Gainsborough Old Hall
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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!
Simon MyersSimon Myers
10
Update 09.21 Glad to see it reopened after 18 months. Now it is in the full care of English Heritage, they have revamped the entrance, gift shop and cafe. The latter of which we were served by a very pleasant lady and enjoyed a fine repast. I could have sworn that the ceiling had oak beams prior to the restoration by EH as opposed to a false ceiling, which seems.. Odd. It has lost some of the ambience that once made it feel so authentic and olde world, but nonetheless, it was nice to see it open again and to be enjoyed. Built on what was originally Gainsborough Castle, it can count not only Canute and his father, Sweyn Forkbeard but also King Richard III and Henry VIII as it's patrons! You really are walking in the footsteps of giants upon entering this historic venue. I'm sketchy on when the transition from castle to hall began, but it is my understanding that it was sometime in the 15th century by Thomas Burgh; obviously more information can be gleaned upon actually visiting the Hall, which I highly recommend. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and as it is under the care of English Heritage there is also an audio guide to assist you as you go around.
Richard GRichard G
00
A great place to visit, a super warm welcome as soon as we got to the door, staff really frendly and chatty. We choose to have a bite to eat first in the cafe which had a good selection of light eats, with inside and outside seating and by the way dogs are welcome in here but understandably not the main house. In the entrance ther's also the shop with the usual english heratage fair. The house itself is amazing built from the late 15C you have the chance to see the original fabric and the later additions. There's not a lot of furniture but we felt the house is the main attraction and tells its own story. Good information boards around descibing the rooms use. Lots of exploring to do room to room which children would find exiting so a good family visit. As it is an old manor the foors can be quite uneven and there are a few stairs between floors and rooms. On site there's also toilets, accessible wc and baby changing. Don't forgat to take a walk round the bulding and view the outside. On our visit we found the riverside carpark very convenient (2min walk) and is free on a sunday.
Andrew LickleyAndrew Lickley
00
Hidden gem , You have the opportunity to have headphones and an iPad or a booklet as you tour , we found the iPad the best , it guides you from the beginning to end with little extras thrown in and videos. Unusual in the fact most places have ropped of sections , Interesting Kathetine Howard and Henery V111 stayed here and enjoyed the spiral staircase . One feature that was overlooked to be taken down is the "Tudor" rose carved from wood, to see it you have to be able to climb more than a few stone steps so maybe not accessible for anyone in a wheel chair. The kitchen is still in use a certain times of the yr and is exceptionally large given size if the building. Very interesting video on how the walls were made and are kept original . I don't think a Sunday afternoon is enough time to spend reading looking at this beautiful building . In all Worth going, not much to to in the town. Don't miss having a tea or coffee after, they serve hot and cold food and staff ste more than helpful and not over priced .
purple flight (purpleflight)purple flight (purpleflight)
00
This is a gem of building. It has so much history. From a late medieval Manor house to a linen factory, then to a theatre and a community hall, the Hall is a veritable blend of period styles. The Old Hall has links to the Congregationist and Henry VIII, the hall was once owned by the Hickman Bacon family. The site has no parking, but there are numerous fairly priced pay and display carpark within a stonethrow of the Hall. There is a good and very reasonably priced cafe too. I would recommend the Victorian sponge cake. School trips are also catered for, as are private functions; wedding etc. Wheelchair access is limited to the lower level unfortunately. My (unqualified) guess is that the highly uneven floors and structural eccentricities of the hall, prevent the addition of a stair lift.
Nick BallNick Ball
10
What a gem of a place! We are EH members but didn't know about this place for some reason and we are only around an hour's drive away. We visited at the weekend and we're blown away by it's beauty - the history this place holds is phenomenal and the detail in what they have managed to preserve is astonishing. If you don't walk around upstairs and feel drunk then you've not done it right! The kitchen is fascinating and you get a real feeling for how things would have been run back then. We booked in advance although didn't need to as it was quiet when we arrived. The cafe is lovely, we enjoyed a chai latte and bought some lovely books for.our boys from the second hand book shop. We will be taking our son back who is a massive history lover - a visit highly recommended!!
Jade SavageJade Savage
00
Nearby Attractions Of Gainsborough Old Hall
Gainsborough Model Railway
The Gainsborough Heritage Centre
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The Gainsborough Heritage Centre
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Nearby Restaurants Of Gainsborough Old Hall
The Trent Port
The Sweyn Forkbeard Gainsborough
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Caldero Lounge
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Reeds Coffee Shop
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Sufian CURRY HOUSE Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant & Take Away
KFC Gainsborough
The Trent Port
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The Sweyn Forkbeard Gainsborough
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Prezzo Italian Restaurant Gainsborough
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Caldero Lounge
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Parnell St, Gainsborough DN21 2NB, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1427 677348
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Website
english-heritage.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(694 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Gainsborough Old Hall in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire is over five hundred years old and one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England. The hall was built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460. The Burghs were rich, flamboyant and powerful.
attractions: Gainsborough Model Railway, The Gainsborough Heritage Centre, restaurants: The Trent Port, The Sweyn Forkbeard Gainsborough, Prezzo Italian Restaurant Gainsborough, Caldero Lounge, Canute, Reeds Coffee Shop, Clock House Gastrobar, Cream, Sufian CURRY HOUSE Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant & Take Away, KFC Gainsborough
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