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.They run between May and September each year, when the bats are in residence.

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, if you come in July and August 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 audibly 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. On dates early/late in the year the event can start around 6pm. You will be notified when you book.

Dates for Bat Experiences in 2026: 

15th May, 12th June, 26th June, 10th July, 24th July, 7th August, 21st August, 4th September.

The cost for the evening is £30pp.

Booking for 2026 is now open.