Volunteer complimentary guided tour of Sambourne House

Friday 6 February 2026 (14.30 - 15.30)

Join us for a complimentary private tour of Sambourne House!

Tucked away in Holland Park, a leafy neighbourhood in West London, stand Leighton House and Sambourne House. Combining living and studio space, the houses remain largely unchanged today. They are the extraordinary legacies left by two ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era – Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896) and Edward Linley Sambourne (1844 -1910).

Leighton and Sambourne lived as neighbours for over 20 years and had many acquaintances in common. They were widely known to their contemporaries; Leighton as the most prominent artist of his day, a celebrated painter and president of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sambourne as Chief Cartoonist at the infamous satirical magazine Punch. Their similar tastes were reflected in the furnishing of their homes, both filled with sculpture, blue and white ceramics and glassware. But if we delve beyond the physical artefacts, what do we know about these men, their lives and careers, and why do their former homes capture our imagination today?

This exclusive 60-minute guided tour will take us through Sambourne House which was decorated in the fashionable aesthetic style, including stained glass windows, and Morris & Co. wallpaper. Decorating the house was a passion of Edward Linley Sambourne’s and it was mainly he who was responsible for choosing the various wallpapers and furnishings. Throughout the 35 years he lived in the house, he continued to add to it, re-papering walls and purchasing new ceramics and pieces of furniture. 

Please meet at 14.15 at the Sambourne House visitor entrance for the tour starting at 14.30.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GUIDED TOUR OF SAMBOURNE HOUSE (14.30 - 15.30) WILL BE PRECEDED BY A GUIDED TOUR OF LEIGHTON HOUSE (12.00 - 13.00 - Leighton House is approx. 10 mins walk away) - PLEASE SIGN UP SEPARATELY FOR THE Leighton HOUSE TOUR IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN BOTH TOURS (optional).

Event details:

• This event is exclusive to Fulham Palace volunteers.

• This tour is approximately 60 minutes long.

• Accessibility: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/accessibility 

• We will meet at 14.15 at the Sambourne House visitor entrance.

• Getting there: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/plan-your-visit

• The guided tour of Sambourne House (14.30 - 15.30) will be preceded by a guided tour of Leighton House 12.00 - 13.00 - Leighton House is approx. 10 mins walk away) - PLEASE SIGN UP SEPARATELY FOR THE Leighton HOUSE TOUR IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN BOTH TOURS (optional) - thank you.

Please book your space on the Sambourne House tour here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/68964

Volunteer complimentary guided tour of Leighton House

Friday 6 February 2026 (12.00 - 13.00)

Join us for a complimentary private tour of Leighton House!

Tucked away in Holland Park, a leafy neighbourhood in West London, stand Leighton House and Sambourne House. Combining living and studio space, the houses remain largely unchanged today. They are the extraordinary legacies left by two ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era – Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896) and Edward Linley Sambourne (1844 -1910).

Leighton and Sambourne lived as neighbours for over 20 years and had many acquaintances in common. They were widely known to their contemporaries; Leighton as the most prominent artist of his day, a celebrated painter and president of the Royal Academy of Arts and Sambourne as Chief Cartoonist at the infamous satirical magazine Punch. Their similar tastes were reflected in the furnishing of their homes, both filled with sculpture, blue and white ceramics and glassware. But if we delve beyond the physical artefacts, what do we know about these men, their lives and careers, and why do their former homes capture our imagination today?

This exclusive 60-minute guided tour will take us through Leighton House where we will explore the beautiful former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896). The house combined spaces for living, working and entertaining and the display of Leighton’s collections. 

Please meet at 11.40 at the Leighton House visitor entrance for the tour starting at 12.00.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GUIDED TOUR OF LEIGHTON HOUSE (12.00 - 13.00) WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A GUIDED TOUR OF SAMBOURNE HOUSE (14.30 - 15.30 - Sambourne House is approx. 10 mins walk away) - PLEASE SIGN UP SEPARATELY FOR THE SAMBOURNE HOUSE TOUR IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN BOTH TOURS (optional) - thank you.

