Club Visit Types
Friars Court is open from Spring until the Autumn exclusively to pre-booked groups, minimum of 15, maximum of 54 guests, ensuring exclusivity and privacy for the duration of the visit. When booking, a group’s organiser may take one of the following Options.
1. Meal Stop Over: No admission charge
With no admission charge this is ideal for coaches or groups touring the Cotswolds who need somewhere for a refreshment stop and meal with home-cooked food. The moated gardens will not be open but guests can still visit the Rose Garden and the newly-created ‘Privy Garden’ as well as the Shop. A visit limit of 1½ hours will apply.
For groups who would like to book to stay for longer and explore the gardens and grounds may choose from the following options.
2. Gardens: £3.50 per person
Enjoy the tranquillity of Friars Court either relaxing in the comfortable armchairs in the Old Laundry or wandering at leisure through the four acres of partly moated grounds. A paved garden walk guides visitors to fourteen information points which includes areas of interest such as: the Winterhaulter Rose Garden, the Garden of Reflection, the Courtyard Garden, Moat Ponds, Alternative Energy Area as well providing historical information about the house. Cross the arched Moat Bridge to explore the woodland walk or perhaps venture down the Nature Trail to the lake, whilst in the Display Rooms learn more about the conservation work carried out on the farm and view historic artefacts recovered from the land.
3. Escorted Garden Tours: £4.50 per person
A 45 minute guided tour, lead by Charles Willmer, helps visitors to learn about the history of the house and gardens. The tour includes the renewable energy unit where visitors can hear how the sun is used to help to contribute towards the electricity requirements of the house. Jeffrey Cleaver, who has been instrumental in the planning and planting of the new areas and beds, can be on hand to answer questions on his ideas and plans for the gardens. Minimum of 15 people.
4. Escorted Nature Trail & Gardens: £5.50 per person
Be taken on a guided walk along the Nature Trail and learn about the farms on-going conservation projects. There are two routes; one of about 1½ miles and the other 2½ miles. These walks can include the gardens, renewable energy area, woods, lakes, ponds, water meadows, wildflower meadow, the River Thames and the willow biomass plantation. Depending on the route the walks takes approximately 1½ - 2½ hours, minimum of 15 people. Sensible footwear (wellington or walking boots) recommended.
5. Tractor & Trailer Tour & Gardens: £6.50 per person
Enjoy a seated guided tour of the farm in a covered trailer. Routes according to interest and can include all the areas seen on the Escorted Nature Walk. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and the trailer carries a maximum of 30 people, minimum of 15. NB passengers have to climb four steps, each 30cm (12”) high to board the trailer.
6. Private Parties, Business Meetings, Civil Ceremonies and Wedding Receptions
The Garden Room and Old Laundry can be used for seminars and conferences of up to 30 for people who require a quiet, relaxing and private venue to discuss business or simple require a day away from the office. Contact Charles Willmer for more details.
Friars Court is an approved venue for Civil Ceremonies and we aim to be adaptable so if a wedding is conducted here there is no obligation for the reception to be held here to, although many have other the years. Receptions can be held for between 4 and 150 guests and our flexibility means that we aim to help couples organise the day that they want. Visit the Silver Pear Weddings website for more information.
