Group visits

We are pleased to welcome pre-booked groups of 10-20 people to The Red House between April and November inclusive. Please note that due to limited space and visitor facilities, we cannot accommodate groups larger than 20. 

For general interest groups we can offer an inspiring introduction to Britten and his music, in the heart of the beautiful area that inspired so much of it. For a full day out, a visit to The Red House can easily be combined with other nearby attractions linked with the composer.  

Many groups – ranging from professional musicians to art lovers - come here with a particular focus. If your party does have a specific interest, we can often show you relevant archive material from of our extensive collection, so do ask when you book.

The format of group visits can be fairly flexible, but typically includes a welcome talk in the Library and a tour around the house. Inside the house, parties larger than ten are divided into smaller groups to avoid crowding.

2010 charges for group visits

For adult groups touring the house, the charge per person is £7 (children under 14 free). There is no charge for groups just visiting the exhibition gallery and garden.

Catering

We regret that we do not have the facilities to offer refreshments, but can recommend local places to eat according to your group's needs. Please ask when booking.

Booking

To discuss your ideas for a group visit, or to book, please call 01728 451700 and ask for Kevin Gosling. Please get in touch at least two months before your intended visit so that we can confirm the availability of staff and volunteers in good time. All bookings are provisional until confirmed.

Car parking

There is limited parking in front of The Red House. If your group is arriving by car, we will allocate an agreed number of spaces at the time of booking, to encourage car-sharing.

Coach drop-off

Please note that Golf Lane is a narrow private road, and full-size coaches must not attempt to use it, as there is not enough space for them to turn round. If you are coming by full-size coach, please ask the driver to drop off and pick up on the B1222 Leiston Road. To avoid having to cross the road, we recommend that coaches approach from the south and stop temporarily on the left-hand side of the B1222, just level with the entrance to Golf Lane. The Red House is then just a two-minute walk along the lane. There is limited coach parking space at the other end of town, at the Fort Green car park on Thorpe Road.

Photograph: Nigel Luckhurst