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 offers a great selection of food and drink at the onsite Garden Room Eatery, a beautiful place to dine. Outside, explore the gorgeous gardens, the rosarium and the woodland walks. Relax by the fountain in the Italianate Courtyard on a sunny day. On Sundays you can join a regular tour with a twist. Don't miss hilarious Janey, the witch, or the King of England, Henry VIII himself. Spooky tales with Simon are not to be missed. All tours are completely free to join, along with free admission.

Can we eat? The Garden Room Eatery provides an oasis of calm and tranquillity, where the best locally sourced food is on offer in the most bijou of surroundings in the lovely Samlesbury Hall gardens. Serving delicious home cooked breakfast daily, lunches, scrumptious afternoon teas. The café has been designed with eco-friendliness in mind, from locally sourced tables made from pre-used scaffolding, to bringing the outside in with a plethora of climbing plants.  Not only is the café a delightful place to dine, it is also strongly linked with the community gardens through the beautiful bi-folding doors. 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 night's sleep, while the setting brings a rural edge to a short break. That's not all you'll find your own private slice of tranquillity at the newly launched Southworth Spa. Discover a wood-fired hot tub bubbling beside the trees, a cold plunge shower for the bold and brave, and a sauna pod to dry off and warm your soul. For a truly soothing treat, you have the option to add on and enjoy a blissful aromatherapy massage, surrounded by birdsong and fresh woodland air. 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 be a great place for visitors of all ages. 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. 

When can we visit? The historic hall is open all year round from 10:00 - 16:00, 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. The café is open every Tuesday to Sunday. 

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 a delicious snack, a card from the shop or a cuppa in the café. 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, so bring your pooches.