Harlaxton Manor — Attraction in South Kesteven

Had the opportunity to visit on Saturday 23rd July 2022, and below are my impressions (I also have a YouTube video about the experience on my channel "Adventures & Experiences", please feel free to watch and definitely book a visit for the next Open House!):

parking: parking was free, ample and easy, there were marshalls available to guide us towards an adequate space, ensuring that there is enough room for all cars to open doors.

staff and students: everyone was very polite, approachable and friendly, and we felt welcomed as soon as we stepped inside the manor. The reception area was beautifully decorated and there were leaflets and souvenir brochures on sale.

the interior (house and rooms) - we were blown away by the stunning architecture and features in the Great Hall, and the fantastic piano songs played by the talented pianist. This created a mesmerising atmosphere, we felt like we were taken back in a different era. The Gold Room and the Cedar Staircase were so impressive, I think we spent more than 2 hours only inside the house, admiring and taking it all in.

the exterior (gardens and forecourt) - as soon as we stepped through the main gates and entered the forecourt, we were fascinated by the architecture, the flora, and the lion statues. There were lawn games available in the main gardens, tables and chairs where people were enjoying something to eat and some real dairy ice cream. I loved the fact that there were people spending time together with friends, or just couples or families, and they had brought their camping chairs or cooling boxes and were just enoying a summer day out.

I'd highly recommend to anyone, if you have the opportunity to come on one of the days of the Open House, please go - you will not regret it. You'll learn about the manor's history, the students and their life here, and enjoy a few hours in a fantastic atmosphere.

Thank you so much for the Events team at Harlaxton who allowed us to film for our YouTube channel, and share the splendour of this venue with the online community...

Stunning buildings in a gorgeous setting, we visited on an extremely hot open gardens day. Staff/volunteers were most welcoming, informed and enthusiastic; often dropping into conversations the historical competition with Belvoir Castle visible on the horizon. These opportunities are infrequent due to it being a working estate/college, so if you have yet to visit make sure you check out the website. Although the building itself wasn't open for tours ( a few bookable dates each year), the Golden room is used for the sale of refreshments along with the conservatory - a large Pimm's with extra ice was just right for the occasion. Taking time for a picnic in the shade of a Cedar tree, we happened upon the head gardener doing the same, his friendly chat, knowledge and dedication to the estate made for good conversation. The plans to develop the walled gardens (on the left as you drive towards the manor) are exciting and should allow for a year round attraction. I would happily awarded 5 stars, however there was little direction signage and no plan or map leaflet to guide you round available. The £8 guide book focuses on the history and...

I first spotted Harlaxton Manor from the Grantham canal many years ago and googled it, finding it was a private college I resigned myself to not getting to see it up close. I belong to a women’s motorcycle group on Facebook #motorbikewomen and there is a themed treasure hunt #witchwayround that runs for a whole year - the weird year 2020 theme was Wild and due to the abundance of lions, Harlaxton Manor was on the list. I pootled up there on June 30th 2020, the place was eerily quiet so braved a closer look. To get your ‘point’ in the hunt you have to first up travel there on your motorbike, then snap a picture of you and the destination. I returned two years later on August 19th 2022 still on the motorbike only this time having bought my entrance ticket for the gardens. Intrigued to see the different themed gardens and it was a real treat to see the building and more lions up close. We took a picnic and chilled out on the lawns. My next project is to try and persuade the manor to host some theatre. Interested to bring ‘Its a Wonderful Life’ here at Christmas or an...