During this Guided Tour of the willow processing yard and basketmaking workshop your guide will tell you everything you need to know about willow farming, from planting and harvesting through to stripping and weaving. You will also see the willow charcoal making facility and learn how we make our world renowned artist charcoal. This is an informative but lighthearted tour, please feel free to ask questions as you make your way around the site.

Guided Tours are available Monday to Friday but not Saturdays or Bank Holidays as our Willow staff and Basket makers do not work on these days. Guided Tours start at 11am and take around 1 hour. 

All Guided Tours need to be booked in advance, we cannot guarantee to provide a tour if you have not booked.

Minimum Number for a Guided Tour
If there are less than 3 people booked onto a tour it will not take place and your payment will be refunded. You will be notified 24 hours beforehand if we have to cancel your booking. However you will be able to check the number of places booked on the website yourself.

Maximum Number for a Guided Tour
There will be 16 places available on each date. As these places are booked the webpage will update and show how many places are available.  

Group bookings
If you are a group of 10 or more people, please contact us to arrange your visit 01823 490249 or ellie@coatesenglishwillow.co.uk

You will also need to contact the Lemon Tree to arrange refreshments (please note the Lemon Tree café is an independent business and is not owned or managed by Coates English Willow) 01823 490929 - jolene.thelemontree@gmail.com

What happens after you have made the booking
You will receive and email with the details of the booking - you do not need to bring these details with you on the day.

Please go to Willow shop to meet your guide. Tours start at 11am.

While on the Guided Tour
Photography and filming is not allowed in any area while on the Guided Tour.

Please ensure everyone in your party follows the Guide’s instructions at all times. This is a very busy work-place with farm vehicles and machinery operating and moving all the time. It can be noisy and smelly! Dogs, children and anyone who needs extra care should be supervised at all times.

FAQ’s

Will I need a coat or sunhat?
The Guided Tour is partly outside, so be prepared for our lovely, unpredictable weather. It is advisable to wear covered footwear.

Is the Guided Tour wheelchair & pushchair friendly? 
There are no steps in the processing yard and basketmaking workshop. The Willow Museum has limited access as it is in an old building with small rooms and several steps and staircases.

Will I see the willow growing on the Guided Tour?
If you want to see the willow growing please ask your Guide for directions to the nearest willow bed.

Can I bring my dog?  
You are welcome to bring your dog along on the Guided Tour but it must be kept it on a lead at all times and if necessary please clean up after it. If your dog is nervous of loud noises and a busy environment it may not be advisable to bring it along.

Do I need to book for the Willow Museum?
If you only plan to visit the Willow Museum there is no need to book.