Turton Tower
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Turton Tower

4.6
·705 reviews·Chapeltown, United Kingdom

A historic manor house showcasing 500+ years of evolving architecture, set in beautiful woodlands with a charming cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Turton Tower

Turton Tower

Best Time

Wednesday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic manor house showcasing 500+ years of evolving architecture, set in beautiful woodlands with a charming cafe.

4.6
(705 reviews)

"A hidden gem with fascinating history, beautiful grounds, and incredibly knowledgeable volunteers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

3 hours free parking is available. Overflow parking is to the left when you turn in if you plan a longer visit.

💰 Admission Value

Adults £6, children 16 and under are free. A worthwhile fee for a rich historical experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Evolving Architecture

The Evolving Architecture

Throughout the Tower

Witness centuries of architectural evolution, from a medieval tower to Tudor and Victorian additions. A true testament to changing times.

Woodland Walks and Kitchen Garden

Woodland Walks and Kitchen Garden

Surrounding Grounds

Stroll through serene woodlands and discover the fragrant kitchen garden, complete with an apiary. A peaceful escape.

Informative Room Guides

Informative Room Guides

Various Rooms

Engage with knowledgeable volunteers who bring the tower's rich history and past residents to life. Their stories are captivating.

The Woodland Cafe Treats

The Woodland Cafe Treats

Woodland Cafe

Enjoy delicious ice cream and sweet treats at the charming woodland cafe. A perfect spot to refuel after exploring.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Turton Tower

Turton Tower is open on Wednesdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds and make the most of the 3-hour free parking limit. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience.

Embrace the History and Grounds

This historic manor house offers a journey through centuries of architecture. Don't just focus on the interior; explore the surrounding woodlands and the kitchen garden. Volunteers are often on hand to share fascinating historical insights.

Best Times

When
Wednesday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, cafe buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Bank Holiday Mondays
Why
Special events possible
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This new Leeds housing estate is changing the way people live in the city 😲 Families with homes in ‘Chaco’ (Chapeltown Co-housing) share everything from their gardens, to cooking, and even family meals with neighbours!  Local residents raised more than £5 million to build 33 affordable homes on derelict land just off Roundhay Road 📍 A host of backers, including Leeds City Council and Homes England...
@leedsplussocial
22.7K likes • 492.1K views

🚗 Parking Tips

3 hours free parking is available. Overflow parking is to the left when you turn in if you plan a longer visit. Reddit

💰 Admission Value

Adults £6, children 16 and under are free. A worthwhile fee for a rich historical experience. Reddit

JAY WEINBERG (SLIPKNOT)-the chapeltown rag 🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥 #jayweinberg #drummer #slipknot #thechapeltown #stayhere #foryou
@the_goth666
11.6K likes • 150K views
POV: Your moodboard comes to life 👗✨ Model: @thelifeofasoprano Location: @turtontower • • • • • • #fashionphotography #editorialphotography #boltonphotographer #manchesterphotographer #gown #turtontower #moodboard
jomorleyphotography
10 likes • 486 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the woodland walks and the kitchen garden with its herbs and apiary. InstagramReddit

📚 Chat with Guides

Volunteers bring the history alive! Their knowledge greatly enhances the visit. Reddit+1

Turton Tower Visual Identity. New(ish) Work. “Turton Tower has evolved over five centuries from being a simple stone structure into a complexity of structures built almost at random to each other, but also in order to turn it into a more impressive and comfortable country house.” We took this idea of evolution as the basis for the new Turton Tower identity, creating a new logo mark that referen...
madeatsource
20 likes • 230 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

3 hours free parking is available. Overflow parking is to the left when you turn in if you plan a longer visit. Reddit

💰 Admission Value

Adults £6, children 16 and under are free. A worthwhile fee for a rich historical experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the woodland walks and the kitchen garden with its herbs and apiary. InstagramReddit

📚 Chat with Guides

Volunteers bring the history alive! Their knowledge greatly enhances the visit. Reddit+1

🍦 Cafe Delights

The woodland cafe offers tasty treats, especially the ice cream. Reddit+1

📸 Photography Opportunities

The tower and its surroundings offer magnificent photo ops, especially from aerial views. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(705 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Turton Tower as a hidden gem, highlighting its rich history, fascinating architecture, and beautiful grounds. The knowledgeable volunteers are frequently mentioned as a key factor in bringing the manor house to life. While the interior is described as a bit of a maze, this adds to its charm. The woodland cafe is a popular spot for refreshments, and the value for money is considered excellent.

