Kelmarsh Hall - © Portable Antiquities Scheme
Kelmarsh Hall lies within the 18th century Kelmarsh estate located in both Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. There is a historic house and surrounding gardens for visitors to see, the house is surrounded by scenic countryside and rolling hills. Kelmarsh is located in a quintessential English countryside and offers visitors plenty of wonderful views across the landscape. There are a number of events and shows held here in addition to being a popular venue for weddings. The historic house offers an interesting day out with plenty of history and heritage to see.
Attractions
Kelmarsh Hall is an imposing 18th century country house, it has been in a number of families over the years. It was the Osborne family that first used the estate as we know it today, though it was William Hanbury who oversaw the completion of the current Hall back in 1732. In 1864 the Naylor family bought over the estate and resided here during the majority of the Victorian period. Then in 1902 George Granville Lancaster bought the Estate where he and his family then lived.
In 1996 the estate passed on to the Kelmarsh Trust who are now entrusted with running the estate. Thus there is currently no resident family here, however with several hundred years of family history and collections built up during that time, the house has for a fascinating visit and offers visitors an insight in the period.
The House itself is picturesque one and inside it offers a great insight in to the last 250 years, the rooms are grand with notable features such as the grand staircase, the library and the impressive Chandelier in Staircase Hall. There are a number of period features contained within the house for visitors to see. The interesting features are contained not only in the design of the rooms and the house but also in the impressive collection of fine furniture and other valuable collections.
The Kelmarsh Estate is approx 3,500 acres in size and has an agricultural landscape, there is woodland and parkland too. There is plenty of farmland, the estate is also home to over 50 species of wildlife, here visitors can see the Barn Owl, Tree Sparrow, Otter, Grass Snake and many others, there is a range of biodiversity on view.
The Gardens are a major attraction for visitors and have been inspired to a large extent by Nancy Lancaster who used to reside at the house. The gardens were designed with the help of expert gardener Norah Lindsay. Visitors can see the formal terrace and the avenues that lead over to the lake, these were laid out by the landscape architect Geoffrey Jellicoe.
Garden Highlights include the pastels of the sunken garden, visitors can take a tour of the gardens and see a range of flowers, trees and flora that have been planted and maintained over the years. The gardens are subject to renovation and updating with the aim to create and maintain the fine gardens that the house has become well known for.
The gardens have a sense of history and have maintained their historic charm and also incorporate more modern elements. Visitors can take a relaxing walk to admire the gardens, it is the perfect way to admire the gardens and the surrounding scenic countryside.
How to Get There
Kelmarsh is most easily accessed by car, visitors can also try the train:
By Car:
Kelmarsh in Northamptonshire is located approx 80 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 1 hour 50 minutes from London. From London take the A5 then the A406 North Circular and then the exit for the M1. Drive along the M1 until junction 15 and exit toward Northampton/Wellingborough. Follow the signs for signs for Northampton/Wellingboro/A45 and drive along the A45 until the Queen Eleanor Interchange, then take the 2nd exit onto the A508/London Road. Continue to follow A508 for approx 13 miles until you see the sign for Kelmarsh.
There are free parking facilities located on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is NN6 9LY.
By Train:
From London Kings Cross station in central London there are trains available to Market Harborough Station located approx 5 miles from Kelmarsh. The Approx journey time is 90 minutes. Visitors can get a taxi from the station.
Contact Details
Kelmarsh Hall
Kelmarsh
Northampton
NN6 9LY
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1604 686 543
Fax: +44 (0)1604 686 437
email: enquiries@kelmarsh.com
Website: Kelmarsh Hall
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
The House is open from Easter until the third week of September:
Open between 14.00 until 17.00 (Bank Holiday Sundays & Mondays)
Also open on Thursdays & Sundays in June, July & August.
For the Gardens:
Open from Easter until the third week of September:
Open between 11.00 until 17.00 (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays).
Open between 14.00 until 17.00 on Tuesdays.
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the House & Gardens are open before going, the opening days vary according to the time of year.
Further Information:
House & Gardens:
Adults: £5.00 approx, Children: £3.00 approx & Concessions £4.50 approx.
Tour of the Croome Collection & Gardens:
Adults: £5.00 approx, Children: £3.00 approx & Concessions £4.50 approx.
Gardens:
Adults: £4.00 approx, Children: £2.50 approx & Concessions £3.50 approx.
Facilities:
For Disabled visitors it is advisable to call before you visit to ensure appropriate arrangements are made to make your visit an enjoyable one.
The Tea Room offers a range of refreshments, drinks, light snacks as well as afternoon tea.
The Gift shop offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and postcards.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Kelmarsh Hall Map
Tips & Other Considerations
Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
When travelling follow common sense travel tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is worn across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Kelmarsh in Northampton, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. For door to door directions use the journey planner to plan your trip. For road information see the traffic updates before you travel
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel, look out for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
