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What We Offer Visiting Schools

We offer guided tours and workshops linked to the national curriculum which are fun and engaging, with plenty of hands-on elements. Visits can also be self-led and can also include our new Discovery Centre which has try-on monk, abbess and pilgrim costumes plus the chance to design illuminated letters. A guided Tower tour is also available for students aged 7+. It includes the bell ringing room, the clock tower and views from the Abbey roof. Workshops include a creative art/craft activity linked to the topic, for example, making herbal Medieval medicine bag or designing a Tudor-style clay tile.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit

The Abbey is an awe-inspiring historic building as well as a busy place of worship. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about a Christian church operates as well as a remarkable piece of ancient architecture which has been visited by kings and queens over many centuries. The Learning team will bring its spectacular history to life for students by revealing the fascinating stories behind its beautiful features. 

Subjects and Topics Covered

Bath Abbey through the Ages (History), Art and Architecture (Art), The Living Church (RE), The Abbey and the transatlantic slave trade (History, Citizenship), the Georgian period (History), A Monk’s Life in the Medieval period (History), the Construction of the Abbey (STEM)

Group Sizes Catered For

Workshops: maximum 36 students. Abbey Tours: no maximum but staggered entry times may apply for larger groups. Tower tours: maximum 35 students aged 7+.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops

Tours last 45- 60 minutes. Workshops last around 120 – 150 minutes. Visits can be tailored for a particular study focus. Trailsheets for Primary and Secondary schools are available at a small additional cost. Workshops are offered for all subjects which include a guided tour, plus an art/craft activity to take home, such as a stained glass jar in the style of our windows.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment and Teacher Guide is emailed as part of the booking process. A ratio of teachers to students is required as follows: 1:6 Primary 1: 8 Secondary.

Education Department Information

Contact the Learning Manager with any queries. Polly Andrews pandrews@bathabbey.org 01225 303319.

Pricing Information

Self-led visits, per student: Primary £2.50, Secondary £3.50. Accompanying adults free.

Pre-school and Primary rates, per student: £3 Tour, £4 Workshop. Accompanying Adults free

Secondary rates, per student: £4 Tour, £5 Workshop. Accompanying Adults free

Tower tours: £120 per group

Facilities

The learning room below the Abbey is the base for all workshops and can also be booked for packed lunch stays. It is fully accessible. Bags and coats can be left securely during tours of the Abbey. There are cloakroom facilities and toilets close by.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities

Bath Abbey is fully accessible with lifts which can accommodate wheelchairs. There is a Changing Places toilet as well as a wheelchair accessible toilet. A hearing loop is available and sensory learning resources can be incorporated for students with SEND. All schools are asked to give details of students with SEND at the time of booking so that visits can be fully tailored to support their learning. 

Opening Hours

Weekdays 10:00 – 16:00. Availability may change due to events and services taking place in the Abbey. These will be communicated to teachers as part of the booking process. Please check the website homepage for latest updates.

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