Hoghton Tower
BEST FOR
Ages 5+
WHERE
Preston
What it’s like
A guided tramp through a genuine Tudor house, with a steep half-mile drive up and a dollhouse room that steals the show.
You don't wander round this one on your own, a guide walks you through the State Bedroom, the Ballroom and the Banqueting Hall and tells you what actually happened in each. Tours run an hour and a half, which is a fair stretch for anyone under ten, and the site itself says most tour groups end up mostly adults. Over fives are welcome and under fives go free, but you know whether your five-year-old can manage ninety minutes of history without a meltdown better than anyone.
The bit that'll actually land with kids is the dollhouse exhibition, over 70 miniature houses spanning three centuries, tucked away from the main tour and worth building time in for. Outside, the walled gardens have some genuinely ancient trees and a decent spread of spring flowers, plus seasonal trails that give younger legs something to do that isn't standing still listening to a guide. If you're going in October or February half term, look at the family-friendly spooky tours, they're pitched differently to the evening ghost tours and probably the better bet with kids in tow.
Getting up to the house is its own small adventure. The driveway is over half a mile long and climbs 122 metres, so budget extra time and don't be surprised if smaller kids ask to be carried halfway up. Pushchairs aren't allowed on the house tour itself, though there's a storage area you can leave one in at your own risk. No photos inside the house either, so don't bank on getting that shot of the Banqueting Hall.
The tearoom does drinks and light bites, and afternoon tea if you book ahead, and picnics are allowed if you'd rather bring your own. Parking fees on the drive are cash only, so have coins or notes ready before you set off up that hill. Third Sunday of the month there's a farmers' market on site and an admission fee applies, which is handy to know if you were hoping for a quiet wander.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 and up; under fives go free but the 90-minute tour is a lot to ask
- Last entry
- 3:30pm
- Booking
- Pre-booking recommended for guided tours
- Food
- Tearoom serving drinks, light bites, snacks and afternoon teas (advance booking required)
- Pushchairs
- Not permitted on house tours but can be left in storage area at owner's risk
- Getting there by bus or train
- Preston railway station 7.3 miles away (20-25 min taxi)
- The driveway climb is 122 metres over half a mile, wear proper shoes and don't rush it with little ones
- No photography inside the house, so leave the camera for the grounds
- Third Sunday of the month brings a farmers' market and a site admission fee
- Parking fees on the drive are cash only, card doesn't work up there
- The house is closed for a private event on 24 September, though gardens and tearoom stay open
Plan your visit
What age is this suitable for?
Children over five are welcome on the house tours, and under fives go free. Tours run 1.5 hours with a guide, so it depends on how your child copes with a long, fairly grown-up-paced walk round.
Do we need to book?
Pre-booking is recommended for the guided tours and essential if you want afternoon tea. There's no online booking link, so you'd sort this directly with the house.
Can we bring a pushchair?
Not on the house tour itself. There's a storage area where you can leave one, but it's at your own risk.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The tearoom does drinks, light bites and afternoon tea, though the tea needs booking ahead. Picnics are allowed too if you'd rather bring your own.
How do we pay for parking?
Cash only where the site entrance and parking fees are collected on the drive, so come prepared with coins or notes.
How long does a visit take?
The house tour alone runs 1.5 hours, and that's before you've done the gardens or the dollhouse exhibition, so budget a good half day.
Can we take photos?
Only in the grounds. No photography or video is permitted inside the house.
Is it hard work getting up to the house?
The driveway is over half a mile long with a 122 metre climb, so it's a proper walk before you've even started the tour.
What if it's raining, is there indoor stuff?
The house tour and dollhouse exhibition are both indoors, so a wet day doesn't rule out a visit, though the gardens obviously suit dry weather better.
Is there anything spooky for kids?
There are family-friendly spooky tours during October and February half term, separate from the evening ghost tours which are pitched at adults.
Are there baby changing facilities?
Yes, there's a baby changing facility on site.
Can you cater for allergies or dietary needs?
The tearoom does gluten free and vegan options as standard, and can cater for other diets if you notify them of the requirement when booking.
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