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Lancashire Halls and Houses

Lancashire's built heritage includes historic buildings of many sizes, periods and types, ranging from the humblest barn to the grandest mansion.

The remarkable richness and variety reflects the distinctive aspects of the County's history. Lancashire's buildings are valuable and significant, both in themselves and for their contribution towards education, recreation and the economic life of the County, and the quality of life enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

Turton Tower

A striking Tudor building built around 1420 as a defensive fortress. The Tudor Orrell Family transformed it into a splendid and comfortable home by building two cruck-framed buildings alongside the tower.Be guided around the Tower by Turton's Tudor costumed inhabitants. Discover more about the history of the house, the people who lived here and the Tudor way of life.

Gawthorpe Hall

Superb seventeenth century country house in a beautiful riverside setting and home to the Shuttleworth family for over 300 years. With opulent period rooms reflecting the life-style of an aristocratic Victorian family and a nationally important Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth collection of needlework and costume. On special days throughout the season meet the Victorian inhabitants of the hall in our popular Bringing History Alive presentations.

Samlesbury Hall

Samlesbury Hall is a 14th Century Manor House. Over the years there have been many changes. It is administered by a registered charity known as the Samlesbury Hall trust whose aim is to maintain the Hall for the people of the area.

Hoghton Tower

A beautiful example of English renaissance architecture. It stands proudly on its hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, an impressive sight for visitors driving up its mile long drive.

Towneley Hall

The Hall lies within a 284 acre park and was the home of the Towneley family from the 13th century to 1902. The present house dates from the 14th and 16th century. Today, the Hall is an Art Gallery and Museum, housing collections of oil paintings, early English watercolours, period furniture, 18th century glassware, archaeology, natural history (not to mention the Towneley Black Himalayan Bear!) and exhibitions on loan.

Skipton Castle

Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year. Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War.

Stonyhurst College

Where ancient meets modern as pupils of the school go about their daily lives amid the splendour of this beautiful building. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creator of Sherlock Holmes was a former pupil and J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the epic 'Lord of Rings' during his visits to the college. The surrounding landscape is believed to be the inspiration for Tolkien's The Shire.

Leighton Hall

The lived-in house of the famous furniture making Gillow dynasty. A visit to Leighton is an opportunity to unravel the fascinating past of this ancient, Lancashire family, to wander through the spectacular grounds and pretty gardens and to witness breathtaking displays from trained birds of prey.