Private tours

Private Tours at Haddon Hall

Aside from its deeply important Medieval, Tudor and Elizabethan architectural heritage, Haddon Hall houses a remarkable tapestry collection; an early English furniture collection reputed to be the best of its kind in the country; and has a wonderful Elizabethan Walled Garden, recently redesigned by Arne Maynard.

To learn more, why not join us on a private guided tour of the Hall, with one of our expert guides who can either provide you with a general overview of Haddon Hall or select a tour from our specialist programme.

For more information, prices, and to book, please contact us on 01629 812855 or admin@haddonhall.co.uk.

The Haddon Hall Guided Tour

Our most popular tour explores the 900 year architectural, social and family history of the Hall. Our expert guide will explain how the family lived within Haddon, how the Tudor kitchens functioned, will provide interpretations of the rare frescoes secco on the Chapel walls, the importance of the Tudor and Elizabethan rooms, the history of the tapestries and much more..

This tour is ideal for any visitor seeking a general and insightful overview of the history of the Hall and the family who have lived in it.

Tour length: 1hr 15 minutes

The Haddon Hall Guided Tour of the Garden

A discovery tour of Haddon’s Grade I Elizabethan Terraced Gardens, recently re-designed by the Chelsea Gold Award winning garden designer, Arne Maynard. Taking inspiration from Haddon’s incredible 900 year history, as well as the Elizabethans’ love of plants, Arne has created a romantic garden experience that captures the spirit of the Hall.

Within the terraces lies a Knot Garden showcasing jewel plants introduced by the plant hunters of the day; a flowery mead that brings to life Haddon’s rare and historic tapestries and a Bowling Green Terrace inspired by the garden pursuits of the past that feature strongly in Haddon’s history.

Tour length: 1hr

Head Gardener’s Tour

In the company of our Head Gardener, discover the secrets behind our beautiful gardens and their organic management. Hear of the historic uses of the plants that now grow in the Knot Garden and Bowling Terrace borders. Discover the treasures of the medieval flowery mead and learn how to recreate the spirit of Haddon in your own home using some of our favourite plants. The tour can be tailored to suit your group’s requirements and can be combined with an indoor presentation if the weather is inclement.

Tour length: 1hr

Specialist Tour - The Chapel

A study of the Chapel at Haddon and its impact on its community and worshippers.

Once the Parish Church of Nether Haddon, the Norman and Medieval Chapel at Haddon has an array of deeply rare ecclesiastical features including the 15th Century fresco seccos wall paintings, stained glass windows by the renowned glazier John Thornton of Coventry and a profoundly important Nottingham Alabaster reredos found by the 9th Duke of Rutland in Reykjavik.

This tour explores the religious practices of Pre- Reformation man and woman, and looks at how they used church buildings.

Tour length: 1hr 15 minutes.

Specialist Tour - Tapestries Tour

Haddon Hall houses a magnificent collection of English, Flemish and French tapestries.

During this tour, you will learn of the history and importance of the Mille Fleur tapestry, found in the Banqueting Hall, depicting the ‘Royal Arms of England’ reputedly presented to the Vernon Family by King Henry VIII.

You will study and be provided an interpretation of the Mortlake ‘Five Senses’ Tapestries commissioned by Charles I and bought by the family after his beheading. As well as having the Verdure and Gobelin tapestry Collections presented to you in great detail.

The tour also delves into the tragedy of a fire in 1925 that destroyed nearly 60 exquisite pieces.

Tour Length: 1hr 15 minutes

Specialist Tour - Robert Smythson Tour

In 2015, after careful architectural study and a review of the family archives, Pevsner Architectural Guides confirmed that the Long Gallery and Fountain Terrace of Haddon’s Elizabethan Walled Gardens was the work of Robert Smythson.

Robert Smythson, one of the most celebrated of the early Elizabethan architects, was also responsible for the neighbouring gems of Hardwick Hall, Wollaton Hall, Bolsover Castle and Welbeck Abbey’s Stables.

This is an essential tour for those interested in Elizabethan Architecture.

Tours Length: 1hr 15 minutes

Specialist Tour - Film Tour - Lights, Camera, Action

For decades, film-makers have been using Haddon Hall as a location for their cinematic productions – from historical documentaries to blockbuster period dramas – making Haddon Hall one of the most popular film locations in the country.

The Hall and Estate have played host to no less than three film versions of the famous novel Jane Eyre. Screen credits also include Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Princess Bride, the BBC production of Gunpowder, Mary Queen of Scots and more recently The King.

Led by Haddon’s expert guides – some of whom have been ‘extras’ on the film sets, film aficionados and period-drama enthusiasts can enjoy learning all about the ‘behind the scenes activities’ and how Haddon is transformed for the silver screen.