Historic Houses and Halls

Stately Lancashire. Historic Lancashire gems.

From the Wars of the Roses, the famous witch trials of 1612, the clash of Parliamentarian and Royalists armies of the civil war, the Jacobite Rebellion and the wealth created by the industrial revolution Lancashire’s historic houses have witnessed a wide range of major historic events.

Discover the history and stories behind Lancashire’s grand houses and halls including the story behind the knighting of Sir Loin at Hoghton Tower; how JRR Tolkien was inspired by the countryside around Stonyhurst College; the tragic tale of the white lady at Samlesbury Hall and the gruesome severed head at Towneley Hall.

Beyond the stately buildings there are formal gardens and extensive grounds to explore, many featuring adventure playgrounds, sculpture trails, seasonal flower walks and farm animals – perfect for all the family to enjoy.

Browsholme, Hoghton and Leighton are still family homes and have passed through generations and still display wonderful possessions created by world renown artists and craftsmen. Furniture by Gillow and Hepplewhite, fine art by  JMW Turner, Lely and Reynolds as well as exquisite porcelain, glass and textiles. You may even bump into the owners and their children of the house whilst enjoying a guided tour. Read more in about these extraordinary, some say eccentric, owners in Living In History.