Haddon Hall: A Country House Dating From the Middle Ages

In Brief.

Haddon Hall is an imposing country house that occupies an elevated position overlooking the River Wye near Bakewell. The hall has its origins in the 11th Century, has remained in the same family since the 12th Century, and continues to be a family home. The public areas include one of the courtyards, the original hall, the chapel, a long gallery and the compact but pleasant gardens. Several of these are striking and distinctive, for example with the chapel featuring extensive medieval wall paintings.

Haddon hall from the gardens.

What's Here?

Haddon Hall is a substantial building, built around two courtyards, though one of these is private. However, the lower courtyard gives access to a portion of the 12th century wall as well as the 14th century hall and kitchens. The hall was originally used for most aspects of communal living, and includes a large fireplace, as an early example of a home improvement. The hall featured a log fire during my visit, and provides access to later developments, including family rooms and the long gallery.

The entrance to the hall from the lower courtyard.

The hall occupies an elevated site, and the gardens provide a number of terraces supported by buttressed walls, with good views of the hall and the River Wye. The gardens reward a leisurely stroll and provide some limited opportunities for exercise exploring the different levels.

Certainly worthy of a visit is the 14th century chapel, which includes impressive frescoes that cover most of the walls. These were plastered over after the reformation, but have subsequently been revealed as an example of how pre-reformation churches were decorated.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 40 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 25 mins

Price: $$$

Parking: There is an on-site paid carpark

Food and Drink: There is a cafe in an outbuilding, with a variety of cakes and meal options.

Retail Therapy: There is a small shop at the entrance with an unprecedented collection of tea towels and oven gloves.

Child Friendly: In contrast with National Trust properties, there isn't much that is obviously targeted at kids.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2 hours.

Inside-Outside: 70:30

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