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Heritage Open Day – Gawthorpe Hall opening the door

Enjoy exploring inside the stunning Gawthorpe Hall, open for FREE as part of national Heritage Open Days.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Come and explore the fabulous historic rooms of Gawthorpe Hall and discover the story of this family home.

Find out about Shuttleworth family members such as Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth who created the British education system, visitors such as Charlotte Bronte and tenants who rented the Hall in the 1700s. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms and enjoy the textile collection displays. Plus, you can meet the housekeeper in the kitchen, and see the hidden Victorian toilet by the Long Gallery!

Also on display is the exhibition 'An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s' with original documents from when the Hall was first built and a connection to the Pendle witches.

Outside you can explore the grounds and the Walled Garden, and nearby All Saints Church at Habergham will also be open (12pm – 4pm). The church was built with land and money from the Kay-Shuttleworth family and is only a short walk through the grounds.

Gawthorpe Hall is a tower shaped building over 4 floors with a lot of steps, due to the historic nature of the building there is no lift. Please see the Access Statement for more details or ring to check.

Times

The basics

Suitability

Family friendly day, under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility

Gawthorpe Hall is a tower shaped building over 4 floors with a lot of steps, due to the historic nature of the building there is no lift. Please see the Access Statement for more details or ring to check.

Contact info

Lancashire County Council

Upcoming events

Event

An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s 

An exhibition bringing the household of Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s to life, through the original account books of the Shuttleworth Family.

Event summary

on
2 May to 2 Nov 2025
at
12:00 to 17:00
+ 132 other dates or times
Event

National Trust Ranger Walk & Talk 

Join National Trust Ranger David Bevis for a free walk from Padiham to Gawthorpe Hall.

Event summary

on
3 May 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
Event

Meet the Housekeeper in the Victorian kitchen 

Explore the Victorian kitchen of Gawthorpe Hall the heart of the home, where the housekeeper is in charge.

Event summary

on
5 May 2025
at
12:00 to 16:00
Event

Getting dressed in the early 1600s – a talk exploring Jacobean clothes. 

Do you know a ruff from a coif, a partlet from a rebato? If not then this talk is for you and will give you everything you need to know (and more) about costume and dress in the early Jacobean period.

Event summary

on
14 May 2025
at
13:00 to 14:30