Hailes Abbey

School Visits

Founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall, Hailes Abbey is set amid delightful Cotswold countryside. Once the centre of monastic life, the tranquil ruins are now the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic in a unique historic setting. Visit the new museum to discover the treasures of Hailes, uncovering stories of the monks who lived and worshipped at the abbey for nearly three centuries.

“A very enjoyable and valuable day!”

Teacher, KS2

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Hailes Abbey will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1 History: significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2-3 History: A local history study
  • KS3 History: the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509

Free Self-Led Visits

Book a free self-led visit to Hailes Abbey and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives. Visit the on-site museum which brings to life 300 years of piety, culture and tradition. This includes sculptures, stonework and other artifacts, like an exceptionally rare fragment of a 14th-century monk's spectacles, giving you a unique insight into the abbey's history as both a monastic site and post-Dissolution home. Walk through the remains of the Cloister at the heart of the monastery and uncover the fame of the Holy Blood of Hailes. Tour maps with a reconstruction image and a small handling collection of replica items are available for loan whist on site. Please request these when booking.

 

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and for Covid-19 risk assessments and measures we’ve got in place please visit our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Car and coach park adjacent to the entrance.
    • TOILETS: There are accessible toilets.
    • LUNCH: Picnics are welcome on site, and some picnic benches available.
    • SHOP:  There is a small shop selling a selection of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Guidebook available in the shop –Education groups receive a 20% discount on guidebooks. We ask the class visit the shop groups of 6 and supervised by a leader.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: There is not currently an education room or bag storage available.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: There are designated disabled parking spaces in the car park. There is wheelchair access to the shop and museum. There are some uneven grassed surfaces and small steps throughout the site.
    • WET WEATHER:  There is some indoor space in the museum but this is not suitable for activities or for large groups to congregate. Groups should come dressed in suitable clothing and footwear.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-October: Wednesday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 2 November-16 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 17 February-23 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 24 February-31 March: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm

     

Learning Resources

  • Teaching Medieval History

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.

  • A Mini Guide to Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.