Visiting Dudmaston Hall

Sundial and spring garden in front of large stately home — Dudmaston garden and house in spring. | © National Trust

A family home at the centre of rural Shropshire life, Dudmaston also houses one of the most important private collections of modern art in Britain. This is a house of many contrasts, lived in by the same family for over 875 years.

House opening arrangements

The historic rooms at Dudmaston open 30th March 2025 from Sundays - Thursdays.

Visiting the family home

For its long history, a mixture of modern thinking, tastes and culture have shaped the hall and the wider estate. Today, the hall is home to the Hamilton-Russell family and continues to revolve around the rhythms of life in the local community.

On your visit to Dudmaston Hall, wander round the traditional rooms, from the panelled Entrance Hall to the sunlit Library with views over the garden and Big Pool. Relax and make yourself at home in the cosy Oak Room and flick through the family photo album.

The interior of the Library at Dudmaston House, Shropshire, with shelves built into the walls for books and sofas arranged in the centre of the room. — The Library at Dudmaston House | © National Trust Images / Andreas von Einsiedel

The Galleries at Dudmaston

Dudmaston is home to one of the most important private collections of Modern Art in Britain and the first of its kind to come under the care of the National Trust. Sir George and Lady Rachel Labouchere installed the galleries you see today and displayed their art collections before gifting Dudmaston to the National Trust in 1978.

Featuring artwork by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Ben Nicholson, as well as local artists and sculptors; art, in its many forms, has always found a home at Dudmaston, both indoors and out.

Art at Dudmaston

Artwork and exhibitions

Visit the galleries and changing exhibitions at Dudmaston

Dudmaston Hall Spanish Gallery | © Lindsey Bucknor

Rebellion and Repression

Sir George and Lady Labouchere were in Spain during the dictatorship of General Franco. They were dark and difficult days and many used art to express their emotions. Despite the anti-establishment message of the works Sir George collected, he maintained good ambassadorial terms with the General.

Inspired by Nature

Featuring work by esteemed botanical artists, such as John Nash and Mary Grierson, ‘Inspired by Nature’ reminds us of the beauty, power and influence that nature holds. Examples of Lady Labouchere’s own artwork, including her watercolours which depict some familiar scenes at Dudmaston, are on display as part of the exhibition.