Tours

Step into 900 years of history, beauty, and storytelling with one of our expert guides. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, our tours bring the Abbey and its stories to life

Our winter tour season starts from 22nd October.

Pre-booked group tours are available on request. Private Tower Tours may be available on request for groups of five or more – subject to availability.

The Norman Tower Tour

Step into the footsteps of the Normans and climb Tewkesbury Abbey’s magnificent Norman tower. Follow centuries-old stairways through the heart of the Abbey, uncovering stories of monks, kings and medieval life as you ascend towards one of the county’s most spectacular viewpoints.

At the top, step out onto the rooftop for breathtaking 360° views across the medieval town, the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds – and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Mountains of Wales. It’s a chance to see the landscape that has shaped Tewkesbury for centuries, from a truly remarkable vantage point.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the tour will not ascend to the exterior summit of the tower. Instead, discover the Abbey’s Nave roof and additional hidden spaces, offering a different glimpse into this extraordinary Norman building.

Children over the age of 8 may go on a tower tour, 8-16 years olds must be accompanied by an adult (one adult to one child). More information on tower tours is below as these may not be suitable for everyone.

Tickets are available online up to 9am on the day of the tour and then available to purchase at the Abbey welcome desk on the day (subject to availability): Buy Tower Tour Tickets online – Tewkesbury Abbey

£10 per person (booking fee applies for online transactions).

Please note that when in extreme weather (wind, rain and sun) the tower summit is inaccessible and a hidden spaces tour will be run instead. There is no tower tour on 24 Oct, 3 Dec, 10 Dec 15 Dec and 19 Dec.

Coming Soon Winter Highlight Tours and Lunch

A perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Explore the Abbey’s most remarkable features, from the soaring Norman architecture to medieval stained glass and hidden treasures, then enjoy a warming winter lunch in the Abbey Garden Cafe. Perfect for group travel parties.

Must be pre-booked.

Dates and prices coming soon.

Tickets

Tours start at the main entrance of the Abbey, meet by the welcome desk. Our tours are suitable for all ages.

Book tour tickets online.

They also be purchased on the day from the welcome desk in the Abbey, subject to availability.

Pre-booked Group Tours

Our 90 minute Abbey Tour is available for pre-booked groups. Perfect for coach parties, societies, schools, or family gatherings.

Flexible times available — please contact us to arrange: info@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk.

£8.00 per person.

*As we are a working and active Parish Church, sometimes we have to cancel tours. Please check in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Norman Tower & Hidden Spaces Tours – Important Information

• Children over the age of 8 may go on a tower tour 8-16 years olds must be accompanied by an adult on 1:1 ratio
• Meeting point for Tower Tours – by the welcome desk in the entrance to the Abbey.

Practicalities

There are over 200 steps to the top of the tower and then you have to come back down. Therefore this tour may not suitable for those who are elderly, infirm, disabled, pregnant, suffering from heart or respiratory disorders or from any other medical conditions which could be affected by the climb. It is your decision about whether the tour is suitable for you. The tour will proceed at the speed of the slowest person and there will be one short pause en-route. It is advisable that flat sensible shoes be worn on the tour as there are narrow spiral staircases with narrow treads and uneven floors. The tour will travel though areas with low level lighting which are narrow therefore anyone suffering from severe claustrophobia may wish to consider this before joining a tour. If you have any questions or worries about the tour please speak to a guide before you leave ground level.