Event details:

• This event is exclusive to Fulham Palace volunteers.

• This tour is approximately 60 minutes long.

• Accessibility: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/accessibility 

• We will meet at 11.40 at the Leighton House visitor entrance.

• Getting there: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/plan-your-visit

• After the tour, there is the option to have lunch or refreshments - the on-site De Morgan Cafe will be open - and join the Sambourne House tour at 14.30 - 15.30. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE SAMBOURNE HOUSE TOUR SEPARATELY IF YOU WISH TO JOIN BOTH TOURS - thank you.

Please book your space on the Leighton House tour here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/68959

As a thank you for all your wonderful contributions over the year, we would like to invite you to this year’s volunteer Christmas party.

Get ready to have some holiday fun with a variety of seasonal refreshments and drinks! We'll also have an optional activity and plenty of time to socialise and enjoy the festivities. Christmas jumpers and a competitive holiday spirit are welcome.

It’s bound to be a jolly good time; mark your calendars and let’s celebrate together!

You are welcome to bring a guest (£5.00 entry on the door).

We look forward to seeing you there!

To help us plan for the event, please book your ticket here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/67825

Information on access on the night:
On arrival, please use the main entrance gate to the Palace site as the churchyard and back gates will be closed. This is because there is not sufficient lighting in that area.

To exit the site, please use the gate on the main drive as well since the back gates will be closed. We recommend to stick to Bishop's Avenue and Fulham Palace Road to leave the site and avoid Bishop's Park, again for lighting reasons. Thank you.

The volunteer forum will take place on 18 October 2025 starting at 9.30 in the education centre.

Join us at the forum where we will focus on your feedback as we will discuss the results from the volunteer survey 2025. There will also be Trust updates and you will be able to ask questions in person. For the full agenda, please see below. The forum is your chance to join the conversation, to contribute and connect!

We'll be gathering in the carriage room in the education centre for a casual and informative session.

Arrive at 9.30 to enjoy light refreshments featuring pastries, fruit, and tea/coffee. We'll kick things off promptly at 10.00. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please book your ticket here:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/65721

Forum agenda:

1. Welcome: introduction and agenda 10.00 - 10.05
Valerie Weydert

2. 2024/25 review 10.05 - 10.25
Paul Gray

3. Future plans including MEND 5 10.25 - 10.40
Sian Harrington

4. Update from the garden – 10.40 - 11.00
get into gardening/going green evaluation
Lucy Hart

5. Comfort break 11.00 - 11.10

6. Volunteer survey results 11.10 - 12.00
and discussion
Valerie Weydert

7. Upcoming events 12.00 - 12.15
Valerie Weydert

8. AOB/questions 12.15 - 12.30
All

Join us for a complimentary private tour of Red House in south-east London!

Explore the artistic history of Red House, which was a family home for Arts and Crafts movement founder William Morris and his wife Jane, and also the hub of an artistic community.

On the tour we will explore the wonderful interiors of Red House, the only house designed, built and lived in by William Morris, the pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement. This was the birthplace of this decorative style and a haven for the Pre-Raphaelite artists. 

The warm-red brick building of Red House is enclosed by its gardens, stocked with flowers and plants chosen to evoke the time when William Morris lived here, and to work in harmony with the appearance of the house.

You will be able to view the garden at your leisure before or after the tour.

Please meet at the Red House visitor entrance at 13.40 for the guided tour starting at 14.00.

Our private guided tour of Red House will last 75 minutes and cover the history of the house and the collection.

You will have access to the site from 13.00 to explore the garden - please report to the visitor welcome on arrival and meet again at 13.40 for the guided tour.

How to get there:

By train

The nearest train station to Red House is Bexleyheath. Trains run directly from London Victoria, London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street.

The direct trains from London Victoria to Bexleyheath station run approx. every 30 minutes and take around 40 minutes. It is then a 15-minute walk to the house from the station.

