Visiting Chawton House Library

Chawton House Library is an ideal place to visit, and has much to offer to special interest groups, as well as individuals and  parties of families and friends looking for an interesting day out.

For special events, please visit the calendar.  Tickets can be purchased over the phone or online.

To read in the library, please learn more about making an appointment.

 

Guided tours

These currently take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Tuesday and Thursday tours start at 2.30 p.m. with an opportunity to finish your tour by purchasing tea, coffee and cake, in the Old Kitchen which dates from 1590. The Wednesday tour begins at 10.30 a.m.  and start’s with the opportunity to purchase tea, coffee and cake, in the Old Kitchen.  Included is a thorough guided tour by our extremely knowledgeable volunteers, of the house and library and a self-guided tour of the gardens.

Gift Aid helps us make your donation go furtherGift Aid Admission is £6 for adults and £3 for children (5-15).  This includes a voluntary donation of 10%. which allows us to claim back Gift Aid on the entry fee. Payment of the additional 10% donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our staff  when booking.

There are limited places on the tour so it is advisable to book ahead. Weekly tours may very occasionally be cancelled due to other activities.

 

Group Visits

Groups are most welcome at Chawton House Library. We pride ourselves on the service that we offer to group organisers and the travel trade.

 

VISITS FOR STUDENT GROUPS

Groups of students from higher and further education institutions are very welcome to visit the Library for an introduction to the collections here, to find out more about the Library as a research resource. Such visits can also include a tour of the house itself to hear about its history.  For other students, our education programme offers further opportunities to visit.

 

PRE-BOOKED TOURS

Bespoke group tours for 10 people or more can be booked from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm for £7.50 per person. These can be tailored to specific interests and we will be happy to discuss your requirements and any particular requests.

Whether you prefer to wander around at your own pace in the garden, or take a guided tour of the house,  we have a wide range of options available, and can also arrange bespoke packages upon request.

  • A day at one of Britain’s best loved houses
  • Preferential admission rates for pre-booked groups of 15 or more
  • A wide variety of tours available
  • Bespoke packages available
  • Dedicated group booking manager
  • Guidebooks available to pre-book
  • Pre-booked lunches, morning coffee and afternoon tea packages available
  • Free familiarisation visits available
  • A wide range of events throughout the year
  • Limited disabled access
  • Photography for personal use is welcome in the house (however we do not permit the use of tripods)
  • Coach drivers are provided with refreshments, a comfortable restroom and free admission to visit the house and garden
  • There is free parking available for pre-booked coaches near to the house entrance

We recommend at least 2 hours to view all that Chawton House Library has to offer.

We ask groups of 15 or more to book in advance to benefit from our preferential group rates, and to ensure that a member of our team is available to meet your coach on arrival.

On arrival, your coach will be met by a member of staff and / or an experienced volunteer  who will welcome your group and arrange payment. Payment is accepted by cash, cheque (made payable to Chawton House Library), and all major credit and debit cards. It is possible for the travel trade to be invoiced after the visit; however, this must be agreed in writing prior to the visit.

 

GARDEN-ONLY TOURS

Visitors can explore the gardens on a self-guided tour from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. For a garden-only tour, simply call at the front door to pay the £3 admission (£1.50 for children) and collect your guide.

 

Access information

Disabled access

Visitors with impaired mobility and wheelchair users can access the ground floor Library Reading Room (where the bulk of the collection is housed), the Great Hall, Dining Room, Old Kitchen, and Library Terrace Gardens. Wheelchair users will need assistance if visiting alone, so please let us know and we will make arrangements to support you during your visit.

 

Booking

Please contact the Library on 01420 541010 or email info@chawton.net to book a tour or to discuss how we can best tailor your visit.

 

Art fund logoPlease note:
Current members of the Art Fund are entitled to a discount on entry – please see your Art Fund handbook for details.