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Partly sunnyMagazine
Region with a haul of historic houses
by Angela Kelly26/ 1/2007
WHEN the weather is cold outside it's just the time to stay in the warm and plan what to do and where to go on better days ahead. And the North West has a wealth of places to discover.
The Manchester area is an excellent starting point for historic
houses and interesting buildings - some on the doorstep and others
just a train, bus or car ride away.
So, here's a quick Days Out guide to houses and halls to visit this
year ...
GREATER MANCHESTER:
Heaton Hall, Heaton Park, Prestwich
THIS magnificent 18th century neo-classical country
house, built for Sir Thomas Egerton by James Wyatt, is now a Grade
I listed building with beautifully restored interiors to reflect
its elegant lifestyle. Rare wall and ceiling paintings and
impressive grounds add to its charms. Open Easter to September.
Ring 0161 235 8888.
Smithills Hall, Smithills, Bolton
SET in restored formal gardens and a 2,000 acre estate leading
to the West Pennine Moors, this beautiful old hall is an
architectural gem dating back to the 14th century. Travel in time
through medieval, Tudor and Victorian rooms or enjoy the various
walks on offer in the splendid surrounding countryside. Open April
to October. Ring 01204 332377.
Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Bolton
ORIGINALLY built as a half-timbered hall in the 15th century, this
handsome building was owned by wealthy yeomen and merchants. Later
rented out, it was home to a young Samuel Crompton whose Spinning
Mule invention revolutionised the cotton industry. Links with
Crompton remain in this interactive museum. Various opening times.
Ring 01204 332370.
Turton Tower, Turton, near Bolton
SET in relaxing woodlands on the edge of a popular walking area,
this distinctive 15th century English country house has fascinating
period rooms displaying a huge collection of decorative woodwork,
paintings and furniture - all re-telling the lives of the families
who lived there. Opens March to October. Ring 01204 852203.
CHESHIRE:
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
THIS fine country estate has a mansion housing important
collections, including the country's finest collection of Huguenot
silver. There is a "below stairs" area, an impressive garden with
majestic trees and richly planted borders, a 250-acre park with an
ancient herd of fallow deer, a restaurant/shop and a mill. Opens
March to October. Ring 0161 941 1025.
Tatton Park, Knutsford
TWO historic houses set in 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland with
lakes, tree-lined avenues and herds of red deer. Award-winning
gardens, a working farm, speciality shops and a variety of events
also make Tatton a popular family choice. Open all year but check
The Mansion and Tudor Old Hall opening times. Ring 01625
534435.
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton
THIS glorious moated Tudor building is one of
Britain's finest timber-framed manor houses which, apart from being
slightly more crooked these days, has hardly changed after 500
years. The long gallery has an important collection of paintings,
and there is an unusual Elizabethan knot garden. Opens from March
to December. Ring 01260 272018.
Bramhall Hall, Stockport
THIS is a superb example of a Cheshire black and
white timber-framed manor house with origins dating back to
medieval England. The visitor can journey back six centuries in its
beautiful rooms and also enjoy 70 acres of beautiful parkland,
landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. It features two lakes,
woodland walks, gardens and a play area. Open most of the year.
Ring 0845 8330974.
Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport
THIS Tudor house was transformed into a huge
Italianate palace in the 18th century, set in a vast medieval deer
park, moorland and woodland. Already famous as the setting of the
1995 TV Pride And Prejudice series' high spot where Darcy emerges
from the lake, it has plenty of attractions - a tranquil Victorian
garden with roses, reflection lake and sunken parterre, plus an
adventure playground and plenty of children's events throughout the
year. Ring 01663 762023.
Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Wilmslow
ONE of Britain's greatest industrial heritage
sites, it includes a complete working cotton mill, restored
Apprentice House, mill workers' village and country estate - all
set in the valley of the River Bollin. It has a huge working water
wheel, practical mill demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to
see how we once lived and worked. Riverside walks and stunning
countryside provide a restful contrast. Open all year round. Ring
01625 527468.
Arley Hall, Northwich
THIS much-cherished family home is set within a
2,000 acre estate and has some of Britain's finest gardens. The
Grade II listed Victorian country house, built in the Elizabethan
style, is not only worth visiting for itself but is also home to a
variety of year-round events, including country fairs and garden
festivals. Ring 01565 777353.
CUMBRIA:
Sizergh Castle, near Kendal
THIS medieval house, extended in Elizabethan times,
is surrounded by a richly diverse garden boasting two lakes and a
superb rock garden. The castle has an exceptional series of
oak-panelled rooms, portraits, fine furniture and ceramics
accumulated over centuries. There are plenty of walks from the
castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay to the Lake
District fells. Open April to October. Ring 015395 60951.
Wordsworth House, Cockermouth
ENJOY an insight into the daily family life of
William Wordsworth in this "living" 1770s house. There are
interactive demonstrations and tastings in the working kitchen,
plenty to touch and use around the house - including the children's
toys - and an attractive walled garden growing fruit, herbs and
vegetables from Wordsworth's time. Open from March to October. Ring
01900 824805.
LIVERPOOL:
20 Forthlin Road, Allerton
THIS is the terrace childhood home of Sir Paul
McCartney where The Beatles composed and rehearsed some of their
earliest songs. Authentically furnished as it would have been
during the Fifties and Sixties when he lived there, it is a
fascinating microcosm of the time. Open March to October. Ring 0870
900 0256.
LANCASHIRE:
Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, near Ormskirk
THIS is one of Lancashire's finest 16th century
Tudor buildings. It has a spectacular Great Hall with intricately
carved wooden screen and hammer-beam roof and an arms and armour
collection of national importance among its many charms. Its
grounds reveal a variety of topiary displays and garden trails.
Open March to October. Telephone 01704 821254 for details.
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