Washington Old Hall

view of the hall from the parterre

Important notice -

Washington Old Hall is closed until 15th Feb

Manor house associated with the family of George Washington, first president of the USA

More about this place

Objects on the kitchen table

Head to the ground floor and visit the year 1662 

Join us in 1662. William James had just died, an inventory was made of the contents of the Hall. You can see the inventory as well as objects that are listed. It means we have a clear understanding of what life would have been like for the people living in the Hall during this time.

A family browsing the Hall

Venture to the ground floor and enter the grand old Hall 

Discover the history of the Old Hall. Dating back to the thirteenth-century, this small manor house was home to the original Washington family, renovated before the English Civil War and went on to be a tenement building, lived in by up to nine families until the 1930s. It has seen a tremendous amount of history and people and is worth a visit. If you have any questions, a guide is on hand to help.

A book by Jo Cunningham for the Sunderland Book Project

The Sunderland Book Project at Washington Old Hall 

Through local artist Theresa Easton’s fantastic The Sunderland Book Project exhibition you can join us to celebrate Sunderland. Browse over 65 pieces of innovative handmade books created by a national or international artist, designer, bookmaker or printmaker.

A group walking through the gardens

Walk around Washington 

Learn all about the past behind Washington during a stroll. Hear about key players in its history and the grand buildings in the village. You can even listen to it by borrowing an MP3 player from Washington Old Hall.

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Washington Old Hall

What's on 

Upcoming events

See all events

February half term family fun

Mon 17 Feb 2020
11:00-15:00
We're open in time for February half term so come and join us every day of the school holidays for fun, family activities.

Easter holiday family fun

Mon 06 Apr 2020
11:00-15:00
We've got lots of family fun activities planned for during the Easter holidays.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

Fri 10 Apr 2020
11:00-16:00
Bunny has been making his way around the North East and has been spotted in the gardens here too. What do you think he has been up to?

Dawn Chorus

Sun 03 May 2020
05:00-08:00
Join us for an early morning stroll around the gardens at Washington Old Hall to hear the dawn chorus sing its song.

Mendick and Watson Art Installation

Sat 16 May 2020
10:00-17:00
Step inside the hall to see something you have never seen before. Inspired by Fred Hill and local stories, artists Lindsey Mendick and Dominic Watson have created a sensational art installation

May half term

Mon 25 May 2020
11:00-15:00
Add a spring to your step during May half term with lots of fun activities in the Nuttery
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Washington Old Hall

Our work

Two fire hearths

Washington Old Hall is a venue for arts project 

This year, we're thrilled to be taking part in Meeting Point's programme, an Arts Council England funded scheme, which will see a piece of contemporary art at Washington Old Hall. While we're not sure what this could look like yet, you can keep checking back for more news.

Meet the artists

Artist Lindsey Mendick

Lindsey Mendick 

Artist Lindsey Mendick has a penchant for bright ceramics and clay. Known for bringing stories to life through elaborate scenes of art, Mendick is sure to add some flair to Washington's stories as part of the Meeting Point Project

Artist Dominic Watson

Dominic Watson 

With a reputation for working with video and audio, Dominic Watson avoids what could be the normal expectations of art to deliver engaging content to his audiences. Dominic originally hails from Sunderland and we hope he enjoys working within this historical space in his hometown.

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Washington Old Hall

Our work

Taking scones out of the oven

Eating at Washington Old Hall 

At Washington Old Hall cafe you can choose from a range of freshly made food - including gluten-free options - and relax within peaceful surroundings. Tucked away within the gardens, there is a small outdoor courtyard with seating or you can opt to sit indoors.

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Washington Old Hall

Groups

Internal of George Washington room

Visit Washington Old Hall with your group 

Looking to visit with a group? You can discover history spanning hundreds of years, as well enjoy a meander around the gardens and relax in the cafe with a cuppa.

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Washington Old Hall

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Washington Old Hall on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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