I was 12 years old. My current husband, Philip Lancaster, and I had our pre-wedding honeymoon with the Reynoldson clan here in 1994. I have so many memories of this wonderful,place and would love to see it brought back to life. I am now 81.

Dave Perry

15/8/2024 01:00:42 am

If you go to YouTube Vacant Haven YouTubers explored the hotel very recently. It is a shame what has become of this great hotel. Looking at the vlog it is going to take a lot of money to bring it back to anything like it was.

Justin lawson

21/8/2024 02:06:07 pm

Hi Dave,
Thank you for your email, I’ve just watched the you-tube channel you suggested, what a hour of my life , it was so uplifting to see the hotel, and what a large part of my heart it holds, on the other hand I shed tears, how time and Mother Nature consumes us eventually.
Regards
Justin lawson

Sue Sturgeon

18/9/2024 09:03:34 pm

I, my husband and two children stayed at the Priory
every summer in the eighties, the same two weeks
as did others and you always knew many people who became friends. They were wonderful holidays
and we all have great memories. As to the Battles
they did all return to Pudsey except David and his
wife Sylvia who maintained a piece of land on the
Priory site and had a house built called “Kens Place”we met up with them in St Helens some years later. Lets hope something gets done to stop
the decline.

David Battle

2/6/2025 08:14:14 pm

Hi Sue, I hope all your family are well. I just stumbled on this and it’s nice to hear yours and others comments.
It is quite a while since we met you in St Helens.
Kind regards
David and Sylvia

Dave Greene

24/10/2024 03:56:44 pm

I work bar at the Priory hotel 2000 -2001. I remember the great sausages from the breakfast buffet the most. And the Pims !!

KAREN MCLOUGHLIN

15/11/2024 08:02:50 am

My parents managed this hotel in the 70s. We had a staff reunion in 2018 and stayed in a cottage there, that used to be staff cottage. There was a person living and looking after the priory when we was there. He kindly let us in and we had a nostalgic look around. Telling him lots of our stories whilst working there together.

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What Is Happening At Priory Bay Hotel? (2023 Update)

The Closure of Priory Bay Hotel

Aria Resorts

A dramatic turn of events

Update: 2024

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