Gainsborough Old Hall image

Gainsborough Old Hall

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Heritage building Manor house

One of the Best Places To Visits in West Lindsey


Address

Parnell St, Gainsborough DN21 2NB, United Kingdom

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Contact

+44 1427 677348

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Gainsborough (17) hall (12) history (11) visit (11) great (10) English (10) Heritage (9) worth (8) building (8) tower (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Steven M. 1 year ago on Google
    Gainsborough old hall is a hidden gem, easily drive by, and not know it's there. The kitchens and great hall are extremely huge and impressive. There is also a small climb to the top of the tower, but it is well worth it for the views over Gainsborough. The history and what uses the building was put through over the years is fascinating. Has a small cafe / shop at the entrance. There was no car park, but we found there were plenty of places to park in the streets opposite. We spent a good hour here. Also the town centre is a sort walk, with a wide array of pubs / restaurants.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris M. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting architecture. Medieval manor house. The main hall and the kitchen are particularly impressive. We enjoyed our visit. The cafe is also nice I recommend the cream tea offer. The views from the top of the tower are very good. The stairs are narrow and apparently there are 59 of them.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew A. 1 year ago on Google
    Well, I was not expecting what I got! Great value and time spent. The hall is a snapshot in different periods which showcases and explains what went on in each very well. There are little wooden information disc's that bring the past to life, as well as QR codes to get a richer experience. Easy to spend a solid 50 minutes walking around if you have it to yourself. Lots of stairs to traverse so be ready, and do yourself a favor and climb the tower for a view of Gainsborough like no other.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave W. 8 months ago on Google
    We visited Gainsborough old hall on a Sunday afternoon during the summer. There is plenty to see, its a well set out historic venue with lots of wonderful timber structures that date back hundreds of years. The parking is on road but we did not struggle to find any. The staff were so friendly and helpful and we will definitely be back for another visit next year.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew T. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing medieval house wonderfully restored and now maintained by English Heritage. Passionate volunteers and guide who are really invested in making sure visitors get the most out of their time at the Hall. Well worth a visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel S. 2 years ago on Google
    Gainsborough Old Hall is a lovely place to visit. It is quirky and really interesting. It is such an old building with such a varied past. The walls and floors are so wonky you have to see them to believe them and wonder how the building is still standing. They certainly don't build them like that any more.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joanne B. 1 year ago on Google
    What a little Gem 💎 tucked away in Gainsborough we spent a couple of hours here. Two stories to explore and a Tower roof to climb to.Stunning views from the top of the tower well worth the entrance fee we've paid more to park up in some places(NT charge per person per car to park before you even get to the entrance 😱) NOT HERE! With English Heritage 😁👍 fantastic staff always ready to answer your questions. Topped the day off with Cream Tea in the garden☕🍰 beautiful😍😍👍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C F. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful historical building and a great way to connect with the past. Well worth the money spent to explore the extensive buildings and learn about its varied occupants as it evolved from a grand hall to.....well you'll just have to visit. Great little tea room too, sit outside and enjoy a cream tea to finish off your day. The scones are so huge you won't need to eat for the rest of the day
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben W. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely little gem of a historical site. Very well preserved and gives a great taster of how things were in medieval times. Staff were great, very friendly and helpful we had a great time thanks!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andy B. 8 months ago on Google
    What a great place to visit! It stretched a lot further than I expected from the outside and many great rooms to see. I would have liked a few more "information boards" in the rooms however, as you were often left wondering what it had previously been used for (maybe because they'd rather you buy their guide book). Staff are super-friendly, adding to the experience. There were a couple of them randomly dotted around. However, I felt that they appeared to add little value (as werent really chatting or helping you to understand what was around them). Overall, it's definitely worth seeing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark T. 11 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful example of a Tudor hall. Great cafe and staff and volunteers very welcoming and informative. This really is a gem of a place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The G. 11 months ago on Google
    A beautiful old Manor House dating back over 500 years in the Centre of Gainsborough. It has been well maintained and is perfect for an afternoon out. Built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460 it is described as one of the nicest manor houses in the Uk. With lots of history having played host to British monarchy including King Richard III and King Henry VIII in 1509. Lovely grounds only a stones throw from the river Trent and Gainsborough town centre. No need to book tickets online as you can buy them on the door. Don’t miss the great hall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah R. 9 months ago on Google
    Rare treasure - lovely way to pass an hour or so. Very knowledgeable guides and amazing to wander from room to room. Kitchen was one of the most incredible bits of architecture I have seen. Park in the Riverside car park and you can see the English Heritage flag directly behind you (town side). Lovely little cafe; cherry blondie was amazing, and tuna melt toastie was too. We visited Roche abbey on same day to explore local area a bit more. Gainsborough didn't seem a town to wander around in...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon M. 9 months ago on Google
    Review: Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough, UK Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stepping into Gainsborough Old Hall is like stepping into a rich tapestry of English history. As one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, this gem in Lincolnshire earns a well-deserved five-star rating. From the moment you cross the threshold, you are immediately transported back to the 15th century. The timber-framed hall is an architectural marvel, a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of medieval times. The Great Hall, the heart of the manor, is an awe-inspiring sight, teeming with centuries-old charm. The exhibition rooms are well-curated, telling the stories of the influential families who once resided in the hall - the Burghs, the Hickmans, and the powerful Tudors. The connections to King Henry VIII and Katherine Parr add an extra layer of intrigue for history buffs. The kitchen area, with its enormous hearths and well-preserved fixtures, gives an excellent glimpse into the daily life of the manor. It's easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of servants preparing meals for lavish feasts. Guided tours are available and highly recommended - the passionate and knowledgeable guides make the history come alive. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the tower, the panoramic views of Gainsborough from the top are simply breathtaking. The garden is another highlight, a serene haven perfect for a leisurely stroll. The herb garden is a delightful touch, echoing the medicinal and culinary uses of plants during medieval times. A small cafe offers a variety of refreshments - the perfect spot to sit down and soak up the historic ambiance. Lastly, the gift shop offers a wide range of unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit. In summary, Gainsborough Old Hall is more than just a historic site; it's a captivating journey into the past. Its enchanting atmosphere, intriguing history, and well-preserved architecture make it a must-visit for all history enthusiasts. A solid five-star experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sharon M. 5 months ago on Google
    Loved my afternoon visit here with my family, lot's of amazing history and we should protect the British heritage always. Highly recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Polly W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting. Quiet. Lots if information, must admit it was a bit cold, go well warmed up !! Huge place, far bigger than we thought. Lots of stairs, the children were loving it. Guides were well informed. Nice little cafe/shop. Made very welcome, great views from the top of the tower, parking nearby was very cheap. A hidden away little gem, with a riverside walk nearby should you want to stretch your legs.

