Keeping it local: Why 2019’s the Year to Discover and Visit Leighton Hall

The staff at Lancashire’s award winning visitor attraction Leighton Hall don’t have to take off the dust sheets to welcome this season’s visitors from 1st May.  Instead, they just clear away the tea things and pop a rogue set of wellingtons aside to prevent them being tripped over.

The historic house, (seat of the Gillow furniture making dynasty), is still very much the family home it has been for centuries.  A huge part of its charm is that nothing is ‘roped off’.  Visitors on the entertaining house tours are invited to get involved, sit on the family sofa, climb the elegant ‘flying staircase’ and take their place at the priceless Gillow dining table.

Yet whilst the rolling parkland, pretty gardens and Gothic hall are a must-see for many holidaymakers to the area, a surprising number of more local residents have never been to the Carnforth attraction. 

Owner Suzie Reynolds says; “People often think to visit somewhere if they’re ‘on holiday’, but not if it’s ‘just down the road’.  We love throwing our doors open, and there really is something for everyone, so it’s a shame to think Lancashire and Cumbria locals are missing out, particularly people who live in Morecambe, Lancaster, Kendal and Carnforth and other surrounding towns and villages”.

The hall’s many attractions make it a fun-packed afternoon for the whole family.   Admission includes a tour of the house, as well as access to the 19th century walled garden, woodland walks, and birds of prey display (weather permitting).  With a playground, mini maze, woodland walk, tree face trail to follow and mini beasts to find, there’s lots of space for younger visitors to run off their energy.

Leighton is open from 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday-Friday throughout May to September. August has been dedicated “family month”, with special children’s events and extended opening every Sundays throughout (as well as every Sunday and Monday at Bank Holiday weekends).

Suzie explains; “It is a family home, with three generations living here, so we do need some time to relax and be untidy!   But it’s wonderful to extend the opening times and host inclusive children’s events throughout August, like the teddy bear treasure hunt and Wind in the Willows outdoor theatre.”

Everyone can get their breath back in the charming tearoom, with light refreshments, delicious homemade cakes, and tea served in ‘real’ china cups and saucers - just as if you are one of the family!

Welcoming visitors through the door for sixty years, Leighton also hosts events such as Shakespeare in the Garden, the Classic Car Rally and Motorcycle Sprint, so there is something for everyone. Check out www.leightonhall.co.uk for full details.

Suzie concludes; “The house really comes alive when its rooms are full of people chatting, exploring and having fun.  We’ve so many treasures and talking points, inside and out, people from all over the world love visiting.  We’d love to welcome more visitors from ‘just down the road’, so why not make 2019 the year you discover Leighton Hall!”