"We had a brilliant day out here.
A distant relative worked in the kitchen back in 1901 so we visited to see where she worked, and lived. We chatted to a lovely guide, who knew the history about the family who resided in 1901.
It is a fascinating building with so much history, and very different styles due to additions to the structure many years ago.
The wooden furniture is stunning!
The grounds are amazing, and the scenery around is stunning. You can also walk around the kitchen garden, smelling the various homegrown herbs, and also observe the apiary, where the bees make the honey which is sold in the shop!
The little cafe sells a wide selection of food and drink, and the ice cream is absolutely delicious!
The car park limits you to 3 hours free parking, but there is space available on the left as you turn in to the estate, if you plan on staying longer (we were there around 4 hours!).
£6 per adult and children aged 16 and under are free!
I thoroughly recommend visiting!"

S M

"An interesting house to visit. Not very large but fantastic seeing how all the rooms had been cobbled together but still standing. You have the original tower, then the newer rooms. The room guides are very pleasant and informative. There is a small cafe attached selling drinks, cakes and some sandwiches. Plenty of walking paths and a kitchen garden. Well worth a visit."

Alan Gatland

"What a hidden gem! The volunteers here make the place, their excellent knowledge really brought the building alive and added so much to our visit. Well worth the £6 entry fee, it’s great somewhere like this is so accessible and well looked after. Highly recommend. Great sweet treats in the garden too!"

Kathryn Murphy

What People Like

Fascinating history
Beautiful grounds
Knowledgeable volunteers

What People Dislike

Interior can feel maze-like

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Turton Tower is located in Lancashire. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. The tower has a dedicated car park offering 3 hours of free parking, with additional space available if needed. Reddit

Information on direct public transport links to Turton Tower is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from nearby towns like Bolton or Blackburn if you are not driving. Instagram

There is a car park on-site that offers 3 hours of free parking. If you plan to stay longer, there is additional space available on the left as you turn into the estate. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option! Some visitors have enjoyed cycling routes that include Turton Tower, such as the one from Jumbles Country Park. Instagram

The postcode for Turton Tower is BL7 9LT. This will help you navigate using GPS devices or mapping apps. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is £6 per adult. Children aged 16 and under enter for free, making it a great value for families. Reddit

Turton Tower is open to the public on Wednesdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission. However, for special events or group visits, it's recommended to inquire directly with Turton Tower. Reddit

Children aged 16 and under receive free admission. While specific discounts for seniors or students aren't widely advertised, the overall entry fee is considered very reasonable. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Turton Tower, especially for walks around the grounds and woodlands. Ensure your dog is kept on a lead. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from the original medieval tower to later Tudor and Victorian additions. The rooms are full of character and history, with stunning wooden furniture. InstagramReddit

Yes, Turton Tower often has knowledgeable volunteers stationed in various rooms who provide excellent insights into the history and former residents. These informal talks greatly enhance the visitor experience. Reddit+1

Families can enjoy exploring the maze-like interior, walking the grounds, and visiting the kitchen garden. Children 16 and under get in free, making it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside Turton Tower for personal use. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or professional shoots. Instagram+1

The grounds around Turton Tower include woodlands and walking paths. While generally pleasant, some paths might be uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a charming woodland cafe located at Turton Tower that serves a selection of food and drinks, including cakes and sandwiches. Reddit+1

The cafe offers sweet treats, ice cream (which is highly recommended!), and some light lunch options like sandwiches. It's a great spot to relax after exploring. Reddit+1

While there's a cafe, picnicking in the grounds might be permissible. It's advisable to check with the venue directly regarding their policy on bringing outside food. Instagram

Yes, the tower's apiary produces honey which is often sold in the shop or cafe, allowing visitors to take a taste of Turton Tower home with them. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but cafes at heritage sites often have a range of choices. It's best to inquire at the cafe upon arrival for the most current offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tower itself, with its varied architecture, is a prime subject. The surrounding woodlands, kitchen garden, and aerial views offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

Drone footage has been captured at Turton Tower, showcasing its magnificence from above. However, always check local regulations and venue policies before flying a drone. Instagram

Fashion photography and editorial shoots have been conducted at Turton Tower, highlighting its atmospheric and grand setting. Instagram

Absolutely! The woodlands, the kitchen garden, and the general landscape surrounding Turton Tower provide beautiful natural backdrops for photography. Instagram+1