  • 5/5 Alan W M. 8 months ago on Google
    What a most excellent place. Such an interesting historic build stuck in the of a town. Lovely staff to boot.

  • 5/5 Richard F. 4 months ago on Google
    What a fabulous medieval building. Steeped in history and once entertained Royalty. Given its location, and surrounded by "normal" houses, you'd be forgiven if you thought it isn't as old as it is. Well worth a visit

  • 5/5 Carol P. 9 months ago on Google
    Very interesting place to visit. Very friendly and helpful staff. Cafe served freshly prepared food, nothing was too much trouble for them.

  • 5/5 Romà J. 8 months ago on Google
    Well kept English Heritage property half an hour drive from Lincoln. Open 10-17 in summer. Free on street parking just at the door (limited to one hour). The staff today 7/8 were extra kind.

  • 5/5 Kathleen O. 10 months ago on Google
    Excellent medieval hall. As usual with English Heritage, signage is good and the room guides even better. Small tearoom, good toilets.

  • 5/5 Neil 10 months ago on Google
    Really interesting old building, well worth a look around, is English Heritage so free if you have membership

  • 4/5 Ashley L. 11 months ago on Google
    Curious building worth exploring if you are in Gainsborough. Changed a bit since English Heritage took it back over including a new guide book. Nice cafe at the entrance with a good selection of food and drink. Little shop with the normal English Heritage items. You're free to explore the building with information boards to help you. If you're brave enough you can climb the tower for views across the town. If you go on a Sunday, it's free all day parking in the council car parks. There is limited street parking round the hall

  • 5/5 Simon B. 10 months ago on Google
    We visited here recently using our English Heritage passes, & its definitely the jewel of Gainsborough. It was a great place to bring our young daughter, with there being plenty wide open spaces to run & explore. I liked how most rooms, were minimalistic, with just the right amount of history, not being to overwhelming, like some other places. The lady who served us was very helpful.

  • 5/5 Dean 1 year ago on Google
    Such a little gem of a place. The house is exceptionally well kept and is full of a lot of history. Really friendly and informative staff. Theo in the visitor centre was above and beyond the most passionate amateur historian we've ever met. She made us feel very welcome and even pointed out the kids could get a free EH lanyard and start collecting pop badges.

  • 4/5 Mark G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice old house with lots to explore. Staircases everywhere, with some you could easily miss. Nice views of Gainsborough from the top. It did make us feel alittle sick & dizzy due to the walls & floors sloping different ways but we still enjoyed it. The toilets were very clean & are in the basement of the property. The tea/coffee & lemon cake was delicious. We would of stayed longer but I had parked outside on the road & only had 1 hour.


Call +44 1427 677348 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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