Example itinerary

Prior to visit: The Curator can visit your group and give an illustrated talk on Laurence Sterne and the 18th century.

Talks on the garden, history of the house and other aspects of Sterne and Shandy Hall are available. The recommended length of talk is one hour but can be tailored to your group’s requirements.

Arrive: Coach drops visitors at St. Michael’s Church, Coxwold where they are met by the curator. The church is where Sterne preached and is an appropriate site for an introduction to both the writer and the preacher. A short fifteen-minute talk will draw attention to the monuments, stained glass and 18th-century pulpit and box-pews. From the church, Shandy Hall is approximately 200 yds walk.

Shandy Hall: Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the house by the curator. The tour includes the room where Sterne wrote Tristram Shandy and rooms filled with books, prints, paintings and objects relating to the story of the history of the house and its famous inhabitant. This tour takes approximately 40 mins but can be tailored to each group’s requirements. Visitors then have the opportunity to explore the gardens, shop and gallery.

Gardens: Visitors can wander through two acres of gardens containing unusual perennials and old-fashioned roses. The grounds include a peaceful wildlife garden (ideal for picnics) and an art gallery.

Gallery: A changing programme of exhibitions takes place in the converted granary in the grounds of Shandy Hall. The curator can give gallery talks on request.

Refreshments: Groups are encouraged to book coffee, lunch, high tea or evening meals at the Fauconberg or Coxwold Tearooms as part of their visit.

Groups should allow 2 hrs for a visit – but this is flexible depending on the group. Under normal circumstances we can accommodate any size of group from small groups of less than 10 people, to larger groups.  Please contact us.

Prices: Shandy Hall tries to accommodate all requests including evening tours and private hire – prices vary accordingly. We are always happy to discuss your group’s requirements – please contact us. Please note the house is open to the public (May – September) at advertised times. Groups may book at other times by arrangement.