Glastonbury Abbey Somerset
Glastonbury Abbey The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9EL
MONTHS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Day Trip Destinations | Wildlife and Nature Reserves | Picnic Areas | Parks and Gardens | Museums | Historical Heritage | Environment Centres | Cathedrals. Abbeys. Churches | Religious Education | Leisure and Tourism | History | Geography | Environmental Studies | English | Drama / Performing Arts | Citizenship | Art and Design
What we offer on a school trip
We offer a range of services themed around our core learning offer, linked to the periods of British History when the Abbey became powerful. These can be adapted to different ages of students, different nationalities, and different ability levels.
Your group will also have the opportunity to enhance their learning by exploring the ruins and history of the site alongside one of our costumed guides.
This is a unique place. There has only ever been one Glastonbury Abbey and the stories associated with this place are inspirational and capture a child's imagination. If you wish to give your class a feel for what the country was like in medieval times you should bring them to the Abbey.
What makes us a great choice for education?
This is one of England's earliest, most important and most fascinating abbeys, providing sanctuary, tranquility, history and heritage in one special place.
We offer a packed day around your particular requirement, including two activities which enrich your pupils learning and are included in the admission price and you may request worksheets or trails to be printed ready for your group when they arrive. Your group will also have the opportunity to enhance their learning by exploring the ruins and history of the site alongside one of our costumed guides.
What is typically included on our school trips?
The Education Officer at the Abbey offers a full planning service for your day at the Abbey with agreed timetables and risk assessment. Our full offer can be found on our website https://www.glastonburyabbey.com/education-offer.php. A teacher's pack is available on request with background information on classroom links to our core curriculum.
We offer a free orientation visit and discuss how we can tailor the day to suit the needs of your group. Our activities are designed to enrich your pupil's day and are accessible to all abilities.
We are also able to offer a day for OCR controlled assessment, allowing Year 11 pupils to look at a local study focus and assess its significance.
Group Sizes Catered For
We can cater for any group size from 2 - 90. Undercover lunch space is available for groups of 50 at a time.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
A teacher's pack is available upon request and worksheets are available on our website. We are always happy to listen to requests for projects with a particular focus.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
There are no restrictions on photography and other recording media for study or other personal use.
Risk Assessment Details
We provide risk assessments for all our activities and we are happy to offer a free familiarization visit to teachers planning visits to the Abbey.
Education Officer Information
Deputy Learning Manager: Luke Loader, The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL.
Phone: 01458 832267
Pricing Information
Children age 15 and under - £4.75. Students age 16 and over - £6.50.
We allow 1 free adult for every 10 children. Extra adults £6.50, although 1:1 support staff will also be admitted free of charge.
Please note: Admission charges are not subject to VAT.
In both case the coach driver is also admitted free of charge.
Clothing Requirements
This is a largely outdoor site. Please advise students to wear warm clothes and bring waterproof footwear. Presentations and activities will take place under cover, but tours of the ruins and trails are at the mercy of the elements.
First Aid Information
There is a First Aid post at the Ticket Office as you enter the site. If you have any emergency while on site this is the place to find assistance.
Available Facilities
There is a gift shop on site and an outdoor cafe during the summer months with picnic tables. We also have a pre-bookable covered picnic space.
We have an informative museum covering the history of the Abbey from its foundation in the first century AD up to the current archaeological discoveries.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
We are mostly disability compliant (there are steps to the crypt).
Opening Hours & Information
The Abbey is open from 9.00am every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Closing times:
November to February - 16.00
March to May - 18.00
June - August - 20.00
Sept - October - 18.00
Testimonials
We ask our schools to fill in an evaluation sheet after their visit. When asked what were the highlights of your visit here, these were some of the answers given:
Stanchester KS3: Ruins, Activities
Crispin : KS3 : "Living History is a highlight, especially the journey across to the Abbey from Crispin School and the presentation in the Abbott's kitchen. The experience of being amidst the ruins for learning about the historical context of Glastonbury is brilliant. Our visit coincides with visit to other places in the town."
Stowberry: KS2: "An excellent range of well thought out activities, geared to the age range of the pupils and areas of interest being studied. Re-enactors were very good and definitely a highlight as the children could interact and ask questions, they brought the place to life.
The timings of sessions were also good, allowing the activities to have some depth to them but not too long or having to just listen for too long."
Marlwood (Sixth form Group) "The whole experience of being at the Abbey, getting a sense of history in its local and national context, and making it relevant for these A level Sociologists. Excellent pitch and delivery."
Millfield: (Independent Pre-Prep school) "Children being able to dress as a monk and feel like they are going back in time and having everything explained so clearly to them. A great introduction followed by a tour of the abbey ending in the Abbots kitchen. KS2"
Ashcott: KS2: "We loved doing the brass rubbings and dressing as monks. Any practical activity. The Monks Kitchen was great fun too."
Oaklands: KS2: "The children loved seeing the actors in character/costume."