Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Explore this celebrated heritage site

An intriguing medieval site

Winterbourne Medieval Barn is a building of national importance. Built in 1342, just a few years before the Black Death swept across England, the barn is an extraordinary survivor of our medieval past. It was commissioned by Thomas de Bradeston, who was Lord of the Manor of Winterbourne from 1328 until his death in 1360.

Major building works have recently been completed with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and many other generous funders and donors to revitalise the whole Barn complex into a community heritage site promoting the knowledge of medieval history, its architecture, agricultural landscape and people.

What happens at the Barn

As a multi-purpose venue we host a range of activities for the local community including family activities, music and theatre performances, craft workshops, a monthly lecture series, and our flagship events the Medieval Fayre and Orchard Harvest Days.

The Barn makes a unique and beautiful setting for a magical wedding day and is available for hire all year round. The Barn and seminar rooms can also be hired for celebration events, film shoots, and meetings. Get in touch to find out more.

Next Events

Click here to go to our full event listing page.

Carols in The Barn

Start date: 9th December 2023

End date: 10th December 2023

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Learn More & Book

Online bookings are now closed. There are a limited number of tickets available on the door (very limited for 3pm, more availability for 6pm). Cash and card payments accepted.

The office is now closed for the weekend so emails will not be picked up until Monday. If you have any queries regarding these events or booking for accessible parking spaces at The Barn then please speak to one of the parking stewards on the gate and they will do their best to accommodate you.

Relive the Christmas story as members of St Michael’s church tell it in words and music with the opportunity to join in singing your favourite Christmas carols. This has rapidly become a Winterbourne tradition – don’t miss it!

To get you in the holiday spirit there’ll be a mulled wine and mince pie on arrival included with your ticket (non-alcoholic, gluten free and children’s alternatives available). It will be pretty chilly in the Barn so wrap up warm in your finest festive knits!

There will be 3 editions of Carols in the Barn, please select your time at the point of booking.
Saturday 9th December, 3pm (doors open from 2.15pm)
Sunday 10th December, 3pm (doors open from 2.15pm)
Sunday 10th December, 6pm (doors open from 5.15pm)

The 3pm performances will have welcome music provided by Winterbourne Handbell Ringers.

Please note this is a Park and Stride event. Parking will be at Winterbourne Academy, BS36 1JL which is then a short walk to The Barn. The most lit up route will be via Beacon Lane. Please take care along the country roads to The Barn and be sure to bring a torch and dress appropriately!

Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

Parking at The Barn will be strictly reserved for pre-booked accessibility parking requirements.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

Book here

Fused Glass Workshop

Date: 26th January 2024

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Learn More & Book

Join local glass artist, Rachael Durkan from The Glass Cabin at 10am or 1pm for one of her popular fused glass workshops where you can make your own unique and beautiful item for yourself or as a gift. You have the option of making a Bristol balloon, flower panel or freestyle hanging. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug!

You will have 2 hours to create your masterpiece, using a variety of pre-cut glass and glass accessories in an array of beautiful colours. There will be plenty of templates to choose from or you can create your own design. Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire you and is on hand with design advice throughout the workshop.

PLEASE NOTE – Rachael will take your finished piece away to be fused in her kiln. It will be available for collection from the barn or Rachael directly a couple of weeks after the workshop.

This workshop is suitable for age 16+ (under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult)

For safety reasons, please do not wear open toe shoes such as sandals or flip flops. Also a little reminder for people who wear glasses…. due to close up work, you may wish to bring along your spectacles!

Parking for this event is at the Barn, BS36 1SE.

Tea & coffee will be provided during the introduction and is included in your ticket price. Due to the nature of working with glass refreshments will not be permitted during the actual workshop.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

Book here

Weddings

We’re now taking enquiries and bookings for wedding celebrations. The Barn and grounds make a spectacular backdrop for a special occasion. At Winterbourne Medieval Barn you have the flexibility to create an event that is as unique as you are. Check out our weddings page for more information.