Welcome to Friars Court

What Type of Visit to Book?

Friars Court is open exclusively to pre-booked groups ensuring exclusivity and privacy for the duration of the visit. When booking, a group’s organiser may take one of the following Options.

Option 1 - Meal Stop Over: No admission charge

This is ideal for groups or coaches (minimum 20, maximum 54 people) touring the Cotswolds, or between destinations, and in need of somewhere to stop for refreshment. Meals are served in the large Garden Room with its semi glazed roof which overlooks the back lawns and herbaceous borders. Traditional meals from farmhouse lunches to cream teas are freshly cooked and prepared by Charles and are served in a relaxed family atmosphere. If anyone in your group has a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, diabetic or celiac) let us know in advance and we'll try to cater for them.

After the meal there is time for members of the group to visit the little Gift Shop however the Gardens will not be open and a time restriction will apply.

For groups (minimum group size of 20 people) who would like to book to stay for longer and explore the gardens and grounds, those within the group may choose from the following options.

Option 2 - Gardens: £3.50 per person

Enjoy the tranquillity of Friars Court by either relaxing in the Old Laundry’s comfortable armchairs or wandering the grounds at your own pace. With circular walks around the four acres of part-moated gardens there is plenty to see and benches are dotted around for those who simply wish to sit and enjoy the peace. Visitors can also; follow the level path down the South Walk and round to the Moat Ponds and see the wind and solar power display, cross the arched Moat Bridge to explore the woodland walk or 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.

Option 3 - Escorted Gardens Tour: £4.50 per person (minimum 12 people)

A 45 minute guided tour of the grounds 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.

Option 4 - Escorted Nature Trail and Gardens: £5.50 per person (minimum 12 people)

Be personally guided on one of two walks through the centre of the farm. Walk No 1 is approximately 1½ miles and takes about 1½ hours and includes the Wind and Solar Power Unit, woods, watermeadows, lakes, and the Willow Coppice plantation. Walk No 2 is approximately 2½ miles and includes the above as well as the River Thames and a selection of different woodland areas. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Option 5 - Tractor & Trailer Tour and Gardens: £6.50 per person (minimum 15 people)

Sit in the covered, purpose built, trailer and be taken on a guided tour to areas of the farm not normally seen by the public. The tour takes approximately 2 hours and the trailer holds a maximum of 30 visitors.

Option 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 at charles@friarscourt.com or call (01367) 810206 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. Details of room or grounds hire for a party, meeting or wedding can be found by clicking here.

Catering.

Tea / Coffee & Home-made biscuits £1.50 per person

Cream Tea £4.50 per person

Home-made scones served with jam & cream, tea & coffee

Farm House Tea £4.95 per person

Home-made scones served with jam & cream, cake, biscuits, tea & coffee

Sandwich Tea £4.95 per person

An assortment of sandwiches, home-made cake and biscuits, tea & coffee

High Tea £5.50 per person

An assortment of sandwiches, home-made scones served with jam & cream, cake, home-made biscuits, tea & coffee

Soup & Bread £3.95 per person

Home-made soup served with chunks of crusty bread followed by home-made biscuits, tea & coffee

Soup & Sandwiches £5.25 per person

Home-made soup served with chunks of crusty bread followed with an assortment of sandwiches, home-made biscuits, tea & coffee

Ploughman’s

Includes green leaf salad, tomato & basil salad, coleslaw, chutneys, hot crusty bread and home-made biscuits, tea & coffee

Ø Mature Cheddar and smooth Brussels pâté £5.95 per person

Ø Mature Cheddar and Farmhouse Ham £6.50 per person

Ø Farmhouse Ham and Home-made quiche £6.75 per person

Gala £6.95 per person

Includes pork pie, ham, paprika eggs, mixed leaf salad, tomato & basil salad, chutneys, hot fresh bread and home-made biscuits, tea & coffee

‘Cooks Choice’ Puddings £3.50 per person

Instead of biscuits choose from two home-made surprise puddings

The above meals are pre-plated and one meal is to be ordered for everyone in the group. Special diets can be provided if advised in advance.

For larger parties and receptions Friars Court is more than happy for clients to bring in their own outside caterers to come and use their facilities. Details of kitchen hire available on request.

Prices correct as of 1^st January 2008 but are subject to change