Discover more at Hatchlands Park
Find out when Hatchlands Park is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Visiting the house at Hatchlands Park
Inside the Georgian house at Hatchlands Park, you can explore six beautifully restored rooms, richly decorated with a family feel. There’s a chance to see some of Robert Adam’s earliest work, plus a wonderful collection of paintings and a world-class collection of musical instruments brought together by Alec Cobbe.
House opening times
The ground floor of the house is open daily (except Saturdays) between 12pm and 4pm until Friday 30 October.
Robert Adam interiors
Celebrated architect Robert Adam designed the interiors at Hatchlands Park, in his earliest country house commission. The motifs that run through the rooms are, appropriately for Admiral Boscawen, of a naval and seafaring theme. Dolphins, anchors and cannons feature, watched over by Neptune himself.
You can see wonderful examples of Robert Adam’s work in the plasterwork ceilings in the Library and Staircase Hall and the fireplace and ceiling in the Saloon. The Saloon is amongst the first of Adam’s great rooms, his influence is unmistakeable.
The Cobbe Collection
Explore an incredible collection of more than 40 keyboard instruments owned or played by some of history’s greatest composers, and one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The Cobbe Collection doesn’t stop with musical instruments, there’s also a group of remarkable Old Masters paintings to discover on display throughout the house.
Cobbe Collection concerts
Instruments from the Cobbe Collection are maintained in playing condition. They are used in concerts each summer and autumn with great musicians playing the music as it was meant to be heard. Discover concert dates and book tickets through the Cobbe Collection Trust.
House highlights
The Drawing Room
Originally a private dining parlour for the Boscawens, the ceiling here was replaced in 1860 after the original collapsed.
Don't miss: Sir Joshua Reynolds' portrait of Admiral Boscawen and Marie Antoinette's pianoforte made by Erard.
The Saloon
The Saloon started life as a grand dining room for the Admiral, fashionably located as far from the kitchens as possible. The design by Robert Adam was heavily influenced by his Grand Tour.
Don't miss: the ceiling and fireplace by Robert Adam and the harpsichord by Andreas Ruckers from 1636.
The Library
This homely family room again features an original fireplace designed by Robert Adam. It also features the most elaborate of his ceilings, which was later gilded by Lord Rendel.
Don't miss: Robert Adam's beautiful ceiling and the portraits of Shakespeare and Henry Wriothesley.
The Staircase Hall and Garden Hall
Take in the double-height hallway, featuring a grand staircase with Georgian chinoiserie banisters which connects through to the garden hall, the original entrance to the house.
Don't miss: Chopin's Broadwood grand pianoforte and Elgar's Broadwood pianoforte.
The Dining Room
This room was originally Admiral Boscawen's bedroom but was converted to its present use by Lord Rendel. The decorative scheme has been added much more recently and was designed by Alec Cobbe.
Don't miss: a fireplace carving of Admiral Boscawen's dog, Becca, and the virginals belonging to Charles II.
The Music Room
The Music Room is an early 20th-century addition to the house by Lord Rendel. It was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with a windowed dome in the ceiling. Concerts played on instruments from the Cobbe Collection are held here.
Don't miss: Liszt’s upright piano tucked away in the corner and the organ, played by volunteers.
Digital tours
Hear the instruments
You can now download the Bloomberg Connects app, available for free on iOS from the App Store. Take a tour of the house and find out more about the Cobbe Collection.
Audio guides
If you’re not able to download the app then you can pick up an audio guide for just £2 from the house entrance. You can hear audio snapshots on each of the rooms and find out about the families that used to live here, as well as information about the Cobbe Collection. The basic guide lasts around 45 minutes.
You might also be interested in
The families who lived at Hatchlands Park
Find out more about the people who lived at Hatchlands Park and the legacy they left behind.
The history of Hatchlands Park
Discover more about the 250-year history of Hatchlands Park, the families that made it their own and the influences of famous architects and designers of their day.
The Cobbe Collection at Hatchlands Park
This wonderful collection of more than 40 keyboard instruments at Hatchlands Park is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Discover a few of the collection highlights.
Eating and shopping at Hatchlands Park
Enjoy sweet and savoury snacks, cakes, light lunches and hot and cold drinks at the Kitchen and Coach House cafés located within the historic buildings of the cobbled courtyard. Drop by the Engine Room second-hand bookshop to find your next great read and help raise vital funds to help protect and preserve Hatchlands Park.
Family-friendly things to do at Hatchlands Park
Looking for something to do outdoors with the family this summer? Hatchlands Park is the perfect place to get some fresh air, explore the parkland, let of steam in the children’s play areas and enjoy a fantastic programme of seasonal events and activities in the grounds.
Houses and buildings
Historic houses and buildings are full of stories, art and collections. Learn more about their past and plan your next visit.
