Primary schools

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.

Children on a Christmas Tour of Bath Abbey

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

 

 

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Workshops

  • 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:

  • Themed guided tour of Bath Abbey
  • Trails and supporting resources including try-on costumes and Virtual Reality programme
  • 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 36 students

£4 per student, adults free

Covid protection measures in place

Tower Tour chancel roof view

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.

Students will be taken in groups of 10 with a trail provided for other students to explore the Abbey while waiting.

Health and Safety:

  • Children under 7 will not be permitted 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. Covid protections at the time of visiting will be followed.

Suitable for KS2 and above.

£120 per class, 35 students maximum.

Teacher Feedback

The children were buzzing afterwards and really enjoyed the tour. It’s definitely something we would do again with you!

Just want to say thank you to all the staff and volunteers involved in creating all the activities. The children had a wonderful experience and the morning was well structured and paced for our children.

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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