Stanford Hall
Grade I listed William and Mary country house near Lutterworth, still a family home, opened for guided tours on selected dates with a Percy Pilcher display.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Stanford Hall was built in the 1690s for Sir Roger Cave, whose family had lived on the estate since about 1430. The brick house, attributed to William Smith of Warwick, is a fine example of the William and Mary style and stands in parkland on the borders of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
The estate passed through the female line in 1792 to Sarah Otway, who became Baroness Braye in 1839; her descendants still live in the house. During the Second World War it sheltered evacuees, and after a period as a school branch in the late 1940s the hall was restored with grant help and first opened to the public in 1958.
The aviation pioneer Percy Pilcher built early gliders at Stanford in the 1890s and was killed in a flying accident nearby in 1899. A working replica of his glider The Hawk is displayed in the stable courtyard. Visitors can also see the ballroom, family portraits and a collection of Victorian porcelain tea ware, and walk in the park and woodland trails.
Highlights
- Guided tours of a Grade I listed William and Mary house
- Display about glider pioneer Percy Pilcher with a replica of The Hawk
- Ballroom with a restored painted ceiling
- Victorian porcelain tea ware collection
- Parkland and woodland trails
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £15 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Children under 14 are free. |
| Grounds only (adult) | £5 |
Listed tour admission is 15 pounds for adults (house and grounds), 5 pounds for grounds only; children under 14 are free. Special events such as the festive afternoon tea are priced separately. Historic Houses members can visit free on normal open days.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Accessible toilets and accessible parking are listed. The park and woodland trails are dog friendly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 13 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The woodland nature trails have interactive quizzes for children. Children under 14 are admitted free.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free car parking on the estate.
- Accessible parking
Address for navigation: Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, LE17 6DH.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Tea room (afternoon tea is served at the festive event) and a small shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
The estate can be hired exclusively for weddings and events, and offers accommodation.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours of the hall last about 45 minutes and must be booked for a time slot; a virtual house tour can be used on a phone or tablet. The Festive Afternoon Tea event includes a tour of about one hour. |
