Capesthorne Hall

About the museum

The Bromley-Davenport family has lived on the Capesthorne estate near Macclesfield since the Middle Ages, and the site has been in family hands for nearly a thousand years. The present hall was built between 1719 and 1732 to replace an earlier house, and its Jacobean-style appearance is the result of later changes, including alterations by Edward Blore in 1837. A fire in 1861 destroyed part of the building, and the central section was rebuilt by the architect Anthony Salvin.

Inside, the hall contains collections gathered by members of the family: paintings, marble sculpture, tapestries, porcelain and antique furniture from England, Europe and the Far East. Rooms open to visitors include the entrance hall with its stained glass, a sculpture gallery, the Queen Anne Room, the drawing room and bedrooms on the first floor. Among the pictures is a painting of the hall by L. S. Lowry.

The house stands in about 100 acres of parkland with formal gardens beside the lakes, woodland, an arboretum and the remains of an ice house and boathouse. The estate is still a family home. It is open to the public on selected days between spring and autumn and is also a venue for weddings, conferences, shows and outdoor events.

Highlights

• Jacobean-style hall of 1719 to 1732 still lived in by the family
• Sculpture gallery with Roman marbles and portraits
• Paintings, tapestries and antique furniture from England, Europe and the Far East
• Painting of the hall by L. S. Lowry
• Lakeside gardens, woodland walk and arboretum
• Lakeside Tearoom

Permanent exhibition

• The hall and its collections – State rooms with family portraits, sculpture, tapestries and antique furniture, plus lakeside gardens and woodland.

Operated by

Bromley-Davenport family (private estate)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for hall and gardens on Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays. Free entry for Historic Houses members (card required) and for carers accompanying a disabled visitor. Parking is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The estate is described as mostly wheelchair accessible, with ramps and routes, accessible parking and accessible toilets. Some areas are unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs because of uneven ground on the Woodland Walk and Wilderness Trail and the narrow path around the lower pool. Unaccompanied wheelchair users pay half price for the hall. Assistance dogs are allowed in the hall; other dogs are not allowed in the hall or chapel.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Children aged 5 to 16 pay a reduced price and a family ticket is offered. Baby changing facilities are listed. The Woodland Walk, Wilderness Trail and the path around the lower pool are unsuitable for pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

The hall lies on the A34 between Congleton and Macclesfield, about 30 minutes south of Manchester and near the M6, M60 and M62.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

The Lakeside Tearoom serves homemade light meals, cakes and cream teas and is open 12:00 to 16:00 on open days. Dogs on a lead are allowed in most areas except the lawned gardens.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The hall and grounds are hired for weddings and receptions, conferences, business meetings, corporate hospitality, marquee events, concerts and shows. The estate also runs a caravan park.

Plan your visit