Church Tours Options...

Those who wish to take a tour of one or more of our eighteen churches are truly spoilt for choice! All you need to do is contact Wayland House (01953 883915) contact@wayland.org.uk and we can arrange your visit for you.

Tours for individuals and families

1. Our 96 page illustrated guidebook entitled ‘Unlocking our Histories: The Churches of Wayland’ is ideal for individuals, couples and families who wish to explore the churches in their own time and pace and it makes a perfect souvenir to take home! The guidebook contains beautiful photographs and illustrations by local artists and full accounts of the social, ecclesiastical and architectural history of these superb buildings and parishes, written by the members of the Wayland Community who know and love these wonderful buildings. The book operates as a guide through number references that link each account with a locator map and offers a typical church plan layout to help direct you once inside a church. It is available to purchase at £7.50 from the Tourist Information Centre which is in the Dragonfly Exhibition Centre at Wayland House, Watton.

2. Audio tours are also available for hire which cover each of the eighteen churches within the Wayland group. Written and narrated by Tony Mallion of Radio Norfolk, each CD contains a guided description of the church and its contents, plus entertaining stories provided by local residents who feature on the recordings. Norwich actors and Radio Norfolk presenters also bring to life bygone characters who helped to shape the history of these churches. Each CD can be hired overnight/weekend from the Partnership Office for £5.00 per unit with a £10.00 returnable deposit.

Tours for Groups

Guided group tours can be arranged for clubs, organisations, and church groups etc. at almost any time. Each tour currently starts from Wayland House, Watton and it is essential to book in advance. The price of group tours varies according to the needs of the group. We can arrange transport, lunches and even overnight accommodation if required. Tours are accompanied by a tour leader and visitors are greeted at each church by its own specialist guide/s. We recommend that groups consider visiting no more than three churches in one day, if they are to enjoy the full benefit of the tour.

St. Mary’s Houghton-on-the-Hill

Bob Davey or one of the other specially trained volunteer guides will be on hand to ensure that your visit to St. Mary’s is special. From June 2007 it is anticipated that visits will increase in popularity so please contact us and we will arrange your visit for you.

Groups of visitors might like to consider a refreshment break at Houghton Barns, just a short walk from the church. The 18th Century barns, with their neighbouring farmhouse and cottage, are set in a delightfully remote and peaceful corner of Breckland, and offer superb and comfortable facilities.

Local produce is used for delicious homemade lunches, afternoon teas and morning coffee breaks available for groups of 10 or more.

www.hoh.org.uk          www.saintmaryschurch.org.uk www.houghtonbarns.com

To arrange to visit any of the Wayland Churches contact the Wayland Partnership 01953 883915 or call in at the Dragonfly Exhibition Centre. We can advise you on which churches to visit and where to obtain the key for those churches which have to be kept locked. Those wishing to visit as a group can be accommodated.