Group visits to Sandham Memorial Chapel

Large groups

Given the intimate nature of the space, we limit the number of people in the chapel to between 20 at any one time; this ensures that everyone gets the most from their visit.

In the case of larger groups, while half are in the chapel, the other half can enjoy the garden, look around the exhibition area, take our self-led walk around the village or visit the village pub (not National Trust) for tea, coffee or lunch.

'I wanted to offer my sincere thanks to everyone that helped make our tour yesterday such a great day out. Jane and Paul were tremendously helpful with the logistics and throughout the day, and Robert gave a fascinating talk on the chapel which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much for everything, I’ve already been recommending the chapel as a place to visit to friends and family!’

– Marie Connolly

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.

School and educational visits

Bring your school group to Sandham Memorial Chapel for a half-day of activities that will leave a lasting impression on both students and staff. The striking paintings of Stanley Spencer housed in the chapel represent his experiences as a medical orderly and soldier in the First World War. They provide an inspirational starting point for work across a range of curriculum areas, growing the art lovers and artists of the future by providing them with an excellent opportunity to learn outside the classroom

Activities for students

Through a series of indoor activities led by our team of staff and experienced volunteers at Sandham, students are encouraged to look carefully at the paintings to gain an understanding of what they represent.

In the exhibition area

• Where are we? – a short quiz for children to complete using material displayed in the exhibition area.
• Handling kit – based on the Call My Bluff model, students explore the First World War, handling items depicted in the paintings and deciding which of the three definitions is correct.
• Numbers, numbers – quick-fire First World War number flashcards: what do they represent?

In the chapel

Pairs of children explore one of the chapel paintings in depth, answering a series of questions that encourages them to look carefully at the paintings and work out what might be happening. They then think of their own question to 'ask the expert'.

The chapel also lends itself to sketching, but please note that for conservation reasons, only pencils (excluding coloured ones) are allowed in the building.

Bespoke school visits

If your group would prefer a visit more closely tailored to specific themes or topics, we would be pleased to discuss this with you and welcome the opportunity to work with teachers/lecturers to devise a more bespoke visit.

Education Group Membership

Entry to the chapel is free to National Trust Education Group members. Education Group Membership allows free entry for education groups to National Trust places across the country for a year. You can join when you visit us. Admission is free for accompanying staff and National Trust members.

Other useful information

We can accommodate a maximum of 30 students per group. Lunch can be taken outside in the orchard, weather permitting. If you have students or staff with mobility issues, please mention this when booking.

Please email us for more information about primary school and older pupils’ educational visits.

Get in touch about bringing a group to Sandham Memorial Chapel

We are here to help you plan a great day out for all your members. To book or discuss your group visit or school trip, please contact us on 01635 278394 or email sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk. Payment is required on the day of your visit. This can be made by cash, cheque (if from the school/college) or debit/credit card.

Arrange a pre-visit

If you’re planning a school trip, it is essential that a pre-visit is made to the chapel by the member of staff leading the group before the educational visit takes place. Please contact the chapel to arrange this.