The Bayeux Tapestry & Norman Heritage Trail
The Bayeux Tapestry and Norman Heritage Trail
From Conquest to Kingdom: The story of 1066 and Norman England comes to life at Tewkesbury Abbey.
Experience a full-scale 70-metre reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry and step inside the world it created, in the extraordinary setting of one of Britain’s finest surviving Norman buildings.
Presented as part of Bayeux Around Britain, supported by WorldQuant, a British Museum partnership, from Conquest to Kingdom explores the story of the Norman Conquest and its lasting impact on England. But the tapestry is only the beginning…
The exhibition begins with the extraordinary story told by the Bayeux Tapestry itself, then takes you on a journey through the Norman Heritage Trail. Discover how the Normans built a new medieval kingdom and reshaped England’s landscape, culture and society. Founded within decades of the Norman Conquest, Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the most remarkable surviving expressions of the world created after 1066.
Standing beneath Europe’s largest Romanesque tower, explore the Abbey’s Norman architecture and discover the monks, craftsmen and communities who shaped this extraordinary building.
From monastic life and pilgrimage to architecture, fashion and music, the Norman Heritage Trail reveals a vibrant medieval world whose influence can still be seen nearly a thousand years later.
Experience the Bayeux Tapestry. Discover the Norman world.
Plan your visit
The Abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 4pm and Sunday 12:30pm – 4pm.
The exhibition is FREE to view, entry to the Abbey is by voluntary donation.
The suggested donation is £5 per adult and £10 per family.
To secure your tickets to the exclusive preview evening on 21 October visit the events page below. There are only a limited number of tickets available.
Exhibition & trail guides are available at the welcome desk for a small fee. A free map and Bayeux trail sheet for younger visitors is available at no charge.
There is no time limit to your visit, explore the tapestry and exhibits at your leisure, stop for refreshments at the Abbey Garden Café or pop into the Abbey shop and revisit the exhibition as you choose.
We welcome visits from schools, these will take place during the Spring and Summer terms. To express an interest contact info@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
Events Programme
Throughout the exhibition period we will have a range of events and activities such as music, talks, theatre and workshops. Find our more about Bayeux related events. These will be updated regularly so do check back for updates.
Exhibition closures & restrictions
As a working Parish Church there may be times when access to the exhibition is restricted or closed due to services and events. We try to provide as much notice as possible to these, but this is not always possible.
We have detailed all upcoming events and restrictions on a separate page, including as much information as we’re able, to inform your plans and visit. If you have any further queries please contact the office at info@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
Norman Tower Tour
Take your journey through the Norman world even further and climb to the top of Tewkesbury Abbey’s magnificent Norman tower – the largest Romanesque tower in Europe.
Your guided journey through the Abbey reveals centuries of history and brings you closer to the monks, craftsmen and people who shaped this extraordinary building. Then step out onto the rooftop for spectacular 360° views across the medieval town, the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds, with the Black Mountains of Wales visible on a clear day.
Finally, descend the ancient night stairs, following in the footsteps of the monks who climbed and descended them over 900 years ago.
£10 per person | Ages 8+
Pre-booking advised. Access restrictions and guidance for suitability can be found on the booking page.
Available from Thursday 22 October. 2pm daily, subject to availability.
No tours on 24 Oct, 3 Dec, 10 Dec, 15 Dec and 19 Dec
Parking
There are plenty of independently operated car parks within easy walking distance of the Abbey – all are pay and display.
The closest car parks to the Abbey are:
- Gander Lane Car Park
- The Vineyards Car Park
- Gloucester Road Car Park
- St Mary’s Lane Car Park
Accessibility
There is level access to the Abbey via the main gates and the North Path. The Abbey is equipped with ramps allowing access for wheelchair users to the majority of the building. Unfortunately some parts of the Abbey are inaccessible to those with mobility problems; these include the Tower and Night Stairs. A disabled toilet can also be found in the Visitor Centre.
Partners & Sponsors
This exhibition is made possible through Bayeux Around Britain, supported by WorldQuant, a partnership with the British Museum.
‘Bayeux Around Britain, supported by WorldQuant’ is a nationwide programme designed by the British Museum to communicate the story and significance of the Bayeux Tapestry to as many people as possible, through a network of more than 60 national partners.
The reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry is made possible by © La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie / Antoine Cazin.