Althorp is delighted to be able to welcome groups to visit the House, Grounds and Exhibition Diana, A Celebration. There are a number of unique opportunities that are exclusively available for groups, including a traditional afternoon tea set in the beautiful State Dining Room as well as the chance to book private guided tours of the House outside of normal opening hours. All parties are personally welcomed on arrival by a member of staff at the set down point immediately in front of the House.

Here you will find all the information you will need to plan a group visit to Althorp as well as recommended places to stay and things to do whilst visiting Northamptonshire. If you would like to contact us to discuss your requirements, please call 01604 772108.

Booking

Advance booking for coach parties is essential. Please call 01604 772108 to make a booking or download the groups booking form below:

Group booking Form 2008

Completed booking forms can be faxed to 01604 770042 or sent to Group Bookings at The Stables, Althorp, Northampton NN7 4HQ.

If you are travelling to Althorp from London and would like to join a scheduled coach tour click here to visit the Golden tours website.

Payment

The minimum payment for 12 people is due by the date specified in your confirmation letter, usually 4 weeks prior to your visit. The balance is payable by cash or credit card on arrival, or you can pay by cheque, made payable to "Althorp", at least 10 days prior to your visit.

Exclusive offers for groups: Afternoon Tea or brunch

 

As part of your visit to Althorp why not treat yourself and take time over a luxurious brunch or afternoon tea with friends.

Brunch will begin at 11.30 am as you relax in the splendour of the State Dining Room. Our brunch includes hot sausages, bacon and scrambled egg, a selection of cold meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, pastries and bread and unlimited tea and coffee, all served on the Spencer family china. In keeping with the surroundings, your meal will be accompanied by elegant music from Althorp’s grand piano. After brunch, you will be able to explore the rest of the house, grounds and exhibition at your own leisure.

Or, after a relaxing stroll through Althorp’s beautiful grounds enjoy a  truly scrumptious afternoon tea, also in the State Dining Room. Handmade, finely cut sandwiches, fresh scones, clotted cream and jam, as well as specially made home baked treats such as fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs and ginger cake are all served on the Spencer family china with freshly brewed Althorp Tea.

The State Dining Room, not normally open to the public, was known as the Great Dining Room and was added to the house in 1876. Intended to be a replica of the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, it is beautifully furnished and lit with crystal chandeliers. Its silk lined walls are adorned with mirrors and paintings by Hondecoeter and Snyders that are rare and particularly striking.

Price per person (which also includes admission to the house, grounds and exhibition) is £23 for afternoon tea or £29.50 for brunch.

 

Private Tour

Enjoy a tour of the House by one of our experienced guides either one hour before the House opens for general admission or for one hour (5pm-6pm) immediately after it closes. As only one group can take up this opportunity daily, it guarantees that you will be the only visitors in the grounds. Your group will be greeted by our guide on arrival, with each member of your group receiving a copy of our guidebook. Complimentary morning refreshments will also be available in the café once your tour is complete. From there you are free to explore the rest of the Exhibition and Grounds, revisiting the House if you wish.

Visitors with Disabilities

We welcome visitors with disabilities and are happy to discuss any special requirements that you have. The visitor route is accessible by wheelchair with the exception of the first floor of the House with a limited number of wheelchairs available for hire, if you would like to book one in advance please call 01604 770107.
Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities are admitted free.
Guides dogs are welcome.
A complimentary laptop slide-show is available for people who are unable to visit the upstairs due to disability.
An audio tape is also provided free of charge for blind and partially-sighted people.

Visitor Facilities

The toilet block is located near the Stable Block, including facilities for visitors with disabilities and a dedicated baby changing room. The Stable Block café offers a range of sandwiches, salads, snacks and cakes in addition to hot and cold drinks. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available as is a separate picnic area. (Please note that no picnics should be consumed by the lake). The Stable Block gift shop sells an exclusive range of gifts specially designed for Althorp and personally approved by Earl Spencer.

General Visitor Information

Please be advised to wear comfortable footwear. Althorp is an historic Estate with listed buildings and some areas with uneven footing.
Please also bring coats and umbrellas in case of bad weather.

Please note that for reasons of security and conservation no indoor photography or filming is permitted. However, guests are welcome to use their cameras for external shots.
No animals, other than guide dogs, are permitted within the Park.