Washington Old Hall

Visitors in the gardens

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

More about this place

Summer holiday fun

Family pond-dipping

Enjoy the summer at Washington Old Hall 

The summer holidays are all about having fun. Here at Washington Old Hall we have an activity on every day during the six weeks, from 11am to 3pm you could be creating wild art, building a mini-raft, learning about wildlife or planting your own pea.

A view across Top garden towards the Nuttery with summer flowers in the foreground

Explore the nuttery 

The nuttery is teaming with creatures, nature and wildlife. Every time you return, you're sure to see something new, or something changing. To find out more about the nuttery and just how brilliant it is, click on the link and be prepared to be amazed.

George Washington painting

From Wessington to Washington 

William de Hertburn had no idea that his new name 'de Wessington' would make history and even become one of the most powerful cities in the world. Read on to find out why and visit The Washington Room to discover the story of the first President of the United States, George Washington.

Visit an exhibition and discover history

A book by Jo Cunningham for the Sunderland Book Project
A visitor at the Cyril Lomax exhibition
The seventeenth-century manor house, Washington Old Hall, Tyne & Wear
A family browsing the Hall

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.

Cyril Lomax: Life at the Somme 1916 

Reverend Canon Cyril Lomax recorded much of the devastation of The Battle of the Somme through art and writing. 'Cyril Lomax: Life at the Somme 1916' exhibits his artistic drawings of life in the trenches as well as his descriptions of what he saw.

Celebrating Washington Old Hall 

In 2016, we celebrated 60 years since this special place came into the National Trust's care. To help us commemorate the anniversary, we asked some special guests to share their memories with us. Here, you can listen to their stories from the past.

Visit The Washington Room

The first President of the United States, George Washington's origins start right here, in Washington. William de Hertburn had no idea that his name would make history and even become one of the most powerful cities in the world.

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Washington Old Hall

What's on 

Actors on stage outdoors in Shakespearean costume

Watch a performance of 'The Importance of being Earnest' 

Bring along a picnic and set up camp in the Nuttery. On Friday 24 August we're welcoming the critically-acclaimed The Pantaloons to bring Oscar Wilde's classic 'The Importance of being Earnest' to life. The group infuse Wilde's witty words with snappy new songs and frantically funny physical theatre.

close up of popcorn

Be a part of Sunderland Shorts Film Festival 

Come along for the third Sunderland Film Shorts screening in the Hall on Thursday 13 September, 6.30-8.30pm. You can watch a hand selected choice of this year's best comedies. It's one of many creative industry initiatives that have been developed through Sunderland's Sister City Partnership seeing creative professionals from both DC and Sunderland participate in exhibitions and academic exchange visits. (£3 per ticket)

Upcoming events

See all events

Summer Holiday Fun

Sat 18 Aug 2018
11:00-15:00
Keep your little explorers busy all summer long. Here, we've got nature to discover, craft activities, garden games and plenty of '50 Things to Do Before You're 11 ¾' tasks.

The Importance of being Earnest by The Pantaloons

Fri 24 Aug 2018
19:00-22:00
Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, Ernest doesn't exist. Or does he...?

Sunderland Film Shorts - Comedies

Thu 13 Sep 2018
18:30-20:30
Join us for our 3rd Sunderland Film Shorts screening in the great hall. Enjoy a hand selected choice of this year's best comedies.

Heritage Open Days

Fri 14 Sep 2018
10:00-14:00
On Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September Washington Old Hall will join the national festival, Heritage Open Days. You can join us for free to step back in history.

October half-term holidays

Mon 22 Oct 2018
11:00-15:00
There will be an activity on every day of October half-term, perfect for celebrating Hallowe'en.
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Washington Old Hall

Eating

Visitors at the cafe

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

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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