Brodsworth Hall, constructed during the 1860s for the Thellusson family, gradually fell into decline as the family’s fortune diminished. Today, the expertly restored Victorian pleasure gardens offer a delightful setting for family adventures, while the house itself has been gently conserved to showcase the lives of those who lived and worked there.
The gardens, with their year-round appeal, are perfect for leisurely strolls through statue walks, the fern dell grotto, and picturesque dells.
Built between 1861 and 1863 for Charles Sabine Thellusson, Brodsworth Hall was established on an estate acquired by Peter Thellusson in 1791. The house remains a remarkable example of a mid-Victorian country residence, retaining many original furnishings and formal gardens.
By 1990, Brodsworth had fallen into significant disrepair before being entrusted to English Heritage. Since then, the fragile interiors have been carefully conserved, and the gardens have been meticulously restored to their former grandeur.
Brodsworth Hall is a mid-Victorian country house surrounded by Italianate gardens that were created concurrently with its construction in the 1860s. Spanning approximately 15 acres, the gardens are a testament to the 19th-century taste for Italianate style.
The house is framed by expansive lawns, terraces, and evergreen hedges, complemented by white marble statues. Further exploration reveals a sequence of distinct areas, including brightly planted flowerbeds, a three-tier fountain, a fern-planted grotto, a rose pergola, and a quarry garden with intertwining paths.
Key garden buildings include a summer house, a viewing point, and the quirky target house at the end of a former archery ground. Less formal woodland areas lie near the stable block, kitchen gardens, and a private church.
Accessibility details are available here.
Visitors can book tickets online in advance to save at least 10%. Tickets are available until 8:45am on the day of the visit. Same-day tickets can also be purchased on arrival, though discounts do not apply.
After booking, visitors may arrive anytime during opening hours and stay as long as they like. Peak times include bank holidays, with quieter hours before 11am and after 2pm. Note that parking charges may apply; check the facilities webpage for details.
Opening Times: Open weekends, 10am – 4pm (house closed for winter).