Bring your group to enjoy Worcestershire County Museum

Hartlebury Castle visit

With fascinating exhibitions and peaceful surroundings, Worcestershire County Museum is the ideal destination for group visits.

The County Museum is based at Hartlebury Castle, which was the official home of the Bishops of Worcester for more than 1,000 years. Today, visitors can discover the history of the Castle and the people who used to live here, as well as the state rooms which include the magnificent Medieval Great Hall and the Georgian Saloon.

In the north wing of the Castle, you can enjoy the varied displays and exhibitions which make up Worcestershire County Museum. The Museum houses a diverse collection of objects including toys, domestic items, beautiful costume, and craftwork by the Bromsgrove Guild of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Experience walking into the scullery, schoolroom and nursery which bring history to life within the walls of Hartlebury Castle. Explore the history of this fascinating county through themes such as archaeological finds, farming and agricultural history, and the social history of Worcestershire in the 1950s.

Outside, visitors can enjoy a tranquil moat-side walk, explore the Old Moat Coppice nature reserve or stroll around the carriage circle.

Hayley’s Kitchen café serves a range of tasty, homemade meals and snacks.

Group visits cost £13 for adults and £11.25 for concessions, which allows access to the whole site including the Bishop’s Palace, State Rooms, County Museum and Grounds for a minimum group of 10 people. Visit in the evening for £14.75 for adults and £12.50 concessions for a minimum group of 25 people.

Tours of the Hurd Library and the Bishop’s Palace

As an alternative to the standard Group Visit we also offer private tours of the Castle’s impressive Hurd Library and the Bishop’s Palace. These tours are for a minimum of 6 people and are charged at £18.50 per person. After the tour your group will be free to explore the rest of the Castle, Museum and Grounds for the day.

Museums Worcestershire’s Collections Centre

Museums Worcestershire also offers behind-the-scenes tours of our Collections Centre, our off-site store which contains thousands of fascinating objects which we are unable to display in our museums. These tours are £10 per person for a minimum of 8 people and take place at the Collections Centre, which is approx. a 5 minute drive from the Castle. Tours can be arranged on their own or can be combined with a visit to the County Museum.

Collections centre tours

FAQs

Pre-booked groups of 10 people or more are eligible for group admission rates. There is no maximum number for group visits.

You will need 3-4 hours on site to fully experience the Castle, County Museum and grounds.

Group visits cost £13 for adults and £11.25 for concessions, which allows access to the whole site including the Bishops House, State Rooms, County Museum and Grounds. To receive these discounted prices your group must be a minimum of 10 people and your visit must be pre-booked at least two weeks in advance.

Library Tours cost £18.50 per person, which includes whole-site access before and after your tour.

If you have arrived on a coach, your coach driver will be given free access to the Castle and Museum for the day.

To book your group visit or enquire about possible dates please contact Jo on 01299 250416 or email  museum@worcestershire.gov.uk

To book a Hurd Library Tour please contact Chantel on 01299 250797 or email events@hartleburycastle.com

It is recommended that group visits are booked at least two weeks in advance.

Group visits to Hartlebury Castle can take place during our normal opening times which are Tuesday to Friday (10am – 5pm) and weekends (11am – 5pm), between 1 February and 23 December. We are closed on Mondays.

It may be possible to arrange a visit outside of normal opening times (additional costs will apply). Please contact us on 01299 250416 or email museum@worcestershire.gov.uk if you would like to discuss a bespoke visit.

There is free parking on site for coaches and cars.

Please notify us when booking if you are bringing a coach so that a space can be allocated.

Everyone is welcome at Hartlebury Castle.

Please find Hartlebury Castle’s Access Statement here.

If you have any questions regarding access please get in touch by calling 01299 250797 or emailing ask@hartleburycastle.com.

Refreshments are available at our café, Hayley’s Kitchen, which can seat up to 80 people. If you’d like to get in touch, please email hncatering@outlook.com. Please do not make any arrangements for catering before your visit date has been agreed with us in case your preferred date is not available.

If your group wishes to bring food there is a small picnic area in the orchard and more picnic tables in the Carriage Circle.

When a visitor within a group requires a carer to accompany them, then the visitor must pay normal admission fees but the carer visits for free. Please mention any carers when making a group booking.

We reserve the right to charge the full amount for any cancellation within 7 days of a pre-booked visit.

Bookings for groups need to be confirmed at least 14 days before the date of the visit.

You can use relevant images off the website to advertise your visit to your group.

Use of the logo is by request.

Address: Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Worcestershire DY11 7XZ

Hartlebury Castle (Tuesday to Sunday only): 01299 250797 / ask@hartleburycastle.com

Worcestershire County Museum (Monday to Friday only): 01299 250416 / museum@worcestershire.gov.uk