The other option is to use the Elizabeth Line to Abbey Wood. It is then a 15-minute bus journey to Upton Road bus stop near Red House.

By bus

89, 422, 486, B11 and B16 London Central; B12 and B15 Arriva Kent Thameside; B14 Metrobus; 96 Selkent. All stop at Upton Road. It is then a 7 mins walk to Red House.

By road

M25 junction 2 to A2 for Bexleyheath. Exit Danson interchange and follow A221 Bexleyheath
Parking: nearest parking at Danson Park 1 mile (DA6 8HL). Charge at weekends and Bank Holidays
Sat Nav: DA6 8HL - Danson Park car park

The Red House website includes information about accessibility, a useful map and more travel info.

Other notes:

Please note that there is currently no cafe on site. However, It might be worthwhile to head to Danson Park, which is approx. a 15-minute walk from Red House where there are several places to get somewhere to eat, including: Danson Stables Bexleyheath - Part of Heritage Pubs

The tea room in Danson Park is sadly closed at the moment but hopefully it will be open again by September.

Or if you head to Bexleyheath high street, again a 15 minute walk away there are several cafes etc.

Please book your space on the tour here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/68479?catID=65297&

An email with more detailed travel information will be sent to those signed up ahead of the visit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for a complimentary coach trip to Great Dixter House and Gardens!

Great Dixter in East Sussex was the home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006), who developed it into a hub of ideas and connections that spread out across the world. The house was built in 1910-1912, expanding on the existing 15th century structure. The garden and house are both Grade I listed.
The extensive garden was designed in the arts and crafts style and its features include topiary, a long border, an orchard and a wild flower meadow.

Now under the stewardship of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust with Christopher’s friend, Fergus Garrett CEO and Head Gardener, Great Dixter is a historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of inspiration for horticulturalists from across the world.

In 2003 Christopher Lloyd had the foresight to set up the Great Dixter Charitable Trust. When he died in 2006 the Trust took over the running of the estate. The Trust and its staff are dedicated to maintaining the quality and unique atmosphere of Great Dixter, protecting the house and its contents and ensuring that the garden remains open to inspire visitors with its exuberant and dynamic style of gardening. The surrounding estate with its meadows and ancient woodland continues to be managed traditionally to maximise biodiversity and sustainability.

We’ll be leaving Fulham Palace at 8.00, meeting at the car park gate on Bishop’s Avenue at 7.45. After a full day exploring the garden, we’ll depart Great Dixter at 15.00 and return by coach to the Palace.

Please have a look at their useful website here, with a map and further info. There is a cafe on site as well.

Please book your space here to ensure a seat on the coach: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/67007?catID=64075&

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for a complimentary private tour of Syon House!

Syon House is the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland.
The house was built in the sixteenth century on the site of the Medieval Syon Abbey, and came to the family of the present owners in 1594. Syon has many layers of history and has seen some profound changes over the centuries. The property comprises the Tudor house, a conservatory, and 30 acres of gardens spread across the 200 acres of parkland.

Please meet at the Syon House visitor entrance at 10:40. The tour of the house will start at 11:00 and lasts 75 minutes. It covers the history of the house, park and collection. After the tour, you will be free to explore the gardens and Great Conservatory at leisure.

How to get there:

District Line to Gunnersbury, then 237 or 267 bus to Brent Lea bus stop. Pedestrian entrance 50 yards.
Central Line to Ealing Broadway, E2 bus to Brentford Holiday Inn or E8 bus to Brent Lea bus stop. Pedestrian entrance 150 yards.
Piccadilly Line to Boston Manor, E8 bus to Brent Lea bus stop. Pedestrian entrance 150 yards.

Please have a look at their useful website here, with a map and further info. There is a cafe on site as well.

Please book your space here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/66278?catID=63386&

We look forward to seeing you there!

To say a huge thank you for all your hard work supporting the Palace, we are running a free drop-in wild tea activity as part of volunteers' week.  Join us for a hands-on experience in the walled garden vinery where you’ll have the opportunity to craft your very own bespoke wild tea blend, made from the freshest herbs and flowers.

