Speke Hall, Garden and Estate
A rare Tudor manor house, in a most unusual setting, surrounded by fragrant gardens protected by a collar of woodland. Constructed by a devout Catholic family, keen to impress visitors with their home's grandeur, in particular the Great Hall, this beautiful building has witnessed more than 400 years of turbulent history. Priests fleeing persecution in the 16th century were offered sanctuary, hiding in the secret priest's hole. Fascinating insights into the lives and work of the Victorian servants are revealed in the kitchen and dairy, while Tudor servants slept in the roof space. A perfect oasis from modern life. Note: administered and financed by the National Trust, assisted by a grant from National Museums Liverpool
Situated in a region noted for its timber-framed buildings, Speke Hall is considered one of the most outstanding examples of its kind. Its present form dates from the period 1490-1612, but there was an earlier house on or near the site of the present building.
Speke Hall makes an ideal stop-off point when travelling into Liverpool. Originally built in 1530, its Great Hall and priest's hole date from Tudor times, while smaller rooms show the Victorian desire for privacy and comfort. There is also fine Jacobean plasterwork and intricately carved furniture. A fully equipped Victorian kitchen and servants' hall enable visitors to see 'behind the scenes'
The atmospheric interior of this rambling house spans many periods. Originally built in 1530, its Great Hall and priest hole date from Tudor times, while the Oak Parlour and smaller rooms, some with William Morris wallpapers, show the Victorian desire for privacy and comfort.
There is also fine Jacobean plasterwork and intricately carved furniture. A fully equipped Victorian kitchen and servant's hall enable visitors to see 'behind the scenes'.
Don't miss
Join a 'Visiting the Victorians' costumed guided tour.
Enjoy a walk in the woods, discovering bugs and blooms.
Take a walk on the bund overlooking the Mersey estuary.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Getting there
Bus services
Arriva 80A, Paradise Street Interchange–Liverpool Airport (passing Liverpool South Parkway ) and close Liverpool Lime Street); 500 Liverpool Lime Street –Liverpool Airport. All to within 1 mile
Cycling
NCN62, 1¾ miles View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website
By road
On north bank of Mersey, 1 mile off A561 by west Liverpool Airport. Follow airport signs from M62 exit 6, A5300; M56 exit 12
By train
Liverpool South Parkway 2 miles; Hunt's Cross 2 miles
Ordnance survey reference
108:SJ419825
Mobility information
Parking
In main car park, 50 yards from ticket office. Drop-off point by the ticket office
Building
Level entrance. 4 wheelchairs, booking essential. Cobbles in central courtyard. Ground floor accessible, except Dairy which has 2 steps with handrail. Stairs with handrail to other floors
WCs
At Home Farm and Dairy Courtyard
Grounds
Generally flat pathways, with steep gradients leading up to/down from the Bund, in to/out of the Moat and Stream Gardens. Moat garden also has narrow archway under bridge crossing above pathway. Cobbles leading to, and in the Dairy Courtyard. Map of accessible route. Staff-driven multi-seater vehicle providing transfer from ticket office to point 50 yards from house. Single seat self-drive scooter
Facilities
Shopping & eating
Enjoy local produce served in the Home Farm restaurant. Plants for sale in our well-stocked shop.
Parking
Free, 100 yards
Learning
Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Live interpretation. Hands-on activities
Families & children
Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats for loan. Children's play area. Children's guide. Children's quiz/trail. Tracker Packs and MP3 audio tours of the house for loan. Pushchairs and back-carriers admitted at the Home Farm centre only. Family estate trail
Address :
Speke Hall, Garden and Estate
The Walk,
Liverpool
L24 1XD