10 stunning stately homes, halls and castles in Lancashire

Are you seeking stunning stately homes in Lancashire? Keen to be captivated by castles in Lancashire? Fancy a tour of a fine historic house on your holidays? Well look no further, we have chosen 10 spectacular properties which offer amazing architecture, fascinating histories and gorgeous grounds to explore.

Lancaster Castle

A dark past and extensive history makes Lancaster Castle one of the most captivating castles in England. The castle is associated with witch trials and executions and served as a prison for many years (though an efficient and humane one), right up until March 2011. Tickets for guided tours cost £8 per adult and concession tickets cost £6.50.

Samlesbury Hall

Samlesbury Hall has served a variety of uses over its history spanning almost seven centuries, including being used as an ancestral home, a pub, a school and as a factory. The hall is reputed to be one of Britain’s most haunted locations, so be prepared for a shivers down your spine, spooky shadows and maybe even the appearance of the White Lady herself. Entry to the hall is £3 each for adults and £1 each for children.

Clitheroe Castle

Over eight centuries old, the keep of Clitheroe Castle remains an impressive sight to this day. It is free to explore the keep and there is also a museum nearby (for which an admission charge applies) which provides insight into the area’s history, geology and heritage.

Gawthorpe Hall

One of the most attractive country houses in Lancashire, there is plenty to see and do at Gawthorpe Hall. This splendid Elizabethan building is home to the biggest portrait collection in the North West, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, and you can also see the excellent Gawthorpe Textiles Collection here. The formal gardens and enticing woodland also provide picturesque places to enjoy a relaxing stroll.

Browsholme Hall

Lancashire’s oldest surviving family home was constructed in 1507 and today Browsholme Hall can be explored via guided tour. The hall contains a variety of intriguing objects, from weapons and armour to furniture and a Zeppelin fragment. Admission costs £7 per adult, £2 for children aged 10 to 17 and is free for children under 10.

Hoghton Tower

A dolls’ house collection, a grand Banqueting Hall and beautiful gardens are just some of the sights visitors can see at Hoghton Tower. Viewing the dungeons and exploring underground passages is also sure to delight people who are seeking spookily good adventures as this is supposedly Britain’s third most haunted house. Tickets for house tours and entry to the grounds cost £8 per adult, £6 per child under 16 and are free for children younger than 5.

Leighton Hall

Leighton Hall contains a wonderful collection of furniture and paintings within the various rooms that can be visited, which include the Dining Room, the Music Room, the Chapel and the Principal Bedroom amongst others. In addition, kids will have a blast discovering the caterpillar maze, the woodland trail, as well as pirate and fairy dens. Plus afternoon flight demonstrations from birds of prey are sure to delight visitors too. Tickets cost £7.75 per adult and £4.95 for children aged 5 to 12, which includes a house tour, garden and parkland access and a birds of prey display.

Turton Tower

Turton Tower is a striking historic house that also serves as a museum. The collections highlight the Tudor and Victorian periods with excellent paintings and furniture, while the kids’ play area, gardens and grounds are sure to entice explorers outside. Entry costs £6 each for adults, £5 for concession tickets and is free for children younger than 16.

Rufford Old Hall

For a fine example of Tudor country houses in Lancashire, visitors can’t go wrong with Rufford Old Hall. An abundance of interesting objects are on offer here, from tapestries and furniture to weapons and armour. The Great Hall also served as a stage for William Shakespeare before he became famous. Standard entry is £7.25 per adult and £3.70 per child.

Astley Hall

Surrounded by pretty Astley Park with its lovely woodland, Victorian walled garden and lake, Astley Hall offers an exciting day out for visitors. The beautiful hall is home to a very good museum and art gallery. There is no entry fee, though donations are appreciated.

Enjoy a grand day out in these grand historic houses

If you want awe-inspiring architecture these exceptional historic houses in Lancashire are certainly sure to inspire awe! They provide a wonderful glimpse into centuries past and are a great way to experience Lancashire’s rich architectural heritage in person.