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Near Ormskirk, Southport, Lancashire L40 1SG. Tel:
01704-821254.
Reckoned by many to be one of the finest 15th/16th century timber
construction frame buildings in Lancashire, with a particularly magnificent
Great Hall with its very large moveable screen. There is a fine collection
of 17th century oak furniture, as well as collections of 16th century
arms, armour, furniture, costume and tapestries. The traditional home
of the Hesketh family, many 18th and 19th century domestic and agricultural
relics survive and are on display.
Facilities
Garden of special interest - 14 acres. Picnic
area. National Trust property, with souvenir and book shop. No photography
allowed, but amateurs may apply direct to National Trust for out-of-hours
permission. Female visitors are requested not to wear high heels so
as to protect the floors. A "Living History Education Service"
operates on the property, specialising in the Tudor period - by prior
arrangement with the Administrator. Regrettably, disabled access to
Gardens, Great Hall, Entrance Hall and Restaurant only. Refreshments
available for lunches and teas in the Restaurant, with a limited Licensed
Menu. No dogs allowed inside - gardens only, and on leads.
Opening
Garden, shop and hall open afternoons beginning
of April to end of October, daily except Friday. Times may change
- please check before setting off.
Location
Located close to Rufford, 7 miles north of
Ormskirk on the east side of the A59. By bus: Ribble, North Western
service 101 from Preston to Ormskirk, or ABC Service 754/8 from Liverpool
to Blackpool. By Train: Rufford Station (except Sundays) about a half
mile walk away. Or Burscough Bridge about 2½ miles.
Smithills Dean Road, Bolton BL1 7NP. Telephone: 01204-332
377.
Email: smithills@bolton.gov.uk. Website: www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/smithillshall.
Smithills Hall dates
back to the 14th century, and is in a first-class state of preservation
as one of the oldest manor houses in Northern England. Huge oak beams
support the Great Hall which has been fully restored to its original
state. Oak panelling is distinctive. The house originally belonged to
the Barton family, and later the Ainsworths. Living Rooms are available
to the public, as is the chapel, which has Tudor panelling and heraldic
stained glass - services held on Sundays, and for weddings.
Bought by Bolton Corporation in 1937, and opened to the public in 1963,
restoration work having been halted by the Second World War. The converted
stables opened as a Coaching House Restaurant in 1967.
Smithills Hall has been granted Accredited Museum status by the Museums,
Libraries and Archives Council.
Opening
Smithills is open Friday and Sunday afternoons,
but please phone to confirm this before setting out.
Access
Due to the age of the building there are uneven
floors and steps and wheelchair access is to the ground floor only
Location
By road: from Bolton town centre, take the A666
north, turn left onto Halliwell Road and follow signs to Smithills Hall.
By bus: take bus numbers 525, 526 or 527 from Bolton bus station
Sources: See
Bibliography - Books about Manchester
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