Events

One pass, unlimited WOW moments...

Get unlimited entry this summer, to both Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum and Norton Priory Museum & Gardens for you and the whole family!

Each WOW pass grants unlimited General Admission to up to two adults and three children (age 0-16) to both museums until 30th September, 2025.

This includes any activities at Norton Priory marked as Discover Norton or included with General Admission!

Norton Priory opening times can be found here: https://www.nortonpriory.org/

Catalyst opening times can be found here: https://www.catalyst.org.uk/

Please note: the WOW pass can only be used by the individual/s named on the card and only applies to General Admission, not special events (unless otherwise stated). When booking your WOW pass via Norton Priory, you will be asked to book the date of your first visit, and your pass will be available to collect from Norton Priory on that date.

Join Mima Cornish from HedgeRose Healing for meditation in the beautiful surroundings of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn on select Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The sessions vary each week and take the opportunity to access the many different places and atmospheres at Norton Priory, both inside and out, to truly enjoy the present moment. All meditations will be guided, and any mindful activities will be gentle and relaxing, promoting a natural sense of peace. Suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced. Please bring a blanket.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday 21st September
• Sunday 5th October
• Saturday 18th October
• Sunday 2nd November
• Saturday 15th November

Move over Norton – it’s HedgeRose Healing Takeover day! Come and join in on a very special day when Mima of HedgeRose healing takes over our lovely museum to bring you a day of exploration and relaxation!

During the day you will have the opportunity to build and walk the labyrinth, learn all about the herb garden at Norton Priory and how the herbs were used then and now, experience the truly mindful nature of the woodland and try various helpful meditation techniques. There will also be another chance to help to create the huge medieval tile mandala, mandala colouring in and the brilliant Paul Quigley will be teaching us all about bees while you create your very own candle to take home!

As if this isn’t already exciting enough, there will be yoga with Steph* in the morning and Pottery with Courtney* in the afternoon and stalls from local organisations.

*extra charges apply - more details soon!

Join us for a truly memorable musical experience in the stunning surroundings of Norton Priory as we present an evening with the award-winning Cheshire Chord Company, led by the talented Joanne Braham.

This versatile and vibrant ladies a cappella chorus, based in the heart of Warrington, brings together singers from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups, creating a rich tapestry of talent, harmony, and joy.

Specialising in high-energy, captivating performances, the chorus delivers a diverse repertoire – from soul-stirring ballads to toe-tapping pop hits, and from contemporary favourites to the timeless harmonies of barbershop classics. Every performance is infused with passion, precision, and a shared love of music.

Proud members of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS), Cheshire Chord Company has earned national acclaim, winning nine National Ladies UK Championship titles, most recently in 2023.

Set against the historic backdrop of Norton Priory, this event promises an evening of musical magic, camaraderie, and celebration. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of barbershop, you’ll be moved, inspired, and thoroughly entertained.

Don't miss this chance to hear one of the UK's premier a cappella ensembles perform in one of Cheshire’s most picturesque venues.

Quince and Apple Weekend is back at Norton Priory, offering a delightful experience for the entire family. This annual event showcases the best produce from the walled garden, where you can purchase fresh apples, quince and other produce grown at Norton Priory. Dive into creative craft activities and explore a marketplace filled with unique offerings from local businesses! Whether you're looking to pick up some fresh produce or enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment, Quince and Apple Weekend promises something for everyone.

This is a Discover Norton event and is included with General Admission, plus children go free!* Book online ahead of time for a discount! Pre-booking closes at 11:45 the night before your visit. But if you miss out, you can pay for General Admission on arrival!

*Up to 3 children free per full priced adult ticket, additional children will be charged.

Norton Priory is always looking for unique local businesses and artists for our events. If you are interested in being a stallholder at Norton Priory for this event, or any of our fairs, please contact bookings@nortonpriory.org

Come and join us for this evocative and immersive Halloween season performance with a difference.

The poems and works of literary legend and gothic American writer Edgar Allen Poe are brought to life by VML theatre in the atmospheric setting of the Norton Priory Undercroft.

The company will perform a selection of excerpts from Poe's most well known and classic poems and stories such as The Pit and The Pendulum, The Raven, The Tell Tale Heart and Masque of the Red Death.

The performance starts at 7pm.  There will be a 15 minute interval between acts. 

Supernatural stories read and performed for the last night of Autumn.
Gav Cross returns to Norton Priory as Norton’s Narrator. 
Stories Read & Performed for Grown Ups.

A freshly dug up evening of vintage terror built around the W. W. Jacobs classic short horror story.   

Be careful what you wish for.

Unless what you wish for is Samhain special of spine chilling stories for the season. 

Don’t sit at home with the lights off, hoping everyone will think you are out…

Come and sit in the atrium of this ancient space and let us switch the lights off for you.

An evening of tall tales and scary stories, read and performed by Gav Cross.

Returning to Norton Priory following his Sold-Out shows “After Supper Ghost Stories” & “The War of the Worlds”.

Think Jackanory for grown ups… With bite… 

Bring your bravest face and perhaps a hand to hold?*

Age guidance 14+ suggested
2hrs (Including an interval)

“A Master Storyteller” ****

- northwestend.com

“Gav's ability to beguile a room, is unparalleled.”

- Bradford Literature Festival

“Gav’s After Supper Ghost Stories was a masterclass in storytelling. By the end of the night, even the most restless meme-spewing teen in attendance sat totally captivated by his raucous and suspenseful retelling of these classic tales. We can’t wait to welcome him back.” 

