School Visits
General Information

Belmont Abbey was founded in 1859 and is not only a beautiful historic building but the centre of a living Monastic and Parish Community. The Monastery attached to the church is home to a community of Benedictine monks, who follow the traditional pattern of life laid down in the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the 6th Century and still followed today in the 21st Century.

Hospitality is an important feature of the Monastic apostolate, all guests to be received as Christ (Rule of St. Benedict 53) and it is in this spirit that the community seeks to welcome students to the Abbey.

Pupils, students and teachers have the opportunity to see a living Monastery at work and prayer. It is a journey of discovery into the life of a monk based upon the wisdom of St. Benedict. The education team, led by former teachers Mrs Brenda Warde and Fr Joseph Parkinson, who is himself a member of the Belmont community, is made up of both monastic and lay members. All are either graduates in a wide range of disciplines or hold a nationally recognised vocational qualification, Most are qualified teachers with a wide range of experience.

Visits generally begin with tours of the Abbey Church and the Monastery grounds; emphasis is laid on art & architecture, history or religious education, according to the school or college's choice. There are facilities for 'indoor' tours of the grounds in inclement weather.

The Education Team has developed over 100 practical activities and a similar number of paper based ones; therefore appealing to all age groups from KS1 to post graduates. 

The Education Team welcomes groups of pupils of all ages from all types of schools. Besides tours of the abbey church and grounds we offer a wide range of activities, both practical and paper-based suitable for pupils from KS1 up to 6th Form. Groups may be of any size up to a maximum of 50.

We are happy to welcome all faiths and all abilities.
Contact our Education Team
"I was most impressed by the programme for schools & colleges. Belmont's education team is doing marvellous work. The team has the skills and experience that make the day very enjoyable."  The Most Rev. Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark.
  • What does a visit to the Abbey offer?

    An opportunity to develop aspects of the R.E., History or Art curriculum.

  • How?

    Through tours of the Abbey Church and monastery grounds, during which the life of a monk today is described and contrasted with that of a monk in the Middle Ages.   All groups are invited to observe (or join) the monks for the short Midday Prayer.     A question-time session with a monk  is offered to all groups.  A wide choice of practical activities later in the day reinforces and expands the information given during the tours.      

  • Some examples?

    Brass-rubbing:    Calligraphy:    Create  an Illuminated Letter or a Stained-glass window:  Gregorian Chant:   An Introduction to Latin:  Build a model of the Church / Monastery:    Identify herbs: Quizzes:  Play "Pilgrims' Progress" or other board games. ( all age-groups catered for)

  • Times?

    Between 9.15am and 3.00pm:  Mondays,  Tuesdays & Fridays

  • Lunch?

    Packed lunches provided by the school

  • Cost?

    £20.00 registration payable on booking  + £3.00 per pupil payable on the day or by invoice.    Maximum group size: 50