Winter at Speke Hall

Visitors walking on the North Lawn at Speke Hall — Wrap up warm at Speke Hall

Enjoy a refreshing winter walk, pick up a warming treat from the restaurant or go on an adventure in the gardens and woodland. There's plenty to see and do on a day out at Speke Hall this winter.

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability and book now

Winter opening times

From 6 January, we're open Wednesday-Sunday. Our opening times are 10am-4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Please book ahead before visiting. Tickets are released every Friday for the following week, and you can book up until 3pm the day before you visit.

Enjoy a winter stroll

Grab your scarf and gloves and escape to Speke Hall's gardens and woodland for a refreshing walk as this special place is transformed into a winter wonderland. Climb up the Bund path to spot migratory birds and catch the early sunsets, stroll around the South Lawn to admire a frosty Speke Hall or grab a hot chocolate to-go from Home Farm before exploring the magical ancient woodland.

Warm up with a tasty treat

Shake off the cold and visit Home Farm to find the perfect place to pick up a hot drink and a light snack. We're serving takeaway only at the moment with a reduced menu, in line with government guidelines. There are picnic tables available at Home Farm and in the Orchard or you can enjoy your purchases as you walk.

Play and explore

Let your little ones burn off some steam on the slides and climbing frames in the formal play area or run wild in the woodland play area. Follow the Childe of Hale trail to discover a world of giant buttons, vegetable musical instruments and optical illusions. Please note the hedge maze remains closed.

Bring your dog

There are plenty of paths across Speke Hall's estate to explore with your four-legged friends. Our one-way route is dog friendly, however please note dogs are not permitted in the play areas or Childe of Hale trail.

Winter cleaning and conservation at Speke Hall

What's happening in the house?

Over the winter season, we're continuing to carry out our conservation work to care for the house and its historic collections, including the annual winter clean and an important project to upgrade our fire protection. Swipe below to find out more about this significant project and follow us on social media @NTSpekeHall to see some behind-the-scenes action.

Behind the scenes

A person climbing into through a small doorway in the attic at Speke Hall

The top of an old chimney in the attic at Speke Hall

A view of the hatch into Speke Hall's priest hole from the attic

©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Upgrading our fire protection

We’ve been hard at work creating detailed plans of the house in order to identify any risks of fire spreading and damaging this special place. Now, this winter, we’re carefully carrying out work to reduce these risks.

A Tudor house has many holes

One of the main concerns when protecting a historic house like Speke Hall from potential fire damage is to reduce the ability for fire to spread. We can do this by compartmentalising the house i.e. filling up any holes.

Being sympathetic to Speke's history

As part of this work, it’s important any additions or alterations are sympathetic to the character of the house or what was there before, such as upgrading this hatch leading to the historic priest hole with a fire proof alternative.

Layers of history in the attic

Speke Hall was built in stages over several decades and the attic is where the Tudor mansion’s wings come together. This is where you’ll find everything from old chimney flues and crawl spaces to electrical wiring.

Your support makes this happen

This work wouldn't be possible without the funds we receive every time you visit Speke Hall, treat yourself in the restaurant or become a member. Thank you for helping us to preserve this special place for future generations to enjoy.

Speke Hall Liverpool

Please book ahead before visiting

The garden, grounds, play areas and restaurant at Speke Hall are open every day. The ground floor of the house is open Wednesday-Sunday, however queues are likely on busy days and we can't guarantee entry.

To avoid disappointment please book your tickets in advance, especially at busier times like weekends and bank holidays. Members book for free, while non-members need to pay when booking.

For local Neighbours Pass holders, bookings will need to be made by email – see below for more information.

Check availability and book now

Admiring the Witch Hazel in Dunham Massey's Winter Garden — Visitors enjoying the Witch Hazel at Dunham Massey

Winter days out in the North West

Make the most of your membership, discover somewhere new on your doorstep, or blow away those winter cobwebs at National Trust places in the North West.

Find out more