Woodchester Bat Experiences

Woodchester Bat Experiences offer visitors with an interest in natural history an exceptional opportunity to see the Mansion and observe our bats.

First there will be a guided tour of the Mansion. Visitors will then go to the bat observatory to see the bats in the roost above via the high definition monitors. This is accompanied by a talk about the bats and bat studies at Woodchester. As it is a maternity roost, at this time of year many of the bats will be mothers with a baby bat clinging to them.

As dusk falls, visitors move into the Mansion to see the bats flying through the corridors and Gothic chapel, and then going outside to forage. Each participant can use a hand held bat detector to track the movement of the bats.

Please note that our minibus will not be available for the Bat Experiences. As it will be dark at the end of the evening, visitors should remember to bring a torch for the walk back to the car park. Please wear warm clothes and sensible shoes – floors at the rear of the Mansion are uneven. The start time for the evening depends on the date, as the bats fly out to forage at sunset. You will be notified when you book.

Our Bat Experiences run between May and September each year. Dates for 2025 are 16th May, 20th June, 27th June, 11th July, 25th July, 15th August and 5th September. The cost for the evening is £30pp.

If you wish to book, please e-mail the office: info@woodchestermansion.org.uk and we’ll advise you on payment details.

You can also purchase as a gift. We will send you a pdf ticket. If possible, please ask for a definite date. These evenings sell out quickly so if you are not able to choose a date please ask the recipient to do so as soon as possible in order to enjoy their present.