Stanley Spencer Gallery

Book Tickets Online

About

The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in heaven’ where Spencer was born and painted for most of his life. Established in 1962 the building was transformed into a magnificent modern art museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Spencer paintings, drawings, personal letters, photographs, press cuttings and books.

Visitor attractions: film and audio guide; exhibition catalogue; self-guided walk pamphlet; free children’s activity booklet; gift shop.

Love and Landscape: Stanley Spencer in Suffolk, 4 April to 1 November 2026

The most ambitious exhibition dedicated to Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) in a decade transfers to the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham from 4 April 2026, following a highly successful run at Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury.

Held in partnership between the two museums, the exhibition will feature major loans from Tate, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Leeds Museums and Galleries, the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, and other public lenders, as well as rarely seen works from private collections, presented alongside important works from the collection of the Stanley Spencer Gallery. This second leg of the exhibition will enable visitors to explore Spencer’s emotional connection with the county of Suffolk in the heart of the village – Cookham – that first gave rise to his deep sense of place.

Stanley Spencer and Gary Bunt: What a Dream, 6 November 2026 to 21 March 2027

Discover the work of two much-loved artists in the village that inspired Stanley Spencer. This special winter exhibition brings together Gary Bunt’s evocative paintings alongside Spencer’s extraordinary vision of Cookham. A perfect cultural treat to combine with a festive visit to this beautiful Thames-side village.

Group and corporate visits

Group and corporate visits are welcome, with many excellent hostelries nearby. A popular stopping point for coach tours, highly informative and rewarding talks can be arranged and guided walks to the village and countryside where Spencer painted.

Lecture rooms for corporate visits are available by arrangement with the nearby Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
1. Gallery Admission – Adults	£9.00 per ticket
2. Gallery Admission – Adults (including donation)	£10.00 per ticket
3. Gallery Admission – Aged 18 to 25 or Art Fund or RBWM Advantage Card	£4.50 per ticket
4. Gallery Admission – Aged 18 to 25 or Art Fund or RBWM Advantage Card (including donation)	£5.00 per ticket
5. Friends of the Gallery (with card)	Free
6. Under 18s with accompanying adult	Free
7. Accompanying Carer	Free

If you are a UK taxpayer and you make a donation that is over 10% greater than the admission price, the Government will give us an extra 25% on top of your entrance fee, at no additional cost to you. It’s called a gift aid visit and makes a massive difference to charities like us. Gift Aid is of course entirely voluntary.

Facilities

Other

Lift: There are lift(s) available. An evacuation chair should also be available in case of emergency.
Single-level: The venue is all on one level, with no steps or raised thresholds.
Step-free access to all or most areas: There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.
Step-free entrance: There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.

Children & Infants

Babes in Arms
Children’s packs
Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

Air conditioning throughout
All weather attraction
Gift shop
Groups welcome
Guided tours by arrangement
Open on bank holidays
Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement

GENERAL

Disability awareness / equality training: Disability awareness / equality training is provided for staff.
Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people: Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers.
Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas: A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.
Wheelchair-accessible viewing area: A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available providing an optimal vantage-point to view performances, presentations or activities.

PARKING

Designated accessible parking: Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.
Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance: There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

Parking & Transport

On street parking only
Railway station within 5 miles
Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

American Express accepted
Cash Accepted
Delta accepted
Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Pre-booking essential preferably Mon-Fri, mornings. Groups of 25 and over may be split NO GROUP RATES
Maestro
Maestro Accepted
MasterCard
MasterCard accepted
Max group size - 25
Min group size - 6
Open by appointment only - Extra Charge
Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

Indoor Attraction
No Smoking Attraction
Village Location

RESTAURANT / DINING ROOM / BAR

Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet: There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted
Guided Tours Available for Groups

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

200 reviews

Excellent
124
Very Good
58
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
5

Recent Reviews:

1Muso
London, United Kingdom
Excellent guided tour
Friday, 17th April 2026
After reading ‘Stanley and Elsie’, our book club was fascinated to go on a guided tour of Cookham and the Gallery to learn more about Stanley Spencer and his amazing art. Keith was a charming... Read full review
Exm357
Liverpool, United Kingdom
An excellent gallery
Friday, 11th September 2026
Visited on a midweek morning, quite busy inside, v friendly and informative lady on front desk, about 30 of Spencer’s pictures being exhibited plus a video screen with 5 films about the artists... Read full review
Marion M
Watford, United Kingdom
A lovely village visit
Thursday, 24th September 2026
Bijou gallery devoted to Stanley Spencer and entourage. Bursting with information/resources. Very pleasant and helpful staff. Do get The Cookham Walk brochure (£1!) for an informative stroll round... Read full review

Write a review

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Awards

Regional and Miscellaneous - WTTC Safe Travels 2021

Opening Times

Open New Year

Open (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)

* Summer opening hours (from 4th April 2026)
Open Every Day
10:30am – 4:30pm
Last entry: 4pm

Winter opening hours (from 5th November 2026) (closed 2,3,4 November)
Open Thurs – Sun only
11am – 4:30pm
Last entry: 4pm
(Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)