1620s House and Garden

About the museum

The manor house at Donington le Heath is believed to date from about 1290, and tree-ring dating points to a building date between 1288 and 1295. It belonged to Charley Priory and later to Ulverscroft Priory, and the tenants Robert and Isabella de Herle probably built the present house. The Digby family held it from the early 15th century and owned it from the 1530s until 1627.

Around 1618 the house was heavily modernised: storerooms became a kitchen and parlour, the roof was replaced, the upstairs rooms were remodelled with a new staircase and large mullioned windows were added. From 1670 until the 1960s it was a tenant farm. By 1965 it was a pig farm in poor repair, and Leicestershire County Council bought it that year and began a major preservation project.

It opened as a museum in 1973 and was refurbished in 2016 as the 1620s House and Garden. Visitors see rooms furnished in early 17th-century style, with costumes to try on and objects to handle, and gardens planted in the style of the period. The Old Barn Tearoom and a small shop are on site.

Highlights

• Medieval manor house modernised around 1618
• Rooms furnished in early 17th-century style
• Dressing up and handling objects for families
• 17th-century style gardens
• Old Barn Tearoom

Founded

1973

Operated by

Leicestershire County Council

Admission & discounts

A ticket gives unlimited re-admission to the house, garden and tearoom for twelve months on non-special event days; special event days carry a small extra charge. Partner offers (for example a free child ticket with a Blue Peter adult membership, free admission for Museums Association members and 20% off for Richard III Society members) apply with a membership card.

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

Wheelchair access covers the garden, the tearoom and the ground floor of the house; the upper floor has steep stairs, and volunteers show a tablet with films and photos of the upstairs rooms. A manual wheelchair can be borrowed free if reserved in advance. There is one accessible toilet (with baby changing), and three disabled bays on a slight slope. Ear defenders and sensory activities can be borrowed free from the tearoom, and sensory maps are available. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house; dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Free garden trails are produced each year, and a charged seasonal house and garden trail with small prizes runs in school holidays. Children can try on 17th-century style costumes and volunteers encourage families to handle objects in the furnished rooms. Baby changing is in the accessible toilet.

Getting there & parking

Signposted as “Donington le Heath Manor House” from the A511 near M1 junction 22 and from A42 junction 12. National Cycle Route 52 ends in Coalville town centre, and there are cycle racks inside the garden entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Old Barn Tearoom serves tea, coffee, snacks, cakes and light lunches (cash and card). A small shop in the Old Barn sells souvenirs and gifts. Accessible picnic tables are in the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The house, barn and grounds can be hired for filming, art and photography sessions, and for functions in the Old Barn, with access to the house for an extra charge. They cannot be hired from 9:00 to 18:00 on public opening days.

Plan your visit