Leighton Hall

About

Nestled in a bowl of parkland, and set against a backdrop of the Lakeland hills, award winning Leighton Hall is the lived-in home of the famous Gillow furniture making dynasty. A visit to Leighton is an opportunity to unravel the fascinating past of this ancient, Lancashire family, to wander through the pretty gardens and woodland walk and to witness breath taking displays from birds of prey. As well as the house and grounds and charming tea rooms, Leighton has a children’s play area with brass rubbings, bee corner, insect hotel, tree face trail and caterpillar maze.

Leighton Hall is famous for its Objets d’art, stunning pieces of Gillow furniture and has no roped off areas. Visitors are welcomed at the front door by friendly and entertaining guides, and tours are informal with guests encouraged to sit on the furniture, touch things and really get involved. They can climb the “Flying Staircase”, sit at the priceless telescopic Gillow dining table, and discover what “Tickling the Moose!” means.  They can even play the Steinway piano in the music room if they wish. Finally, the Birds of Prey display offers an up close and personal experience, with an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

In August there are extra activities for children, including a free Teddy Bear Hunt.

Take time to explore the acres of gardens, ornamental vegetable plot and herb garden pavilion, within an abundant 19th century walled garden, before finishing your day with a visit to Leighton’s charming tearooms.

Leighton’s tea rooms are special and visiting them is all part of the Leighton Hall experience. Set below stairs, the tea room gives visitors chance to see what life was like for the staff at Victorian Leighton as the tea room is actually the old kitchens! There’s real flowers on the tables and tea is served (how it should be) in proper porcelain cups and saucers. Perfect for a quintessential English afternoon tea.

Birds of prey fly every open day (Summer season only, weather permitting) at 3:30pm.

Leighton boasts a number of spectacular special events and workshops throughout the year, including The Classic Car Rally, Shakespeare in the garden, valuation days, outdoor cinema experiences, special family and children’s days and Christmas craft fairs, workshops, coffee mornings and plant fairs. Please see the website for details.

Open to the public May – September, Tuesday to Thursday and some Fridays 1:30pm – 5:30pm. All year round for prebooked groups of 20 or more and school visits. Check website for details. All tickets are to be booked in advance online.

Leighton Hall can be found just outside Carnforth, a few miles from Lancaster, a ten min drive from M6 Junction 35. Do not follow sat nav instructions – please use brown tourism signs.

Disabled access information:

Due to the house being a lived in family home, there is a staircase and no lift. Disabled visitors are invited to visit the Music Room whilst the rest of the party look upstairs. There are good toileting facilities, rest spaces and all guests are welcome to enjoy most of the tour, which is on one level with very few steps and ramps where necessary.