Discover Historic Waltham Abbey

About

Discover Historic Waltham Abbey

Next guided tour on 18th October 2025. 11am start

(This is the last tour for this yearr).

Taking place every third Saturday of the month between April and October, starting from the Tourist Information Centre, in the Town Hall (side entrance) in Highbridge Street at 11.00am, and lasting for around an hour and a half.

£5 per person including a visitor pack and refreshments on arrival.  Children 8 to 16 years £2, under 8 free.
Reserving your place by pre-booking is helpful - or pay on the day - contact the Tourism Information Centre on 01992 660336 or email tic@walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk

The friendly guides are selected for their knowledge on the fascinating history of their local area and your guide for this tour is Tricia Gurnett. Tricia is Chairman of Waltham Abbey’s tourism committee, and Vice Chairman of Waltham Abbey Historical Society.   She is founder and organizer of the King Harold Festival, Holy Cross Day and Waltham Abbey Art Trail.   She is also Chairman of the Society for Sailing Barge Research.

Waltham Abbey - the last resting place of King Harold after his defeat at the Battle of Hastings. History abounds as Waltham Abbey has long played its part on the local, regional, and even international stage. Discover the story of Tovi the Proud who brought the holy cross from Glastonbury to the church at Waltham, later richly endowed by King Harold and later still made into an Augustinian Abbey by Henry II before being dismantled by Henry VIII. Hear about life in the abbey, the music of Thomas Tallis, Tudor intrigue, gunpowder manufacture and a whole lot more.