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Walking in Stanley Spencer's Footsteps

Join us on this free guided walk, walking in Stanley Spencer's footsteps.

  • Booking essential
  • Free event

This gentle circular walk takes in the places that painter Stanley Spencer lived in and loved and was inspired by during the years he lived in Burghclere, creating his epic First World War themed masterpiece at Sandham Memorial Chapel.

Discover the footpaths and stories that brought Stanley Spencer's remarkable paintings to life. As we walk your guide will reveal the places and moments that inspired his most celebrated works, offering a vivid and memorable introduction to both the artist and Burghclere itself. With plenty of opportunities to ask questions. This engaging interactive tour is the perfect way to deepen your appreciating of Spencer's world. Please allow around 90 minutes for the experience.

Please note Sandham Memorial Chapel will be welcoming visitors when we return from the walk. Normal admission charges apply.

This walk is free of charge, however booking is essential there is a maximum of 15 people per walk.. A National Trust membership is not required to take part in this walk. Parking is free for all visitors. Please register interest on sandhamevents@nationaltrust.org.uk

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call 01635 278394

Suitability

Children are welcome with adult supervision.

Meeting point

Please meet outside the main Chapel doors.

What to bring and wear

This is an outside event so wear appropriate clothing and suitable walking footwear.

Accessibility

The walk is on footpaths, paved roads and through a kissing gate, there is a footbridge with steps and a grassy slope. There are some unmade paths that can be muddy in wet weather. There are steps and uneven ground so not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There is an accessible toilet at the start and end point.

Other

Spaces are limited. Please call 01635 278394 or email sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.

Upcoming events

Services at Sandham 2026 

A religious service led by Rev Mark Christian including references to the paintings of Sir Stanley Spencer in Sandham Memorial Chapel

Event summary

on
7 May to 1 Oct 2026
at 10:00 to 10:45+ 5 other dates or times

West Berks Open Studios 

Local artists Miggie Bruce and Ali Fraser are exhibiting at Sandham Memorial Chapel from Saturday 9th to Monday 25th May, 2026.

Event summary

on
9 May to 25 May 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 10 other dates or times

Deep Dive into Paintings and First World War Poetry 

Come and join us for an immersive deep dive into a Stanley Spencer painting, followed by a First World War poetry reading. Each painting talk and poetry reading lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Event summary

on
9 May to 8 Nov 2026
at 11:30 to 14:30+ 7 other dates or times

Quiet Time at Sandham Memorial Chapel 

Join us for a quiet hour as we turn down the sounds for a more peaceful and relaxing visit.

Event summary

on
10 May to 11 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 5 other dates or times