Group visits to Stoneywell

A view of Stoneywell from the garden, with a footpath in the foreground and the cottage framed by trees and hedges — A view of Stoneywell from the garden | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

We welcome group visits to Stoneywell, where you can explore a 1950s Arts and Crafts home, and learn more about the Gimson family and their contribution to this artistic movement. Find out how to book and what to expect on your group visit here.

Planning a group visit to Stoneywell

Stoneywell is small (and perfectly formed) so you will need to pre-book your group visit. We have allocated a number of days this season for groups to enjoy exclusive access to Stoneywell – please email the office or call 01530 248040 to enquire about bookings.

Small coaches with under 30 seats are welcome, but due to the size of the surrounding country roads, we cannot accommodate larger coaches.

We recommend allowing 1½ hours to explore the house and gardens at Stoneywell.

Group admission fee

We offer a discount for groups of 15+ which is payable as one payment on the day of your visit; all current prices are listed on the ‘Visitor info’ tab on Stoneywell's homepage. Please remind all National Trust members to bring their membership cards.

Upon arrival at Stoneywell, please make sure the group leader is on the first shuttle bus from the car park to report to the welcome team – this will help us get your visit off to a great start.

A view of the front of Stoneywell cottage on a sunny day, with a vibrant rhododendron growing in the foreground and blue sky above. — Rhododendrons at Stoneywell | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

Exploring the house and gardens

The cottage can be explored either at your own pace or you can arrange a 40-minute guided tour, which will be pre-arranged for your group. Please note that entry to the house may be staggered for larger groups, for your safety and enjoyment.

We also offer free guided garden tours with our dedicated garden volunteers. Please let us know if you’re interested in adding a garden tour to your visit.

Facilities and access

To ensure members of your group get the most out of their visit, please read the full access statement on the ‘Visit’ tab or contact us if you have any specific access needs.

Due to the unique structure of the cottage, which is built over seven levels, the house is not wheelchair accessible. Please note that there are lots of slopes in the grounds, which can become slippery in wet weather.

There are no refreshments outlets at Stoneywell so you may like to bring refreshments or a picnic to enjoy in the garden. Toilets are available in the Stables, and there is a second-hand bookshop to peruse at your leisure.

Further information for groups

Use the ‘Visitor info’ tab on the Stoneywell website to find useful information, such as getting to Stoneywell, where to park, what to expect when you arrive, and contact information.

Use the links below to find inspiration for your visit, including seasonal highlights in the grounds and things to look out for in the house.

A display of autumnal gourds and flowers on a windowsill inside the cottage at Stoneywell, with a tiny staircase built into the cottage wall to the left. — Autumn display in the cottage at Stoneywell | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 800 2329 or email us at NTTravelTrade@capita.co.uk.

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

Exterior view of Stoneywell, Leicestershire. Stoneywell was built as a summer home by Arts and Crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimson for his brother Sidney.

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