Visit the house at Speke Hall

Visitors looking up at the eavesdropper in Speke Hall's courtyard

The house has reopened to visitors again. Step into the Tudor mansion to discover five centuries of stories and see how its past residents lived. The house is open 12.30pm-5pm (last entry at 4.15pm), Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday, except for bank holidays).

While the house and collections are still as fascinating as ever, your experience of visiting will be a little different to how we've done things in the past. We're admitting visitors in a staggered way to help keep everyone safe, so queues are likely. Please read this article carefully so you know what to expect from your visit.

Scaffolding in place across Speke Hall's North Range

The house is looking a little different...

Every year we carry out vital conservation work on one of the Hall's exterior wings and this year, it's the North Range's turn. Scaffolding will be in place until mid-September. The wooden timbers and panelling will be repaired and a fresh coat of protective paint applied, and we'll also give the windows a clean and carry out other necessary repairs. This work usually costs us around £10,000 each year, so your support is really important. Pay us a visit, become a member or enjoy a scone in the restaurant - it all helps!

House opening times

Wednesday-Sunday, 12.30pm-5pm. Last entry is at 4.15pm. The house is closed on Monday and Tuesday, except for bank holidays.

Please note we may have to close some rooms or the first floor at short notice for staffing, conservation or other reasons. We're sorry if this affects your visit and we appreciate your patience as we continue to reopen Speke Hall.

Planning your visit

Do I need to pre-book my visit?

No, you no longer need to pre-book your visit to Speke Hall. Your entry ticket to visit Speke Hall gives you access to the whole property. This includes the house, gardens and estate. 

When should I visit the house?

We'd advise you to visit us in the afternoon, so that you're here for when the house is open between 12.30pm-5pm (last entry at 4.15pm). Any queues are likely to be shorter later in the afternoon, so we'd recommend heading to the main entrance of the house from 2pm.

We're admitting visitors to the house in a staggered way to help keep everyone safe, which means you may need to wait on the bridge. Last entry is at 4.15pm, so please don't it leave it too late to visit the house, especially at weekends, as we may have to turn you away if there's a long queue.

Step-by-step guide to visiting the house

  • If you'd like to explore the house as part of your visit, please follow the signs to the front of the house.
  • We're admitting visitors in a staggered way, so you may need to queue for a short while on the bridge and along the hedge. There is no cover, so please be prepared for the weather. 
  • Please try to maintain social distancing in the queue.
  • If the queue is long, why not explore more of the gardens or go for a refreshing drink at Home Farm and come back again later?
  • Long queues are possible on very busy days and we're unable to guarantee entry to the house if you join the queue too late. We're really sorry if this affects your visit, but we thank you for your support and patience as we try to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
  • You will have an opportunity at the entrance to check-in with NHS Test and Trace by scanning the app or leave brief contact details.
  • Once you're admitted, there will be an area where you can leave any bags, but please be aware these will be left at your own risk. Buggies will be stored in the courtyard, so waterproof covers are recommended. Please only bring large bags and buggies if necessary.
  • Face coverings are recommend in enclosed, crowded areas. Please wear one if you can to help us keep our volunteers and other visitors safe.
  • Follow the one-way system as you explore the ground floor and first floor.
  • You'll find sanitising stations at several points along the one-way system.
  • Our lovely volunteers will be there to greet you in each room and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the house and collections.
  • Toilets are located opposite the exit of the house in the Dairy Courtyard, including one accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities.
Family running alongside the topiary hedges surrounding the Tudor house

Visiting Speke Hall: what you need to know 

You no longer need to book your visit to Speke Hall. To make the most of your day, please read the information in this article carefully before visiting and help us make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The Library at Speke Hall with William Morris wallpaper

Highlights of the house 

Over the past five centuries, Speke Hall has become home to fascinating architectural features and a range of collection objects, from Richard Watt’s collection of over 200 pieces of ‘ancient’ carved oak furniture to early examples of original William Morris wallpapers.

View of Speke Hall by William Gawin Herdman, watercolour on paper, 1860

A brief history of Speke Hall 

From refuge for one family’s unshakeable Catholic faith to problematic colonial connections and Victorian romance and revival, discover the stories of the people who have lived at Speke Hall.