Once the largest private house in England and Elizabethan England’s greatest house, Holdenby House has a rich history as a royal palace of James I and even a prison for King Charles I. Today, it is a private family home welcoming visitors to its Grade I listed gardens, the Icarus Falconry Centre, and The Old Stableyard Tearoom.
A Storied Heritage
Perched on a hill overlooking 2,000 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside, Holdenby House combines grandeur and history in a unique setting. The elegant suite of state rooms opens onto beautiful Grade I listed gardens with borders designed by Rosemary Verey and Rupert Golby. The estate has been a backdrop for BBC adaptations including Great Expectations and The Woman in White, and its grounds have hosted everything from Civil War battles to food shows and Formula One parties.
Gardens and Falconry
The gardens at Holdenby House are a highlight for visitors, offering enchanting landscapes that change with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy stunning falconry displays at the Icarus Falconry Centre. The gardens and falconry centre are open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from April to the end of August, 11am–4pm. The house itself is open on Bank Holiday Mondays only, 12–3pm (last entry 2.30pm).
Events and Private Visits
Holdenby House is a popular venue for weddings, corporate dinners, and meetings thanks to its combination of grandeur and intimacy. The spacious grounds also accommodate larger events throughout the year. Private group visits are available on weekdays. For information on packages and bookings, contact the team at office@holdenby.com.
Education and Living History
Holdenby House’s award-winning Education Department delivers innovative living history projects, where staff and pupils take on historical roles for a variety of interactive activities, making it one of England’s most engaging heritage learning experiences.
| 1 Apr 2025 – 31 Aug 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:00 | – 16:00 |
House Open Bank Holiday Mondays and Monday- Friday for private group bookings
Sundays Admission –
Garden and Falconry:
Adult: £12.00
Child (5-16): £6.00
Concession (over 65’s): £11.00
Family Pass (2+2): £30.00
HH Free
Bank Holiday Mondays Admission-
House Garden and Falconry:
Adult: £16.50
Child (5-16): £8.00
Concession: (over 65’s): £14.00
Family Pass: £41.00
HH Members: £4.50
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