We are pleased to welcome groups from across the UK and the world to Epworth Old Rectory. Whether you are visiting out of an interest in history, for a fun day out with friends and family, or on a pilgrimage, you are sure to receive a warm welcome.
Groups of any size are welcome at the Old Rectory, although we ask that you please book in advance if your group is larger than ten people.
Groups larger than fifteen people will be divided into smaller groups for the tour of the house. If the group is larger than fifty people they cannot all be in the house at once due to fire regulations. In the latter case we are happy to work with you on alternative arrangements, to ensure all your group experience the Old Rectory.
We recommend at least two hours for your visit so that your group can enjoy all aspects of the house, gardens, exhibition and shop. If you are booking other additional activities then please allow a longer time.
If your group’s first language is not English please provide translators who can interpret the tour for the group. Ideally one translator per fifteen people. Our guides are experienced at working with translators.
For group bookings you are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit two weeks before your visit.
For more information about group bookings please email vcm@epwortholdrectory.org.uk or call 01427 872268.
Catering
We can offer morning coffee, simple lunches and afternoon tea for groups.
Epworth Old Rectory and Wesley Memorial Methodist Church work together to provide hospitality and catering for groups. Meals can be arranged for groups of up to sixty. Groups of more than twenty-four persons can be catered for at Wesley Memorial, smaller groups will be accommodated in the Old Rectory’s Granary. If your group is larger than sixty please contact us to discuss how best to arrange your catering. Unfortunately, for groups larger than sixty, we cannot provide hot meals.
We ask that you please confirm your catering booking one month in advance.
For more information on catering, including menu options and dietary provisions, and to book please email vcm@epwortholdrectory.org.uk. Once we have processed your group booking request we will contact you to enquire whether you would like to book catering.
Additional Activities
Walk with Wesley
You can combine a tour of the Old Rectory with a tour of Epworth. Your group will be taken on a Walk with Wesley by an experienced guide, visiting sites such as St Andrew’s Church, Wesley Memorial and the Market Place.
St Andrew’s Church.
The parish church where Samuel Wesley was Rector is a peaceful place to visit. You can see Samuel’s tomb, as well as the font where a number of Samuel and Susanna’s children were baptised. The church is open most afternoons, but will be closed if there are special events taking place. We recommend contacting their tourism officer if you would like to arrange a group visit.
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church
This stunning Victorian church is open on a daily basis and welcomes all visitors. Built to commemorate the Wesley brothers, you can see John and Charles depicted in the stunning stained-glass window above the Communion Table. If there is a pre-booked event, such as a wedding, then the church will be closed to visitors.
Accommodation
If you would like to book accommodation for your group, then please see our Plan Your Trip page for links to recommended accommodation in the local area.
