Acton Court
A moated Tudor manor house near Bristol with royal apartments built for the 1535 visit of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Acton Court belonged to the Poyntz family from 1364 until the male line died out in 1680. The medieval moated manor house was greatly extended by Nicholas Poyntz, who added a new east wing to receive King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn during their summer progress through the West Country in 1535. The wing is said to have been built in about nine months and was fitted out with state apartments and decoration that count among the best surviving examples of their time in England.
After the family line ended, the house was sold, reduced in size and used as a tenant farmhouse. In the twentieth century it fell into poor repair, but this neglect helped the Tudor east wing to survive largely intact. Conservation work in the 1990s uncovered further features, including the king's private garderobe, and archaeological digs on the site produced finds such as Venetian glass, Spanish ceramics and early clay pipes. A Tudor sundial designed by Nicholas Kratzer was also found in the grounds.
Today the house is presented through guided tours, events and workshops. Visitors can explore the rooms made for the royal guests, the garden and the surrounding grounds, and a virtual tour is available on the website.
Highlights
- East wing built for the 1535 visit of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
- Tudor state apartments with well-preserved decoration
- Moated manor house in its grounds and garden
- Tudor sundial found in the grounds
- Guided and theatrical tours led by costumed guides
Admission & discounts
The house is currently closed to visitors; 2027 opening dates are to be announced.
Accessibility
The house is currently closed to visitors; 2027 opening dates are to be announced.
Kids & families
Workshops and events are run at the house; check the website for current dates.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Yate station
The nearest railway station is Yate, 2.4 miles by road; Bristol Parkway is 5.3 miles and Bristol Temple Meads 10.4 miles by road. No bus routes are given by the house.
The house is on the B4059 at Iron Acton, reached from junction 14 or 16 of the M5, junction 18 of the M4 or junction 1 of the M32. The sat nav postcode given by the house is BS37 9TJ.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The house is currently closed to visitors; 2027 opening dates are to be announced.
Events & venue rental
The house is currently closed to visitors; 2027 opening dates are to be announced.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours have included an outside walk covering the building, grounds and garden, a tour of the King's Rooms, and a theatrical tour with a costumed guide. During open seasons, daily activities and demonstrations are planned that are free to ticket holders. A virtual tour of the house is available on the website. |
