Chillington Hall

About the museum

The Giffard family have held Chillington since 1178, and the present family are the 30th generation to live there. A stone castle stood on the site in the 12th century and a small corner of it survives in the cellars. Sir John Giffard rebuilt the house in the mid-16th century, and in 1724 Peter Giffard had the south front rebuilt in red brick to designs by Francis Smith of Warwick. The Giffards were Roman Catholics and suffered fines and imprisonment for their faith. The family later helped Charles II to escape to Boscobel after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

The main part of the present house was built between 1786 and 1789 for Thomas Giffard the younger. A completely new house by Robert Adam was first planned, but Sir John Soane was chosen instead and added two three-storey wings and a pillared entrance front to the 1724 south range. Its stucco facing was never applied, which explains the rough brickwork.

The landscape park was laid out in the 1760s by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. A dam turned three ponds into a large lake called The Pool, with a stone bridge by James Paine, a Grecian temple and other follies. The estate also has an 18th-century model farm. Chillington is first of all a family home, which is open to the public on a few days a year with guided tours of the Hall, and is also used for private events, weddings and filming.

Highlights

• Georgian house by Sir John Soane with an earlier south front of 1724
• Guided tours of the Hall, about one hour long
• Landscape park by Capability Brown with a large lake called The Pool
• Stone bridge by James Paine and a Grecian temple beside The Pool
• 18th-century model farm buildings
• Trailer ride through the woods to The Pool on selected tours

Operated by

Giffard family (private owners)

Admission & discounts

Prices are those for the 2026 public open days. Members of Historic Houses are admitted free with a valid membership card on standard open days; admission fees still apply for special events, shows and activities.

Accessibility

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

The front door has four steps, so there is accessible parking beside the Hall with a ramped entrance. All public rooms are on the ground floor with level floors and wide doorways, apart from a one-inch lip into one room, so tours are accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter. The tour commentary can be provided in print, and visitors may sit down anywhere. Accessible toilets are in the Hall and at the Model Farm. The gardens are on a slight slope with gravel or unpaved paths, and part of the drive and the turning circle in front of the Hall are gravelled.

Kids & families

• Kids’ birthday parties

The Model Farm meeting space is suitable for school groups, home educators and children's parties. Children's admission is 7 pounds for the Hall and gardens, and children are free for the gardens only.

Getting there & parking

Most satellite navigation systems find the correct gate with the postcode; if asked for a road name, use Port Lane or Foxes Lane. The main visitor gate is too narrow for coaches, which should contact the Hall for the large-vehicle entrance. The walk from Brewood to the Hall is along the same fast road, and the Hall suggests a longer route along local bridleways.

Amenities & dining

• Café

A pop-up cafe serves hot and cold drinks, biscuits and cakes from 12:00 to 15:00 on public open days. Card payment is available.

Events & venue rental

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

The Hall can be hired in four-hour periods or for full days, with hire ending by 23:00 and in-house catering only. The park, the stables and the Model Farm, with a meeting space for up to 75 people, can also be hired, and the estate is used for filming and photography.

Plan your visit