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Samlesbury Hall

Type:Historic House

Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0UP

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1018 reviews1018 reviews

Tel: 01254 812010

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Samlesbury Hall

Built in 1325, Samlesbury Hall is steeped in fascinating history, retaining its original typical black and white exterior. Enjoy intrigue, witchcraft and centuries of enthralling times gone by throughout their archive rooms. Saved from demolition in the 1920s by six local businessmen, it remains in the care of the Charitable Trust today with the aim of maintaining and keeping open for visitors to enjoy.

From the Tudor priest holes to the Victorian kitchen, the Hall has history from (and for) every age. With the turbulent tales of its Catholic families, witches and the haunting of Lady Dorothy (and other ghost stories), a captivating insight into life from the early 14th to the 21st century is all waiting to be discovered.

The Hall also boasts an award-winning restaurant, a shop brimming with top quality gifts and Dottie’s - Britain’s first ever wafflery. Outside, explore the gardens, the rosarium and the woodland walks. Visit the animals (including hens that supply the eggs for the kitchen) and get close to honeybees (safely behind glass of course) at the bee and heritage centre.

On Sundays you can join on regular tours with a twist… don’t miss hilarious Janey the witch or the King of England, Henry VIII himself! All tours are completely free to join, along with free admission.

Can we eat?

The restaurant at Samlesbury has the highest quality taste award from Visit Lancashire and Dottie’s Wafflery (the first of its kind!) is not to be missed. Ice-cream, milkshakes and scrumptious afternoon teas are always popular, or enjoy the finest roast in Lancashire (even with a Yorkshire pudding). Al fresco dining in the historic courtyard, sorry no picnics please.

What if we want to stay?

The Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet is the perfect retreat if you’re travelling from outside the county, although it’s popular with the locals too…The huts have en-suite shower rooms and the comfiest beds for the best nights' sleep, while the setting brings a rural edge to a short break. Toasting marshmallows on the fire pit is a must! Finish off your stay with the best breakfast in Lancashire.

Can I bring the kids?

The Hall’s ethos is to become a great place for visitors of all ages. Every half term and through the school holidays don’t miss Betsy Bumblebee who will have you in stitches with her stories, crafts and hunts around the Hall. Santa makes a visit in December, who has his very own sitting room at Samlesbury and you can meet him by the fire.

Nestled in the woods is the Mayflower playground, where you can climb in through the windows of the miniature Hall and brave the rope bridge across to the Mayflower ship! There is also a charming wooden trail; with bridges, swings and lots of fun obstacles for the whole family to enjoy.

Meet the pygmy goats, pigs, miniature sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and the rescued hens in the ever increasing menagerie; plus be fascinated by the working hives of honey bees at the bee centre.

When can we visit?

The Hall is open all year round from 10am – 4pm, closing only on Saturdays and occasional Fridays for weddings. Please do make sure to check the opening times on the Hall’s website before you travel.

How much does it cost to come in?

Entry to the Hall and grounds is completely free and there is absolutely no charge to park either. The Hall relies on donations and any money spent there, whether it be for a freshly made waffle in Dottie’s, a postcard from the shop or a cuppa in the coffee lounge; any contribution is appreciated. 

All profit is returned straight back to the Hall to keep the building open for the public to enjoy, registered charity number 526052.

​​​​​​​The entire site is dog friendly.

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Admission to the Hall and Ground is free, except on event days when we charge a small admission fee to include the extra entertainment on offer.

Opening Times

Samlesbury Hall (9 Jan 2024 - 21 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Friday10:00 - 16:00*
SaturdayClosed*
Sunday10:00 - 16:00*

* Please check with the Hall - they do close on Saturdays and occasional Fridays for weddings and private functions.
Always open on Bank Holidays, apart from New Year's Day and Boxing Day.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsTaste Lancashire Highest Quality Assured Taste Lancashire Highest Quality Assured 2013
  • Green AwardsGreen Tourism Business Scheme (Silver) Green Tourism Business Scheme (Silver) 2014
  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2019 - Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2019 - Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park Award 2019
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2019 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2019 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2019
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2019 - Wedding Venue Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2019 - Wedding Venue Award 2019

Directions

Road Directions

From jct 31 of the M6, take the A677 towards Blackburn. The Hall is 1.5 miles on the left.

Public Transport Directions

For public transport information contact traveline on 0870 608 2 608

Facilities

Other

  • Concessionary Admission Charges
  • Conference & Meeting Facilities
  • Disabled Access Level 1
  • Encourage Use of Public Transport
  • Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver
  • Open All Year
  • Protect & Encourage Local Flora & Fauna
  • Recycling Policy - Garden Waste
  • Recycling Policy - Glass
  • Recycling Policy - Paper
  • Recycling Policy - Plastics
  • Recycling Policy - Veg/Food Waste
  • Use and Promote Local Produce
  • Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Materials
  • Water Saving Measures

Accessibility

  • Facility for service dogs

Children & Infants

  • Baby Bottle and Food Warming Facilities Available

Establishment Features

  • Conference Facilities
  • Disabled Access/Toilets
  • Dogs Accepted

Parking & Transport

  • Car Parking
  • Coaches Welcome
  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Delta accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Solo accepted
  • Special Group Rates
  • Switch accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside

Specialist Features

  • Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available
  • Min group size numeric qualifier - min group size 20
  • Packed lunches available

Venue Facilities

  • Theatre
  • WiFi available

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

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      Dottie’s Wafflery and Ice-Cream Parlour, SamlesburyA range of scrumptious savoury bites and seasonal specials will tantalise your taste buds, while hens from the Hall’s very own gardens provide free range eggs for the batter prepared each morning. Also try a decadent dessert or mouth-watering ice-cream milkshake.

      The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall, SamlesburyIn the grounds of historic Samlesbury Hall sits a gathering of colourful huts, Samlesbury Hall Shepherd's Hut Hamlet, a rustic and carefree alternative to your traditional hotel room.

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