Visiting Berrington: what to expect from your visit

Current projects at Berrington Hall 

We have three projects currently underway: 

• We are in the process of installing a biomass boiler, which will enable us to use green energy to heat Berrington Hall and surrounding buildings. This will positively reduce carbon emissions by 85 tonnes per year (the same as would be absorbed by 42,500 trees). 
• The project to restore the stonework of Berrington Hall is continuing and will now move into the courtyard. This vital project will improve the visual appearance of the courtyard buildings, ensure the safety of the stone faces and mean that Berrington is conserved for generations to come. We have temporarily moved the outside seating for the tea-room out of the courtyard while this work is taking place.
• Now we have completed the restoration of the curved walled garden, we are undertaking an ambitious project to revive the Georgian gardens. We are going to restore the Carpenter's Workshop. This space will be used by an artist in residence who will develop a long-term concept for the curved walled garden. This garden is currently closed to keep everyone safe.

You can find out more about all these projects here. 

What can you expect from your visit to Berrington Hall? 

We will have to close areas of the garden and parkland while contractors are at work and there will be diversions in place to ensure everyone's safety. 

Current closures and diversions:

• The tea-room seating has been moved out of the courtyard and is now on the south side of Berrington Hall. 
• The curved walled garden is currently closed. We will soon install a viewing area, so that this space can still be enjoyed. 
• There are walking diversions around the walled garden, but it can still be accessed by the gate near Visitor Reception and remains a peaceful place for a picnic or a lie down in the sun. 
• The play area is still open and can be accessed by walking clockwise around the mansion. There are plenty of signs to guide you. 
• The paths around Berrington's pool and into Moreton Ride remain closed following the restoration of the pool early this year. They will be reopened when the ground has settled. You can find out more about the project here.
• The mansion, tea-room and second-hand bookshop are all open as normal, and there is plenty of parkland and garden to explore. 

Explore the mansion

Built in 1778-81 for Thomas Harley, son of the 3rd Earl of Oxford, Berrington Hall is one of the few masterpieces of the architect Henry Holland's to survive intact.

In the house, discover jewel-like interiors, home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families. Uncover the story of Ann Bangham, first lady of Berrington, and see her restored 18th century court mantua dress. Learn more about the wide world of wide dresses with the timeline of mantuas exhibition on the first floor of the mansion. 

You can find out more about the mansion here.

Walking in the parkland

Bring along your four-legged friend and go for a walk through the parkland. We have different way-marked routes you can follow, including a den building area in the woodland for little explorers. The natural play area is also open for little ones to let off steam. Download a map before you arrive to help you find your way around. 

Please note, the estate at Berrington falls under a historic tenancy which means at certain parts of the year areas will be closed or diversions will be in place. We work alongside our tenant farmer who is very accommodating when managing livestock around visitor access. You’re very welcome to bring along your dog to Berrington but please always keep them on a lead and under control. Throughout the year cattle and sheep are moved throughout the estate and we strive to inform visitors as much as we can as to what to expect before they set off.  

Please follow all diversion signs, especially around the pool.  

Relax in the garden

Berrington's walled garden is a really special place and changes from season to season. From the autumn apple harvest to the spring flowers, there is always plenty to see. 

You can even purchase fresh produce and flowers from the garden, depending on what is growing at the time of your visit. 

You will find hammocks, deck chairs and picnic benches in the walled garden, making it the perfect space for a leisurely afternoon nap or a picnic in the sunshine. 

Facilities 

Toilets - including access and baby change facilities - are available in the car park and courtyard. 

Tea-room - open everyday from 10am to 4pm, serving hot drinks, light lunches and refreshments.  

Second-hand bookshop - open everyday from 10am to 5pm. Don't forget to bring along your pre-loved classics to donate to us. 

We hope you have a lovely visit.