We’re always delighted to host school visits and group bookings, providing an enriching experience for children and young people. Whether you’re bringing your class along to a main stage production, booking a dedicated space for your group, or combining both, we’re here to help!
Here you’ll find information on everything you might need before visiting us.
About The Mill Arts Centre
Our theatre provides an inspiring environment for school visits and group activities. Our Main Auditorium has a capacity of up to 237, with raked seating to ensure good viability from all areas of the auditorium. Wheelchair spaces can be accessed from the ground level and access toilets can be reached via our main foyer.
We also have a range of additional spaces including meeting rooms, art and dance studios for workshops and rooms available to book for lunch breaks, or pre-/post-show activities.
Accessibility
We are committed to making The Mill as welcoming and accessible as possible for all groups.
- The main auditorium is accessible for wheelchair users and people with restricted mobility or visual impairment, including an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
- For seated events in the theatre, seats are 42 cm wide within the armrests, with fixed (non‑moving) armrests.
- Any person who requires a carer to attend an event will be entitled to a free ticket for the accompanying carer. This includes children in receipt of DLA, an EHCP or children who will require additional support to attend an event.
- If your group has any specific access requirements, whether for staff or pupils, please let us know at the time of booking and we will be happy to assist you.
- Please note: Unfortunately, the auditorium does not have a hearing‑aid loop system at present and all upper levels (above the ground floor) are not currently wheelchair accessible.
Food & Drink
Inside our main foyer we have a Café Bar where you can find a selection of hot drinks, cold drinks and snacks. Pre-booked drinks can be made available for school groups in our main foyer or meeting rooms, please contact us for details. Additional space can be made available for your group to have lunch before a show (subject to availability) please contact us for more information.
Travel & Getting Here
The Mill is located at Spiceball Park Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 5QE. If you are travelling by train, Banbury train station is approximately a five-minute walk from the venue. Local buses stop near the canal front are just a two-minute walk from the centre. For those arriving by car or coach, parking is available via The Mill Car Park and Chamberlain Court Car Park, with long-stay parking at Castle Quay North Car Park. We recommend that school groups arrive at least 30 minutes before their booked activity or performance to allow time for seating, toilets, and staff guidance.
Booking your school
To book your school or organisation please contact our Sales & Marketing Administrator with the show you would like to attend, your preferred date(s), group size, adult/child ratios and any specific requirements such as access. We can then advise on availability and provide a quote for your visit.
Provisional booking – Once you have confirmed your date and show, we will reserve your tickets while you confirm final numbers and other details. This allows you time to organise your class or school group without committing financially yet.
Confirm your booking – We will ask you to confirm final numbers 6 weeks before your chosen performance date. This secures your booking and allows us to plan seating, access arrangements, and any additional activities or spaces requested. Around this time, we will issue an invoice based on these final numbers and send you a personalised seating plan for your group.
On the day – Arrive at the main entrance of The Mill at least 30 minutes before your scheduled performance or activity. Our friendly front of house team will meet your group, guide you to your seats or booked spaces, and provide support for any access requirements. Please bring your booking reference, seating plan and any relevant information to ensure a smooth arrival.
After your visit – We hope your group enjoyed the experience! Your feedback is very much welcome and helps us improve our schools and groups experience.
Here are some productions currently available for schools and groups with special pricing:
- The Nutcracker – School rate: £14.50 per pupil (one free teacher ticket per 10 students) Book here
- Stick Man – School rate: 14.50 per pupil (one free teacher ticket per 10 students) Book here
- There’s A Snake In My School – School rate: £14.50 per pupil (one free teacher ticket for every 10 students) Book here
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