Acton Court
"One of the best preserved mid-sixteenth century houses in the country" according to English Heritage
Latteridge Road, Iron Acton, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS37 9TL
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Partial access for wheelchair users
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
Acton Court is one of the most important Tudor buildings in the UK.
In 1535 the owner, Nicholas Poyntz built a magnificent new East Wing on to the existing moated manor house in honour of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s summer progress around the West Country.
The new wing was a splendid testament to Nicholas Poyntz’s loyalty to his King. He went to immense trouble and expense, decorating the state apartments lavishly and fashionably. He was well rewarded as it is thought he was knighted during the royal visit.
Today, the East Wing, which was built in just nine months, comprises most of what remains at Acton Court. It offers a rare example of 16th-century royal state apartments and some decorations which are the finest of their kind in England. Also surviving and hidden in the masonry until it was discovered during conservation work, is the King’s ‘en suite’ garde-robe.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
General Opening Season: Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 27 June 2026. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (Note: there is a minor discrepancy in the source materials regarding the end date — the homepage indicates Sunday 28 June, while the tours page indicates Saturday 27 June.)
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Self-guided audio tours are available throughout the season on all open days (Wednesday to Saturday). Two time slots are offered:
- 10:30–13:00
- 14:00–16:30
Visitors are asked to arrive within the first hour of their chosen time slot.
Guided Tours
Three guided tours are available during the season on all open days, within the same time slots as the self-guided audio tours (10:30–13:00 and 14:00–16:30):
- A Walk Around the Outside of Acton Court with Angela Nutbrown
- A Visit to the King's Rooms with Rodger Fowler
- Theatrical Tour — Lady Joan Poyntz written and told by Brenda Page
Exhibitions and Displays
Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I Exhibition of Tudor Court Dress is on display every open day throughout the season.
Lady Samantha — Tudor Queens Wardrobe Display is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays each week during the season.
Special Activities and Demonstrations
Costumed Garden Guide (Deb Randall) is available on Wednesdays and weekends throughout the season.
Acton Court Wars of the Roses — Rose Badge Making (with Chloe Drew) is available every open day throughout the season.
Merchant House Artisans (Mistress Mary and Master Richard) appear on Wednesday 3 June, Sunday 7 June, and Sunday 28 June. A herb stall only is available on Wednesday 17 June.
Tudor Jamboree — End of Season Event
Sunday 28 June 2026 features the Tudor Jamboree, an end-of-season celebration with two time slots (10:30–13:00 and 14:00–16:30). Note: audio guides are not available for this event.
The Tudor Jamboree includes the following activities and displays:
- Stringed Instruments of the Tudor Court (Ian Pittaway)
- RaptorCare Birds of Prey Display (Tony Bryant)
- Lady Samantha and the Six Queens — Tudor dressing up in the morning session and dressing down in the afternoon session
- The Enchanted Tudor Rose Jewellery Display (Jennifer Lamb)
- Paint a Tudor Queen (Chloe Drew)
- Tudor Garden Guide (Deb Randall)
Virtual Tour
A Virtual Tour of Acton Court is available online at any time.
Adult: £12 plus Eventbrite booking fee.
Children under 11 by arrangement, email [email protected].
Historic Houses members visit the house and grounds for free, and can enquire about booking a visit using the link below.
We welcome visits from primary and seconday schools.
Visits will be arranged with the school based on individual requirements.
- Partial access for wheelchair users
- Accessible toilets
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
Getting here
Latteridge Road, Iron Acton, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS37 9TL
Between Latteridge and Iron Acton on the B4059.
Not accessible by public transport
Train Stations: Yate: 2.4 miles by road.
Bristol Parkway: 5.3 miles by road.
Bristol Temple Meads: 10.4 miles by road.
Did you know, pieces of Acton Court can be found elsewhere. During archaeological excavations the earliest known sundial in England made by Nicholas Kratzer was discovered in a thorn bush within the grounds. It is now on display at Bristol City Museum.
Visit houses nearby
Hamswell House
Hamswell, Bath, South Gloucestershire, BA1 9DG
Owlpen Manor
Uley, near Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5BZ
Rugbourne Farm
High Littleton, Bristol, Somerset, BS39 6JS
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