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.
Acton Court Opening Times 2026
General Opening Season: Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 27 June 2026. The house is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Self-guided audio tours of the house and grounds are available throughout the open season. Two time slots are offered:
- 10:30–13:00
- 14:00–16:30
Please arrive within the first hour of your chosen slot.
Special Events and Activities
Tudor Jamboree — End of Season Event takes place on Sunday 28 June 2026, the final day of the season. Two time slots are available: 10:30–13:00 and 14:00–16:30.
Merchant House Artisans (Mistress Mary and Master Richard) will be present on Sunday 7 June and Sunday 28 June 2026. A herb stall only will be available on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Regular Activities During the Season
The following activities run throughout the open season:
- Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I Exhibition of Tudor Court Dress — available on all tour days
- Lady Samantha — Tudor Wardrobes Activity — Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays each week
- Costumed Garden Guide (Deb Randall) — Wednesdays and weekends
- Acton Court Wars of the Roses Activity — available on all tour days
Group Visits and Members
Group bookings and Historic Houses Members visits are welcome during the open season (Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 27 June 2026, closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
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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