Explore the sensory delights of sight, smell, and taste as you select your ingredients from a curated selection of seasonal botanicals, including mint, lemon balm, and many more.

This sensory journey is perfect for volunteers looking to connect with nature, expand their herbal knowledge, and create a custom tea blend that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop invites you to indulge in a relaxing, creative experience while celebrating the natural beauty of Fulham Palace’s historic grounds.

This is a drop-in session, however if you could sign up in advance, that would be helpful for our planning. You can sign up for the event here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/67006?catID=64074&

Join us for a complimentary private tour of Highgate Cemetery in North London.

Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of the Victorian cemetery. With its sinuous paths winding up a steep wooded hill and ivy-clad monuments, Highgate Cemetery is a secluded funerary landscape at its most evocative. The cemetery was designed by architect Stephen Geary and is now owned and operated by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust, a registered charity.

We are booked in for a Highlights Tour (approx 90 mins long) on Thursday 15 May at 11:00. Spaces are limited so book soon! We will meet at 10:40 at the cemetery west entrance, as this is where the tour will start.

The tour will focus on the history of the cemetery, as well as telling stories of some of the more notable residents. It will focus on the west side of the cemetery, where you will see the Egyptian Avenue, the Lebanon Circle and enter the Catacombs. After the tour you are welcome to take a look around the east side on your own (Karl Marx is located on the east side).

Please note that the cemetery is quite steep in some places and it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear. The guide will make the necessary accessibility adjustments for those needing a slower pace.

How to get there:

The easiest way to get to the cemetery is via Archway tube station, then it is a 10-minute walk up Highgate Hill and cutting through Waterlow Park. We will meet at the cemetery west entrance. Please have a look at their helpful map here. Further information can be found on the Highgate Cemetery website here.

Other info:

There is a small coffee outlet on site that sells amazing coffee, but if you want sandwiches etc., best to go back into Waterlow Park to Lauderdale House, which has a café with hot and cold food options: Welcome to Lauderdale House | Lauderdale House.

Please book your space here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/66274?catID=63375&

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our first volunteer trip of 2025 is a special visit to Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners!

The complimentary private guided tour will take place on Friday 4 April at 11.00. We will meet at 10.40 in the Soane Stable Yard. The closest entrance for this is Chelsea Gate, outside the Royal Chelsea Hospital here. The address is Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR and you can find more information on the ‘plan your visit’ website here.

The Royal Hospital is a Grade I and II listed site, a beautiful architectural legacy left by Charles II and Sir Christopher Wren. The tour takes groups across the length of the site to visit its main attractions including The Great Hall, Chapel and Figure Court. The tour of the RHC site lasts 90 minutes.
After the tour, RHC provides us with a room to get together and meet with some of the RHC team. You will be able to purchase refreshments from the cafe. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to view the recently refurbished Soane Stable Yard, which now houses the Chelsea Pensioners Museum, a Cafe by Heidi Bakery, a shop and post office, an activity room and the Veterans Outreach Centre. For more information, please feel fee to have a look here.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Book your space here.

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with a variety of seasonal refreshments and drinks. For those feeling adventurous, we'll have optional activities and games to join in the festive fun!

This year, we will have a party theme - a Tudor extravaganza in the most fitting setting, the Palace’s great hall. From farthingales, hoods and pearls to ruffs or, of course, your favourite Christmas jumper, please do feel free to dress up for the occasion.

It’s bound to be a jolly good time! Mark your calendars and let’s celebrate together.

Book your ticket here:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/57465?catID=46294&

Information on access on the night:
On arrival, please use the main entrance gate to the Palace site as the churchyard and back gates will be closed. This is because there is not sufficient lighting in that area.

To exit the site, please use the gate on the main drive as well as the back gates will be closed. We recommend to stick to Bishop's Avenue and Fulham Palace Road to leave the site and avoid Bishop's Park, again for lighting reasons. Thank you.

