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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
16 May to 2 Nov 2025
at
12:00 to 17:00
+ 122 other dates or times
Event

Painting Padiham at Gawthorpe Hall 

The popular outdoor painting event returns with professional and amateur artists painting live in the grounds of the Hall and around Padiham town centre.

Event summary

on
17 May 2025
at
12:00 to 17:00
Event

Marvellous Mosaics – half term crafty fun 

Be inspired by the Victorian tiles and decoration around Gawthorpe Hall to make your own mosaic.

Event summary

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

Make a charm pendant 

Get creative and make your own charm pendant in this workshop.

Event summary

on
30 May 2025
at
12:30 to 13:30
+ 1 other date or time