Renishaw Hall

About the museum

Renishaw Hall has belonged to the Sitwell family for around four centuries. An H-shaped manor house was built there in the early 1620s by George Sitwell, a wealthy ironmaster, on an estate that his forebear Robert Sytwell had assembled in the later sixteenth century. In the late eighteenth century the property passed to a nephew, Francis Hurt of Sheffield, whose son Sitwell Sitwell inherited it in 1793. He added two large wings to the house and built the stable courtyard, a Gothic temple and a Gothic lodge.

After a difficult period in the mid nineteenth century, when the whole estate was once put up for sale without finding a buyer, the discovery of coal in the 1870s restored the family's fortunes. Sir George Sitwell, the fourth baronet, refurnished the house and laid out the Italianate gardens between 1886 and 1936. His children, Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell, became known as the Sitwell literary trio and were important figures in twentieth-century culture. Osbert brought a collection of modern British art to the hall, including many works by John Piper.

The hall is still a lived-in family home. In 1988 Sir Reresby and Lady Sitwell began opening it to visitors, and today it can be seen on guided tours on Fridays during the open season. The Sitwell Museum, housed in the stable courtyard, shows heirlooms, photographs and literary extracts in four rooms. The grounds also include a lake, woodlands and the vineyard that Sir Reresby planted in 1972.

Highlights

• Guided tours of the lived-in Sitwell family home with portraits, heirlooms and works by John Piper
• Sitwell Museum with heirlooms, photographs and literary extracts about Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell
• Award-winning Italianate gardens with over 20 areas and the National Collection of Yuccas
• Vineyard planted in 1972, with tours and tastings on selected weekends
• Lake, woodlands and a children's play area

Permanent exhibition

• Sitwell Museum – Four rooms of heirlooms, photographs and literary extracts about the Sitwell family and the writers Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell, with a short documentary.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Sitwell family (private estate)

Admission & discounts

The day ticket covers the gardens, lake, woodlands, vineyard walk, Sitwell Museum and the stables courtyard, and parking is free. Historic Houses members enter the gardens free of charge if they do not take a hall tour. Season tickets include one complimentary hall tour. The site is cashless.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

One manual wheelchair and one mobility scooter can be hired for a fee per session, and advance booking is strongly advised. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and cafe areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Playground / play area

The woodland has a play area and cartoon character silhouettes that younger visitors enjoy. Children under 3 enter free, and guided hall tours are not recommended for children under 12.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is on Staveley Lane, three miles from junction 30 of the M1, and the estate is signposted after the roundabout through Renishaw and Eckington. Some online maps send drivers to the estate farm or the neighbouring cricket club, so visitors should phone for directions if needed. The what3words location is reserving.remark.ignites. Coach groups should phone the visitor centre in advance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The cafe in the stables courtyard serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and tables can be booked in advance. The gift shop sells wine made at Renishaw. Toilets are in the stables courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 60 guests.

The Rex Whistler Room in the stables courtyard can be hired for celebrations such as wedding receptions and baby showers, for up to 60 guests. Group and private tours are also offered.

Plan your visit