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the tower and grounds. Midday can be good for capturing details inside. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Turton Tower is a fantastic family outing, especially since children aged 16 and under get in for free! The tower's maze-like interior can be an adventure for kids to explore, and the surrounding woodlands offer space for them to run around. The kitchen garden with its bees is also a point of interest. The 3-hour free parking is usually sufficient for a family visit, but if you plan to stay longer, there's overflow parking available. Reddit

Pack some snacks or plan to visit the woodland cafe for treats like ice cream. The volunteers inside the tower are often happy to engage with younger visitors, sharing stories in a way that can spark their imagination about history. It's a great way to combine fun with a bit of educational exploration.

🚶‍♀️ Walking Enthusiasts

For those who love to walk, Turton Tower is an ideal destination. It's situated within beautiful woodland and is part of various walking routes, including the Witton Weavers Way. You can enjoy a scenic stroll through the grounds, explore the kitchen garden, or embark on longer hikes that incorporate the tower as a point of interest. Instagram+1

Many visitors combine their visit to the tower with a substantial walk, often starting or ending at nearby locations like Jumbles Country Park. The terrain around the tower is generally pleasant for walking, though comfortable footwear is always recommended for exploring the woodlands and paths. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Turton Tower is a photographer's dream, offering a rich tapestry of subjects. The tower's unique architecture, spanning centuries, provides endless angles and details to capture. The surrounding woodlands and the charming kitchen garden offer beautiful natural backdrops, especially during the golden hours. Instagram+2

Whether you're interested in architectural details, landscape photography, or even fashion shoots, Turton Tower provides a versatile and atmospheric location. Drone footage has highlighted its magnificent setting, so if you're equipped and permitted, consider capturing its grandeur from above. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Turton Tower's History

Turton Tower is a remarkable example of evolving architecture, with its history stretching back over 500 years. It began as a medieval tower and has since been expanded and modified through the Tudor and Victorian periods, transforming into an impressive country house. This layering of styles creates a unique and fascinating structure that tells a story of centuries of adaptation and changing tastes. Visitors often remark on how the different sections feel 'cobbled together' yet harmoniously stand as one. InstagramReddit

The interior reflects this historical journey, with rooms showcasing distinct architectural features from different eras. The wooden furniture is particularly noteworthy, adding to the authentic feel of the historic home. The presence of knowledgeable volunteers, often descendants or those with deep connections to the tower's past, further enriches the experience, bringing the stories of the families who lived there to life. Reddit+1

Beyond the walls, the tower is set within beautiful grounds that include woodlands and a kitchen garden. This integration of the built environment with the natural landscape adds to its charm and offers a peaceful retreat. The kitchen garden, with its fragrant herbs and an active apiary, provides a sensory experience and a connection to the estate's self-sufficiency. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Turton Tower Estate

The grounds surrounding Turton Tower are as much a draw as the historic building itself. Visitors can embark on leisurely walks through the adjacent woodlands, enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the Lancashire countryside. These walks offer a refreshing contrast to the historical exploration within the tower. Instagram+1

A particular highlight is the kitchen garden, a space that evokes a sense of historical domesticity. Here, visitors can admire a variety of homegrown herbs, and observe the busy bees in the apiary. The honey produced by these bees is often available for purchase, offering a unique local souvenir. Reddit

For those who enjoy an active visit, the area around Turton Tower is part of various walking routes, such as the Witton Weavers Way. This makes it an excellent destination for a longer day out, combining historical discovery with outdoor recreation. Instagram+1

Photography at Turton Tower

Turton Tower presents a captivating subject for photographers, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. The tower itself, with its multi-period construction, provides a visually rich canvas, from its medieval origins to its later Tudor and Victorian expansions. Instagram+1

The surrounding woodlands and the meticulously maintained kitchen garden offer picturesque settings for outdoor photography. The interplay of light and shadow through the trees, or the vibrant colours of the garden, can create stunning images. Aerial photography, captured by drones, has also showcased the tower's magnificent presence within its estate, highlighting its grandeur from a unique perspective. Instagram+1

Photographers looking to capture the essence of Turton Tower might find the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon particularly rewarding for exterior shots, bathing the tower in warm, atmospheric light. The interior, with its characterful rooms and historical artifacts, also offers ample opportunities for detailed shots, though it's always wise to check for any flash photography restrictions. Instagram

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