Saturday 12 October 9.30 -12.30

Location: Education centre.

The volunteer forum will take place on 12 October 2024 starting at 9.30 in the education centre.

The forum will focus on your feedback as we will look at and discuss the results from the volunteer survey 2024. You will be able to ask questions in person. The forum is your chance to join the conversation, to contribute and connect.

AGENDA Volunteer forum 2024

1. Welcome: introduction and agenda    
   Valerie Weydert (Volunteer development officer)

2. 2023/24 review        
   Paul Gray (Chair of the Trustees)

3. Future plans including Phase IV and anti-racist museums initiative
   Sian Harrington (CEO)

4. Update from the garden – get into gardening and going green project
   Lucy Hart (Head gardener)

5. Comfort break

6. Volunteer survey results and discussion/activity
   Valerie Weydert

7. Upcoming events
   Valerie Weydert

8. AOB/questions

We'll be gathering in the carriage room in the education centre for a casual and informative session.

Arrive at 9.30 to enjoy light refreshments featuring pastries, fruit, and tea/coffee. We'll kick things off promptly at 10.00. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please book your ticket here:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/57461?catID=56019&

Join us for an exciting double tour at Kew! Immerse yourself in history and nature with our guided tours of Kew palace & gardens.

The day begins at 10.30 when we will meet at Elizabeth Gate, Kew Green. It is important to arrive at this specific gate, as access through other gates will not be permitted. Here, a member of the Kew Palace staff will greet our group and escort us to Kew Palace.

The history tour of Kew Palace will start promptly at 11.00 and last until 12.00. During this hour, you will be guided through the fascinating history of the palace. Please note that there are no toilets inside the palace, but visitor toilets are conveniently located a few meters from the entrance. There will be time to use these facilities before the tour begins.

After the palace tour, from 12.00 to 13.45, we will have a lunch break. This is a perfect time to enjoy a picnic in the gardens or grab lunch from one of the cafes on-site. Be aware that the cafes can be busy even on a Monday in September, so plan accordingly. Ensure you arrive at Victoria Gate in time for the start of the next part of our journey.

The walking tour of Kew gardens will commence at 14.00 and last until 15.00. We will meet at Victoria Gate for this tour. This guided walking tour will take approximately one hour and will include a visit to one of Kew's large glasshouses, along with highlights of the current seasonal features.

We look forward to seeing you for a day filled with exploration and learning at Kew palace and gardens!

Book your ticket here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59439?catID=57566&tickets%5B598613_quantity%5D=1

Join us for this year’s volunteer trip to Penshurst Place and Gardens

Come for a trip to this stately home, nestled in the historic, picturesque village of Penshurst in Kent. This 14th century property was once a country retreat to the Lord Mayor of London. During King Henry VIII’s reign, this property belonged to him and was used as a Hunting Lodge. The estate was passed on to his son, King Edvard VI.

Penshurst Place visit schedule:

Meeting at Fulham Palace at 8.30am (Bishops Avenue)

Arrive approximately at 10.30am at Penshurst Place

Tour starts at 11 am . The group will be divided in two. They have a one-way system around the house and the groups will go off at c.10min intervals.

Once you have completed your tour (which is approx. 1 hour, depending on mobility and questions), you are then free to enjoy the Gardens, café and re-enter the house at your leisure until your departure.

Groups are asked to please stagger the use of the Porcupine Pantry Café especially as it will be a busy week for visitors, and we cannot reserve tables. Option to go to picnic areas is available.

From the end of the tour until time to leave is self guided and everyone can see the place as they wish.

I will have a phone with me to be contacted but otherwise we will meet by the coach before leaving time.

Return to the coach by 2.45pm to leave at 3pm
Arrive back to the Palace around 4.30pm (traffic pending).

If you wish to read more about Penshurst Place, please click the link below:

Penshurst Place

Book your tickets here:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/58557?catID=56870&tickets%5B586817_quantity%5D=1

Get ready for an extraordinary experience as we invite you to join us for a double tour of the William Morris Society and Emery Walker's House!

