Our new learning programme brings to life over 1000 years of dramatic history.
Discover the wonder of our Living Church and its powerful stories of Benedictine Monks, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and much more.
Guided Tours
Guided talks inside the Abbey by the Learning team, focusing on the highlights of its fascinating history. This can be tailored to your topic on request with a month's notice.
Duration: 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour.
- The Living Church – what happens in this Christian place of worship
- Bath Abbey through the Ages – over 1000 years of fascinating history
- A day in the life of a Medieval Monk – devoting their lives to God
- Bath Abbey’s monuments and colonialism – connections with the transatlantic slave trade
- The Abbey in Georgian times – the heart of a rich, fashionable city
- A STEM focus – how the Abbey was designed and constructed
- Art and Architecture – what makes the Abbey such a beautiful place
Includes interactive learning using props and costumes.
Suitable for KS1 and 2
£3 per student, adults free
Self- guided Tours
You are welcome to bring up to 35 students at any time into the Abbey for a self-guided visit. Your visit must be booked in advance by contacting the Learning Manager: pandrews@bathabbey.org or 01225 303319.
A teacher guide and risk assessment will be sent to you after confirmation. Please bring enough adults for a 1:6 ratio.
You can pay on arrival at the Welcome Desk or by invoice after your visit, please confirm at the time of booking.
Access to the Discovery Centre is for a maximum of 10 students at a time.
£2.50 per student, adults free.
A trail sheet pointing out the highlights of the Abbey is available for an extra £0.50 per student. Please request in advance.
Workshops including Guided Tour
The Living Church – what happens in this Christian place of worship
- A Monk’s Life – how Benedictine monks lived during Saxon and Medieval times
- Bath Abbey through the Ages – over 1000 years of fascinating history
- The Georgian Abbey – who are the famous and interesting people on its memorials
- The Construction of the Abbey – how the Abbey was designed and constructed
- Bath Abbey and the transatlantic slave trade - exploring memorials connected to Britain's colonies
- Art and Architecture – what makes the Abbey such a beautiful place
Duration: 2 hours
Includes:
- Guided tour of Bath Abbey by a member of the Learning team
- Exciting art and craft activities
- Accompanying Loans box to hire for some workshops
- Supporting videos, bringing to life the Abbey’s highlights
Suitable for KS1 and 2
Maximum 35 students
£4 per student, adults free
Tower Tours
A memorable 45 minute – 1 hour tour of the Abbey’s Tower, climbing its 212 steps to explore the ringing chamber and see stunning views of the City.
Health and Safety:
- Children under 7 are not able to take part in the tour. There must be one adult per six primary students and one per eight secondary students
- The stairwell is moderately difficult to access in parts. The tour may not be suitable for students who experience mobility issues, claustrophobia or vertigo. Please contact us for further information.
- Sensible footwear and clothing must be worn.
Suitable for KS2 and above.
£133 per class, 25 students maximum, including 2 teachers.
Teacher Feedback
"All the communication prior and after our visit was so helpful, and we all had a very positive morning - thank you."
Year 1 teacher, ‘Highlights of Bath Abbey’ tour, June 2024
"It was very engaging, Polly who took the tour was great with children and there was a good pace to the tour. Perfect for Years 1 and 2. Thank you."
Year 1&2 teacher, 'Christmas at the Abbey' tour, December 2024
Virtual learning
A 30 - 45 minute Zoom lesson led by the Abbey’s Learning Officer
- A Monk’s Life – how did Benedictine monks live during Saxon and Medieval times
- The Living Church – what happens in this Christian place of worship
- Bath Abbey through the Ages – over 1000 years of fascinating history
- The Georgian Abbey – who are the famous and interesting people on its memorials
- Art and Architecture - including stone carvings, stained glass and fan-vaulting
Includes:
- Accompanying Loans box to hire for some workshops
- Supporting video, bringing to life the Abbey’s highlights
Suitable for KS1 and 2
£45 per whole-class lesson
Covid protection measures in place
