Take a tour of Welbeck Abbey to see treasures from the world-class Portland Collection of art, and discover the hidden histories of this almost 900-year-old residence.
We offer two guided tours of Welbeck Abbey: the State Room Tour and the new Behind the Scenes Tour. Both tour routes include objects and artworks from the world-class Portland Collection. Works on show at Welbeck Abbey include pieces by Sir Peter Lely, John Wootton, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Anthony Van Dyck.
State Room Tour
Step into the sumptuous State Rooms of Welbeck Abbey, and learn about the artwork and interiors in rooms once used to entertain royalty. Please note, this tour is stair-free and suitable for wheelchair users but please let us know by booking an ‘Access Needs’ ticket.
Highlights include:
- The Gothic Hall, with its soaring intricate plasterwork ceiling and imposing full-length Tudor portraits, including pieces by Daniel Mytens
- The Red Tapestry Drawing Room, where you will see bright pink tapestries from the Gobelin workshops – as vivid as when woven over 200 years ago
- The glamorous Swan Drawing Room, with Aubusson carpet and floor-to-ceiling gilt framed Rococo mirrors that reflect the gaze from dozens of family portraits
Please note, that State Room Tour route was updated in April 2026. The route now includes: the Entrance Hall, the Gothic Hall, the House Library, the Red Tapestry Drawing Room, the Swan Drawing Room, the State Dining Room, the Horsemanship Dressing Room, and ends at the Horsemanship Bedroom.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Walk the length of Welbeck Abbey, discovering its hidden histories and how the house has been shaped by those who live and work there – both in the past and present. See rooms which are currently being conserved, others which are awaiting restoration, and fine examples of fully finished transformations. Please note that this tour includes several staircases (approx. 70 stairs); see State Room Tour for accessible tours.
Highlights include:
- The Gothic Closet, where you will see a restoration and conservation project in progress, expected to be complete by 2027
- The 5th Duke of Portland’s Bedroom, where you will see the famous door fitted with two angled letter boxes, used to communicate with servants without being seen
- The curving Print Corridor, lined with paintings including works by Godfrey Kneller, Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt, and Cornelius Jonson. A library and chapel join the Print Corridor, forming the “greatest Arts and Crafts decorative ensemble in any aristocratic house in Britain” (Michael Hall, Architectural Historian)
What to Expect
Tours last 90 minutes. All tickets are non-refundable unless cancelled by us, so please take the time to read this webpage thoroughly before booking.
On arrival, please park in the main car park and check in for your tour at our museum. A coach will collect tour visitors and take you on a short drive to Welbeck Abbey, through the 5th Duke of Portland’s Victorian village. The coach will depart promptly, so please arrange to arrive in good time. Unfortunately, latecomers cannot join the tour.
We strongly advise that visitors wear comfortable footwear, as limited seating is available on the tour. We kindly ask that you do not wear stiletto shoes in the house. There are no toilet facilities at the Abbey.
You can find toilets, refreshments, shopping and exhibitions at the gallery and museum. Please also be aware that we only permit small handbags and provide lockers for secure storage.
Planning to visit the Harley Café before or after your tour? Check opening times here. The kitchen closes at 3pm, and as food is prepared fresh, wait times can be longer during busy periods.
The Harley Foundation manages the Welbeck Abbey Tours. This charity was set up by Ivy, Duchess of Portland in 1978.
About Welbeck Abbey
Welbeck Abbey has been home to the Dukes of Portland and their families since 1607.
Welbeck is one of the great traditional country estates. It spans 15,000 acres, much of which sits within Sherwood Forest, with Welbeck Abbey at its heart. The Abbey was founded as a monastery in 1153. Bess of Hardwick’s youngest son, Sir Charles Cavendish, acquired Welbeck in 1607, and since then the estate has been handed down through the family.
Learn more about the history of Welbeck Abbey in this article by Dr Lauren Batt.