- Pound Arts 

"Gav is an exceptional storyteller.”

- Storyhouse, Chester 

“Professional storyteller and comedy performer Gav Cross held the audience in the palm of his hands.”

- Highlights Rural Touring Scheme

*Please ask permission of the owner of the hand… 

Step into the festive spirit and kick off your Christmas shopping with a wonderful selection of food, crafts, and gifts from local businesses. The museum will be filled with a variety of stalls, offering everything you need to find the perfect presents for loved ones. From handcrafted treasures to delicious treats, you’re bound to find a stocking filler or two! Enjoy musical entertainment and festive food and drink while you browse and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

As well as entry to the fair, admission tickets include access to the museum, ruins and woodlands. After picking up some wonderful Christmas gifts, why not enjoy a lovely winter walk in Norton Priory's woodlands?

Norton Priory is always looking for unique local businesses and artists for our events. If you are interested in being a stallholder at Norton Priory for this event, or any of our fairs, please contact bookings@nortonpriory.org

He may be very busy this time of year

He's checking his lists (twice, of course), feeding his reindeer ready for their very special annual outing and polishing his boots until they twinkle.

But Father Christmas is never too busy to visit Norton Priory! With his favourite elf by his side, he'll be stopping by right here, in person, for a magical, festive, storytelling show.

He has a sack full of silly stories and giggles galore, and there'll be plenty of festive fun, noise and nonsense!

A 60-minute show that includes a chance for every family to meet, greet and chat with Father Christmas, with the help of our cheeky Elf!

There are two times to chose from, 5:30pm or 7:30pm

Tickets £11 per person (£7 for Under 4s).

VML Theatre Ltd returns to Norton Priory to bring us a traditional Christmas Carol concert featuring classic and well loved carols.

The concert takes place in our our 12th century undercroft, with the choir adding extra historical sparkle to the evening in Victorian period costume.

Concert starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be available on the evening.

An annual Norton Priory favourite, this special carol concert celebrates the season with a range of well-known Christmas carols and festive favourites, with the popular Runcorn Community Choir. 

A free glass of mulled wine or orange juice will be served at the end of this event. 

Adults £8, children £7, Norton Priory Members £7. 

This December, back by popular demand, multiple award-winning A Place for Us Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale back to life in the hauntingly beautiful setting of Norton Priory’s atrium.

Now in its sixth year, this much loved festive tradition is always a sell-out, combining atmosphere, music and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Join Scrooge as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come in this exciting hour-long adaptation.  With just the right touch of spooky chills, plenty of festive magic and a story that reminds us the true spirit of Christmas, A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to celebrate the season. 

Whether it’s your first time, or you’re returning to relive the magic, this year promises to be this production’s most enchanting yet.

Tickets are priced at £16 for adults, £9 for children (under 12) and £45 for families.  A discount of 10% is available for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.

Free on-site car parking is available, and the museum's Brooke Cafe will be open for refreshments.

"I can think of no better way to spend an evening than with this amazing cast…"
Northwest End Review, 2024 

A new adaptation and performed reading by Gav Cross, Norton’s Narrator.

This 14th Century epic story, set in the festivities of King Arthur's court between Christmas and New Year is now retold at Norton Priory as a ‘betwixtmas’ treat.

Bravery and honour, chivalry and courtliness, these are the markers of a great knight of King Arthur's Court. Young Gawain must settle the promise made to the terrifying Green Knight.

A monstrous terror that Gawain beheaded to protect his King.

But did not bring about its demise...

With adventure and terror, promises and frailties, this story has lasted seven centuries. Reputed to have been written in Cheshire, we can easily imagine that it was performed and told as an entertainment on this very spot, when the story was newly written.

Join master storyteller, performer and Norton’s Narrator Gav Cross, as he brings to life a new version of this classic text.

Beware the ‘Wilds of the Wirral’.
Beware the Green Chapel.
Beware the Green Knight.

This traditional story for the liminal and lost days between Christmas and New Year is a perfect accompaniment to the heritage wonder of the venue. Will Norton’s own Green Man approve?

Bring your bravest face and perhaps a warm hand to hold?

Age guidance 14+ suggested / 2hrs (Including an interval)

“A Master Storyteller.”
North West End

“Gav's ability to beguile a room, is unparalleled.”
Bradford Literature Festival

“Gav’s After Supper Ghost Stories was a masterclass in storytelling. By the end of the night, even the most restless meme-spewing teen in attendance sat totally captivated by his raucous and suspenseful retelling of these classic tales. We can’t wait to welcome him back.”
Pound Arts

"Gav is an exceptional storyteller.”
Storyhouse, Chester

“Professional storyteller and comedy performer Gav Cross held the audience in the palm of his hands.”
Highlights Rural Touring Scheme

Learn the basics of pruning your fruit trees then get some practical experience using the Norton Priory Museum & Gardens orchards, with guidance and advice from an expert tutor. The session will be led by Katie Tonge from Heathfield Orchards.

Katie is the former Chief Executive of the Cheshire Landscape Trust and now manages and advises on orchards across Cheshire. She helps to

A hands-on workshop to learn about grafting fruit trees from an expert tutor. Graft a couple of small apple trees to take home using Norton Priory's heritage apple varieties. The session will be led by Katie Tonge from Heathfield Orchards.

Katie is the former Chief Executive of the Cheshire Landscape Trust and now manages and advises on orchards across Cheshire. She helps to maintain the orchards at Norton Priory and worked with us to create the new Oldfield Orchard.