To ensure everyone gets a chance to explore these remarkable places, we'll be dividing into two groups, each embarking on a tour of one house before swapping for the second leg of our adventure. This arrangement is necessary due to the limited capacity at Emery Walker's House.

At the William Morris Society, prepare to uncover the treasures nestled within the small museum housed in the coach house and basement rooms of Kelmscott House. Immerse yourself in the world of William Morris, who called Kelmscott House home from 1878 until his passing in 1896.

Next, we'll journey to Emery Walker's House for a tour of this exquisite Victorian marvel. Marvel at the intricate details and rich history of this beautiful residence, as we delve into the legacy of Emery Walker.

Schedule: 

We will meet by William Morris Society entrance at 10.45 AM. We will promptly split our group in two, so one of the groups has time to arrive to Emery Walkers house and start the tour.

11.00 - Group 1 meets at Emery Walker's House for the tour, while Group 2 meets at the William Morris Society for their tour.

11.45 - Group 1 transitions to the William Morris Society, and Group 2 moves to Emery Walker's House for their respective tours.

12.00 - Group 1 embarks on the tour of the William Morris Society, while Group 2 begins their exploration of Emery Walker's House.

12.45 - Both tours conclude.

Book here:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/52862

Chiswick House and Gardens is one of the most glorious examples of 18th-century British architecture and landscaped gardens, with over 300 years of discovery, inspiration and delight.

Delve into the rich history of the 65-acre Grade I gardens, home to 21 listed garden buildings and statues. Managed by the trust on behalf of English Heritage and the London Borough of Hounslow, these gardens have earned international acclaim for their architectural and horticultural significance.

This is a garden tour. The walking route contains some uneven surfaces and occasional benches along the route. This is an outdoor tour only. If you would like access to the house, you must purchase your own ticket after the tour. 

The tour starts at 12pm and lasts 1 hour and 15 min. The meeting point is the Forecourt, in front of the House.

Book your place for a free tour of the garden:

https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/56909?catID=55647&

Celebrate the festive season at the volunteer Christmas party on Tuesday 5 December from 17.00 to 19.00 in the Great Hall

There will be some festive refreshments and drinks, plus a few activities and games (optional as always!) Wear your Christmas jumpers and for those keen bakers/cooks among you, please bring along some delicious treats to share with us.

Click here to book your place: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/46294

Guests are welcome (£5 for guests or some snacks to share)

We look forward to seeing lots of you there!

This workshop will take place on Tuesday 14 November from 14.00 till 15.00 in the Terrick drawing room.

The Dementia Friends programme is a social action movement, led by the Alzheimer's Society, and it aims to increase understanding of dementia and inspire people to take part in action to support people affected by dementia in their community.

The session will last around 45 minutes during which participants will learn the five key messages we feel everyone should know about dementia, and how they can turn them into action to support people living with dementia. At the end of the session, participants will be given the opportunity to commit to an action, and become a dementia friend.

The session will include some activities and opportunities for participants to share ideas. The session is delivered by a trained volunteer dementia friend ambassador, but they are not a trained medical professional and they will not be able to discuss individual cases.

Together we will  beat dementia!

Simon

Simon Wales is a dementia friend ambassador, with a long experience of raising awareness about dementia for the Alzheimer’s Society.

All volunteers are encourage to attend this workshop.

Please sign up here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/41926

Two Temple Place is a dazzling neo-Gothic gem on Victoria Embankment, commissioned by and built for William Waldorf Astor in the 1890s.

The house is not always open to the public so join us for this special group visit to learn more about its fantastical and opulent interior and remarkable history. The tour starts at 12.30 pm and lasts 1 hour approximately.

Book your free space here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/46350?catID=45901&.

The volunteer forum 2023 will be taking place on Saturday 14 October from 9.30 to 12.30. Book now to be part of the yearly feedback event.

