Discover more at Rainham Hall
Find out when Rainham Hall is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Group or school visits to Rainham Hall
Rainham Hall is a Georgian gem and one of several smaller National Trust places located in London. Find out how to arrange your visit in advance to make the most of your trip to this special place.
Self-led educational visits
Rainham Hall is the perfect place for a self-led educational visit especially if you are learning about nature or the outdoors. Discover a great day out for your educational group including self-led visits. If you would like help to plan your visit please contact us at: rainhamhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.
School visits
Support your classroom work with a visit to Rainham Hall. Whether you’re exploring the 18th century hall, local history or looking for plants in the garden, the cross-curricular workshops offer engaging and hands-on experiences to support your learning.
At Rainham Hall we offer a range of workshops for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils, and welcome enquiries from all educational groups.
Taught sessions are led by experienced facilitators who support active learning and encourage deeper understanding of topics through exploration of Rainham Hall and the garden. Sessions are designed to support national curriculum subjects including history, science and art.
‘The children really enjoyed the hall, they found it interesting and loved playing hide-and-seek in the gardens at lunch time. We do hope to visit again before the year is out.’
- Teacher, Gidea Park College
Sessions available at Rainham Hall
Minibeasts – EYFS & KS1 (Science)
Learn all about minibeasts and explore the garden. Investigate different habitats and discover which minibeasts live here.
Seed planting – EYFS & KS1 (Science)
During the spring and summer months we offer planting sessions where children can plant seeds in the Community Garden. Follow-up visits are available for children to see the seedlings and plants grow.
Local history – KS2 (History)
Built in 1729 by Captain John Harle, Rainham Hall has been home to over 50 different inhabitants in nearly 300 years. Learn about the past and about one of our more recent residents, photographer and designer, Anthony Denney in the exhibition The Denney Edition.
Art and Design Inspiration – KS1&2 (Art, History)
Look at the paint schemes and decoration in the hall, from the 18th century until the early 21st century. Research including colour and texture to inspire future artwork.
Fashion photography and interior design – KS3-5 (fashion, photography, interior design)
The Denney Edition exhibition celebrates the life and work of Anthony Denney (1913–90) who lived at the hall between 1964 and 1969. Step inside the hall to discover the world of Anthony Denney who was a fashion photographer, interior designer, art connoisseur and style icon who exerted enormous influence on post-war Britain.
Timing and location information for sessions
All sessions can accommodate up to 33 children and accompanying adults. Sessions take place in either the Hayloft or outdoors. There’s plenty of storage for bags and access to toilets. For lunch you are welcome to picnic in the gardens or in the Hayloft.
Outdoor teaching
Escape to the outdoors and learn something new. Tucked away in the Wildlife Woodland is perfect for education sessions and can be used for creating wild art sessions
Travel for schools
Rainham Hall is located opposite Rainham (Essex) train station on the c2c line which travels via Fenchurch Street, West Ham, Barking, Dagenham Dock, Purfleet and Grays. The hall is also next to several bus stops and is served by multiple routes including those to and from Dagenham, Hornchurch and Romford.
Booking for education groups
Get in touch for more information including availability and costs to help plan your school visit.
Please note that due to the size of the property all visits, facilitated or self-led, must be booked at least four weeks in advance. Please contact rainhamhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
Free familiarisation visits for group leaders
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
Who is eligible for free entry?
Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
Venue hire
The Hayloft provides an atmospheric setting for all sorts of events. Dating from the 1720s, the Hayloft has retained many historic features and comes with views of Rainham Hall and Garden.
The Hayloft is available for private parties, receptions, meetings, community or other events. The space can accommodate up to 55 guests for a standing reception, 35 for a seated event and between five and 35 for a meeting.
An elevated platform lift provides access to the first floor of the Hayloft. Toilets are located nearby on the ground floor.
How to book the Hayloft
Please call 01708 525579 to check availability and costs, or email rainhamhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
What else do I need to know?
Please note we are a small property and can only accommodate groups of up to 15 people inside the hall at any one time. If you're interested in bringing a larger group we can arrange a staggered entry. A visit to the hall takes around 45 minutes and you'll need additional time to enjoy the Community Gardens outside.
The property does not have a car park, but we are happy to provide advice on nearby options and public transport links to Rainham Hall.
How do I book?
Booking in advance is essential for groups usually between 10 and 30 people. To enquire about visiting on your chosen date please call 01708 525579 or email: rainhamhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
You might also be interested in
Article
Things to see and do at Rainham Hall
Discover plenty to see and do at Rainham Hall including 300-year-old interiors, changing exhibitions with historical interpretation and a community garden full of seasonal interest.
Article
The history of Rainham Hall
Piece together the history of Rainham Hall. From a shipping merchant to a Vogue photographer, discover some of the people who lived, worked and played here over nearly 400 years.
Article
Our work at Rainham Hall
Discover how the National Trust started with a blank canvas and interpreted the patchwork history of Rainham Hall, and learn about the contining care for this important building.
Article
Education Group Access Pass
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
Article
Explorer Pass
If you're planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.
Article
Group visits frequently asked questions
Visiting us with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.