FRWA Trips and Visits

Check this page for the latest updates on Trips and Visits organised by the Friends of the RWA.

If you have suggestions for visits, or even better, if you might be interested in joining the Trips and Visits Committee we’d love to hear from you. What we can offer depends on the capacity of a small group of people; we are keen to expand, and very welcoming.

Contact: pat.triggs@blueyonder.co.uk.

Shrewsbury – Thursday 12 March 2026

Shrewsbury has been voted one of the happiest places to live in the UK. Come with us and enjoy discovering its delights, including over 660 listed buildings, mostly Tudor or Georgian. There are also plenty of retail opportunities and places to eat. Highlights include Shrewsbury Abbey, Shrewsbury Castle with panoramic views over the Severn and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

More dates for 2026

April 22 – St Mary’s Kempley and Hellens Manor

October 26-30 – Liverpool

Mottisfont in June, Chavenage and Cirencester in July and Windsor Castle in September: dates to be confirmed.

Changes to booking system

For 2026, visits will continue to be planned and run by the Trips & Visits Committee but there will be changes to the booking system.

How to make a booking

Booking is now online via the ‘What’s On’ section of rwa.org.uk or at the RWA reception. Booking forms will no longer be posted. All payments will be by credit or debit card, with cheques no longer accepted.

Once your booking is confirmed by the RWA your details will be passed to the Trips & Visits organisers, who will then be your point of contact for info and questions before and during the visit.

How do I find out about Friends’ Trips and Visits?

Information about each visit will be on RWA website, and sent via the printed Friends newsletter and email newsletter (if you are not signed up, send an email to friends@rwa.org.uk) and the Floating Circle blog. Flyers and information will also be available in the RWA.

Occasionally you may be able to register your interest in a specific visit, in which case a team member will inform you about when and how to book.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Pat Triggs, Christine Bowles, Lucy Koshiw, Hilary Gallery and Marilyn Osborn

The Friends of the RWA is an independent charity that supports the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol’s first art gallery.

For just £39 a year Friends can make unlimited visits to RWA exhibitions and enjoy a host of other benefits including 10% discounts on trips and visits, as well as making an important contribution to the arts in Bristol and the South West. Find out more and join up here.