The forum will be held in the carriage room in the education centre.

Please arrive at 9.30 for a complimentary brunch of pastries, fruit and tea/coffee. We will begin promptly at 10.00. Please sign up here so we know how many people to cater for: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/46763?catID=46319&.

This year we are travelling via coach to the magnificent Petworth House and Park in West Sussex.

On a guided tour of the house, we will see and learn about one of the finest art collections (with works by Van Dyke, Turner and Gainsborough) in the care of the National Trust, nestled in a 700-acre deer park with views over the South Downs. There is also an 18th century pleasure garden designed by ‘Capability’ Brown with Serpentine paths, formal beds, a woodland walk, Ionic Rotunda and Doric Temple.

The tour will last 45 minutes. We will also meet with volunteers at Petworth House and Park over tea and coffee.

We will set off early in the morning (at about 8am) for our tour and leave in the afternoon so there will be space for lunch in the audit room café (serves hot and cold drinks, lunches and afternoon tea) and some exploration of the gardens before the coach takes us back home.

I hope lots of you can join us!

Please book your place here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/46745?catID=46300&.

Join us for an exclusive Fulham Palace tour by community archaeologist Alexis Haslam on Thursday 15 June from 10.30 to 12.30. Alexis will go through the archaeology, history and stories of the Palace as well as share the latest news and research with the volunteers.

This training is for everyone - those who want to learn more about the Palace or for those who need some refreshing on their history. We encourage volunteers from all different departments to attend - from tour guides to garden team, to finance to collections volunteers.

There will be an opportunity afterwards to ask any and all questions!

Book your place here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/47991?catID=47498&.

Sign up for a tour of the Grade I listed Brompton Cemetery, a well-loved resting place of over 200,000 people, a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Nestled among the spectacular trees and undergrowth are over 35,000 gravestones and monuments. The cemetery is alive with the amazing stories of all the people buried there since the 1830s, including some well-known names like Emmeline Pankhurst and John Snow.

Please meet at the North Gate on Old Brompton Road.

Directions: from Putney Bridge/Fulham Palace Road the buses 74 and 430 alight at West Brompton Station. The cemetery is next to the station (District line).

Please book your place here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/45771?catID=45456&.

Join us for a visit to Ham House, a beautiful 17th century house on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond on Tuesday 18 April.

Please arrive for 10.30 at the latest, to meet with our tour guide at 10.45. This then allows us to get you into the house by 11 sharp, finishing up when they open to the public at 12:00. 

Ham House is internationally recognised for its superb collection of paintings, furniture and textiles, largely brought together 400 years ago. The house is also reputed to be one of the most haunted in Britain.

We will also visit the 17th-century gardens that surround the house, which include a productive kitchen garden containing many heritage crops and the maze-like ‘Wilderness’, complete with summerhouses. The orangery café will be open for light lunches and tea.

Book your free slot here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/category/46293.

This workshop will take place on Thursday 23 March from 10.00 till 13.00 in the Terrick rooms.

Hello everyone!

I am looking forward to working with you on this workshop to look at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion matters. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a wonderful opportunity for us to share and exchange information about our histories (whatever you feel you want to share) as volunteers, as staff.  Also spending time on DEI matters invests in the future and the continuing success of Fulham Palace.  It is incredibly powerful and a time to celebrate the richness that our experience brings to Fulham Palace and makes it such an amazing focus to the area.

I know you will find it interesting (at least one piece of information that you didn’t know) and trust you will find it enjoyable (though I won’t be forcing you to have fun!!)

The workshops will have some input from me to signpost the way.  The approach is as per my philosophy:  accentuating the positive, releasing the potential!

In advance of the workshop – do keep an eye/ear out for stories in the news, social media, locally that catches your attention about diversity. 

Warm wishes

Judeline

This is a volunteer-only session and we encourage volunteers from across the Palace to sign up. There are 16 slots available so do book soon.

Please sign up here: https://fulhampalace.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/46761?catID=46317&.