Discover Sandham Memorial Chapel – group and school visits or visiting talk to interest groups
Sandham Memorial Chapel offers a unique and inspiring destination for special interest groups for example U3A, WI, Art, Military History enthusiasts and schools. Set within beautiful gardens and orchards, the chapel combines art, history, spirituality and architecture in one remarkable place.
Home to the extraordinary First World War paintings of Sir Stanley Spencer, Sandham provides visitors with an unforgettable opportunity to explore social history, creativity and remembrance.
Group Visits
Groups of all ages receive a warm welcome from the Sandham team, with exclusive access to the chapel and exhibition which includes two videos on Spencer and the Salonika campaign and gardens. Visits usually last around two hours and include a guided talk tailored to your groups interest. They can be arranged between 9.30am and 3pm on non open days and on open days by request.
- National Trust members enter free
- Reduced admission rates for non-members
- Guided talk: £10 per person
- Free admission for coach drivers and group organiser
Visits must be booked in advance. We can accommodate small groups with a minimum of 15 people, through to larger parties of up to 40 people.
Group Guided Talks and Walks
Our knowledgeable guides offer engaging talks tailored to your group. Visitors will discover:
- The life and work of Stanley Spencer
- His experiences during the First World War
- The story behind the creation of the chapel
- Insights into the paintings and their meaning
Groups can also extend their visit with a free guided village walk, Walking in Stanley Spencer’s Footsteps. Taking place after the chapel visit, the walk explores the landscapes, pathways and quiet corners of Burghclere that inspired Spencer’s famous murals, offering visitors a deeper connection to both the artist and the local area.
Because of the chapel’s intimate size, groups inside the Chapel are limited to around 20 people at a time to ensure the best experience for everyone.
For larger parties, visitors not in the chapel can enjoy:
- The gardens and orchard
- The exhibition space including a video on Salonika and Stanley Spencer paintings.
- A self-guided village walk
- A warm drink in our pop up tea room for an additional donation
Visiting talks for interest groups
Local groups can also enjoy a visiting talk on Stanley Spencer and Sandham Memorial Chapel at their own meeting venue. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the illustrated talk uses slides of Spencer’s remarkable paintings to explore his life, his experiences during the First World War, and the creation of the chapel and its internationally important murals. Ideal for parish groups, history societies, art clubs and community organisations, the talk offers an engaging introduction to one of Britain’s most unique artistic and historical treasures.
School and Educational Visits
Sandham Memorial Chapel is an inspiring setting for school and student visits. Spencer’s powerful paintings, based on his experiences as a medical orderly and soldier during the First World War, provide excellent opportunities for learning across art, history and social studies.
Our guides will explore the individual paintings, however these visits can be tailored to your needs and curriculum.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are part of a special interest group, U3A, art society, history association or school, Sandham Memorial Chapel offers a memorable and thought-provoking visit in a peaceful countryside setting.
To book a group visit, school visit or a visiting talk and to find out more, please contact the Sandham Memorial Chapel team at Sandham.events@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01635 278394
Opening Times
Thursday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am to 3pm.
Admission adult £12, child (5-17) £6.60 Family (2 adults up to 3 children) £30.
Entry free (including the Ed Saye exhibition) with National Trust Membership
Email: sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01635 278394
Related articles: Previous article from National Trust (Sandham Memorial Chapel – Stanley Spencer Walk)