Gawthorpe Hall
Elizabethan house with Victorian makeover, showcasing stunning interiors, textile collections, and peaceful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Gawthorpe Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Elizabethan house with Victorian makeover, showcasing stunning interiors, textile collections, and peaceful gardens.
"A hidden gem with beautiful period furnishings and knowledgeable staff, definitely worth a return visit."
Pack a Picnic 🥚
No cafe on-site, but grounds are perfect for a picnic. Coffee van sometimes available.
Chat with Volunteers 👨👩👧👦
Volunteers have amazing knowledge about the family and artifacts. Ask them anything!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elizabethan Interiors
Main House
Marvel at the original 1600s plasterwork and period furnishings, offering a glimpse into Jacobean life.
Victorian Makeover
Main House
Experience the elegant Victorian rooms, restored by Charles Barry, showcasing a different era of the hall's history.
Textile Collection
Main House
Discover one of the country's largest textile collections, a true treasure trove for fashion and history enthusiasts.
Bourne Casket
Main House
See the intricate 17th-century embroidered casket, a unique artifact with hidden compartments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 17th Century Charm
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🥚
No cafe on-site, but grounds are perfect for a picnic. Coffee van sometimes available.
Chat with Volunteers 👨👩👧👦
Volunteers have amazing knowledge about the family and artifacts. Ask them anything!
Dog-Friendly Walks 🐶
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and woods, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Explore the Woods 🌳
Enjoy serene walks through the woods surrounding the hall for a peaceful escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🥚
No cafe on-site, but grounds are perfect for a picnic. Coffee van sometimes available.
Chat with Volunteers 👨👩👧👦
Volunteers have amazing knowledge about the family and artifacts. Ask them anything!
Dog-Friendly Walks 🐶
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and woods, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Explore the Woods 🌳
Enjoy serene walks through the woods surrounding the hall for a peaceful escape.
Free for NT Members 🌎
If you're a National Trust member, entry is free! A great perk for history lovers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gawthorpe Hall is frequently described as a hidden gem with a pleasant setting and much more to offer inside than expected. Visitors praise the beautiful period furnishings, knowledgeable staff, and the interesting gift shop. While the lack of a cafe is noted, the pleasant grounds and often available coffee van make up for it, with many eager to return.
"A hidden gem in a very pleasant setting. Much more to see inside than I expected: Beautiful, period furnishing and decor throughout and I was especially taken by the wonderful plasterwork. Really enjoyed looking around and gathering new information from the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Browsing the interesting selection of goods in the lovely little gift shop completed my visit. Another new favourite place that I'll definitely be returning to."
113 E
"Fabulous National Trust/council property, mostly original and restored sympathetically. The grounds are pleasant and there is a short walk around the property. No café on site but when we visited there was a little coffee van which seemed very popular - there are toilets but not to the usual NT standard. Definitely worth a visit and a lovely spot for a picnic on a good day."
Carolyn Beesley
"What a lovely day out in Burnley. We really enjoyed the Jacobean/Elizabethan history of the house and the later period with Victorian rooms. The interiors furniture were stunning. The national trust needs to keep up with renovating this lovely treasure well worth a visit for history buffs. Well worth a repeat visit. The guides weee really helpful and chatty for questions and wxtra bits of history to the house. The Car park was free shame no cafe on site as it would really take off. There was a little van which provided refreshments on a nice day not sure about inclement weather though."
tazang20
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gawthorpe Hall is located near Burnley. Many visitors arrive by car, with free parking available. For those using public transport, coach hire services like Slinetravel are an option for group trips. Check local bus routes for accessibility from nearby towns.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at Gawthorpe Hall, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
While direct public transport might be limited, it's possible to reach nearby Burnley and then arrange local transport or a taxi. Coach hire is also a popular option for organized groups.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Entry is free for National Trust members. For non-members, there is an admission fee. Check the National Trust website for current pricing.
Generally, advance booking is not required for individual visitors, but it's always a good idea to check the National Trust website, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
National Trust membership offers free entry. Keep an eye out for any special offers or family ticket deals that might be available on their website.
The hall aims to be accessible, but due to its historic nature, some areas might have limitations. The grounds are generally accessible. Contact the venue directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Gawthorpe Hall boasts stunning Elizabethan interiors with original plasterwork and Victorian rooms. It also houses a significant textile collection and the unique Bourne Casket. The surrounding gardens and woods offer pleasant walking opportunities.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Gawthorpe Hall, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or in certain exhibition areas.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the gardens and woods surrounding Gawthorpe Hall, making it a great destination for pet owners.
The grounds include pleasant gardens and woods, offering a serene environment for walks and picnics. It's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Gawthorpe Hall showcases both its original Elizabethan/Jacobean architecture and later Victorian renovations, offering a journey through different historical eras.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no permanent cafe on-site at Gawthorpe Hall. However, a coffee van is often present on nice days, providing refreshments.+1
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended, as the grounds are ideal for enjoying a meal outdoors.+1
The nearest dining options would be in the town of Burnley, which offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The hall's exterior architecture, the detailed interiors, and the surrounding gardens offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The woods also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Professional photoshoots, like the family shoots mentioned by alfredandcophotography,
Visitors often capture the historic architecture, the intricate details of the interiors, and the natural beauty of the grounds. Bookish content creators also find inspiration here, referencing historical fiction books.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is a great idea, as it allows for a relaxed meal in the beautiful surroundings. The free parking and the opportunity for a dog-friendly walk make it a convenient and enjoyable outing for families looking for a day of discovery and fresh air.
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
offer layers of intrigue.Don't miss the extensive textile collection and unique artifacts like the Bourne Casket.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Dog Owners
It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a refreshing break, or a picturesque picnic. The dog-friendly policy in the outdoor areas makes it a perfect destination for a family outing where all members, including furry friends, can enjoy the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: From Elizabethan to Victorian
In the mid-19th century, the hall underwent significant restoration and improvement by Sir Charles Barry, the renowned architect behind the Houses of Parliament. This Victorian intervention added a new layer to Gawthorpe's story, creating elegant Victorian rooms that complement the older sections.
+1 The blend of these distinct periods makes Gawthorpe Hall a fascinating study in architectural history and domestic life.Beyond its architectural significance, Gawthorpe Hall holds intriguing historical connections. It has been noted for its links to the Pendle witches, with contemporary account books mentioning them in relation to the Shuttleworth family's land in 1612.
further weaving its narrative into broader cultural contexts.The Treasures Within: Textiles and Artifacts
From intricate embroidery to woven fabrics, the exhibits provide a rich visual and historical experience.A standout artifact is the 'Bourne Casket,' a remarkable 17th-century embroidered casket created by Eunice Bourne in the 1660s. This exquisite piece would have originally held sewing paraphernalia, jewelry, and money, and notably features two secret compartments, hinting at the personal and perhaps private nature of its contents.
Visitors consistently praise the 'beautiful, period furnishing and decor' throughout the house.
Gardens and Woods: A Peaceful Retreat
The woods are particularly noted as being dog-friendly, making Gawthorpe Hall an excellent destination for families with pets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit