Book your visit
Shute Barton is open for guided tours. Members can book for free, while non-members need to pay when booking. People who arrive and haven't booked will be turned away.
Booking your visit to Shute Barton
Shute Barton opens for pre-booked 2024 tours on 4 & 5 June, 6 & 7 July, 8 & 9 October, and 9 & 10 November. Booking is essential, and opens on Thursdays approximately two weeks before each two-day slot. We look forward to welcoming you to Shute Barton for an informative guided tour with time to wander around the garden at the end. Here’s some information about what to expect when you visit.
About the tour
- Small group tours (maximum 12 people) run every half hour from 10am to 1.30pm.
- The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
How to book
Booking is essential for all visitors, including members. Tickets are released every Thursday morning, two weeks in advance.
Entry is free for members, please bring your membership card with you.
Non-members pay on booking.
Please book one ticket per person (children aged 5 or under don't require a ticket.)
Bookings are for your use only and are not available for resale.
We'll send your booking confirmation by email.
Book your visit
Changing your booking
If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date/time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit, or by calling 0344 249 1895
If you are a member and can no longer attend, please let us know by giving us a call on 0344 249 1895
When you arrive
Once you have parked please walk up the drive and you will see the entrance to Shute Barton on your right. A member of the team will be here to welcome you.
Please arrive within your 10-minute entry slot so that the tour can begin promptly.
Tour times
- 10.00 – 10.45
- 10.30 – 11.15
- 11.00 – 11.45
- 11.30 – 12.15
- 12.00 – 12.45
- 12.30 – 13.15
- 13.00 – 13.45
- 13.30 – 14.15
If you’re more than 10 minutes late for your arrival slot, then entry will be at the discretion of the property team.
Arrival tips
Please have your ticket to hand and show it to any member of the team who asks for it when you arrive. If you are a member, we'll also ask for you to show your membership card.
If you find yourself arriving early you can visit St Michael’s church which is just a couple of minutes walk from Shute Barton. The church has a fascinating history with lots of links to the families who lived at Shute. They also provide delicious refreshments and a toilet for visitors to the house on tour days.
What will you see and do on your tour?
Find out all about what you'll see in Shute Barton.
- The first ten minutes of the tour takes place outside and focuses on the architecture and the early history of the house.
- The tour then continues into the kitchen which hasn't changed much since the 1700s.
- You will then be guided through the sitting room to the smart staircase hall and up to the bedrooms.
- Discover more about the families that have called Shute their home.
- For many the highlight of the tour is ascending a spiral staircase to the top ‘attic’ room with its impressive ceiling.
- Finally, you will descend to the dining room where the tour finishes.
- Exit through the tranquil garden and orchard which you are welcome to enjoy at your leisure.
You might also be interested in
Places you need to pre-book
Planning a day out at one of the houses, buildings or gardens we care for? Some places need to be booked in advance. Read on to find out which places require booking, and learn how you can join a guided tour experience.
Article
Things to do at Loughwood Meeting House
Explore the historical features of Loughwood Meeting House, one of Britain's earliest surviving Baptist meeting houses, as well as what to see and do in the surrounding area.
Article
Things to do in Branscombe
Branscombe is part of the Jurassic Coast, but Branscombe has more than just the beach to explore. Discover the 18th-century forge and Manor Mill, restored and in full working order.