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11 historic houses in and around Liverpool to visit for a day out, including Speke Hall and Erddig

Emma Dukes
·4-min read
Sudley House in South Liverpool is a hidden gem. Noted for its Aesthetic Movement interiors, it celebrated its 200th birthday last year.It also houses the only surviving Victorian merchant art collection in Britain still hanging in its original location. Decorated in a Victorian style, it still has many original features. (Photo: liverpoolmuseums.org)

Merseyside and its surrounding areas are home to some beautiful manor houses and stately homes, that have been standing for centuries.

Perfect for a day out, many of these incredible buildings are surrounded by stunning gardens and acres of greenery, and feature cafes and restaurants too.

- Liverpool and Merseyside’s hidden gems

Croxteth Hall was built in 1575, and additional wings have been added to it since. The Grade II* listed Hall and collection of Grade II listed outbuildings sit amid 500 acres of woodland, pastures, ponds and streams which the public are able to visit. (Photo: Tony Davies Photogra - stock.ado)
Croxteth Hall was built in 1575, and additional wings have been added to it since. The Grade II* listed Hall and collection of Grade II listed outbuildings sit amid 500 acres of woodland, pastures, ponds and streams which the public are able to visit. (Photo: Tony Davies Photogra - stock.ado)

- Liverpool’s oldest buildings

Many feature original Victorian or Tudor designs, and appear frozen in time, with decor and furniture being that of man centuries ago. The breathtaking grounds are well worth a visit, and are perfect for exploring in all seasons.

Here are 11 historic houses that are a short drive away from Liverpool.

Rufford Old Hall was built in about 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh and only the Great Hall survives from the original structure. Now a National Trust property, the Tudor building is surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian gardens. There is a cosy team room and woodlands to explore. (Photo: Michael D Beckwith, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Rufford Old Hall was built in about 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh and only the Great Hall survives from the original structure. Now a National Trust property, the Tudor building is surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian gardens. There is a cosy team room and woodlands to explore. (Photo: Michael D Beckwith, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Inglewood Manor is an Edwardian country house surrounded by 38 acres of exquisite grounds. The Grade II listed hotel is a popular spot for weddings but, you can also visit the restaurant or book afternoon tea. (Photo: Derek Henry/Inglewood Manor Hotel)
Inglewood Manor is an Edwardian country house surrounded by 38 acres of exquisite grounds. The Grade II listed hotel is a popular spot for weddings but, you can also visit the restaurant or book afternoon tea. (Photo: Derek Henry/Inglewood Manor Hotel)
Erddig is a Grade I listed manor house, in Wrexham, Wales. The state rooms display original 18th and 19th century furniture, and the large garden features a Victorian Parterre. The 17th century building was saved from dereliction in the 1970s and is owned by the National Trust. (Photo: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Erddig is a Grade I listed manor house, in Wrexham, Wales. The state rooms display original 18th and 19th century furniture, and the large garden features a Victorian Parterre. The 17th century building was saved from dereliction in the 1970s and is owned by the National Trust. (Photo: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed building, which was constructed from 1530. Visitors can see a Victorian kitchen and servants’ quarters.The gardens of this Tudor manor house are usually laced with colourful flowers during the springtime. Surrounded by a green oasis, it is perfect for a family day out. (Photo: David Dixon CC 2.0)
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed building, which was constructed from 1530. Visitors can see a Victorian kitchen and servants’ quarters.The gardens of this Tudor manor house are usually laced with colourful flowers during the springtime. Surrounded by a green oasis, it is perfect for a family day out. (Photo: David Dixon CC 2.0)
Capesthorne Hall is family-owned stately home, set in 100 acres of the beautiful Cheshire countryside. It is a popular venue for weddings and visitors can also explore the hall and surrounding gardens. The Lakeside cafe is perfect for a brew in the sunshine. (Photo: Simon Harrod CC-2.0 via Wikimedia)
Capesthorne Hall is family-owned stately home, set in 100 acres of the beautiful Cheshire countryside. It is a popular venue for weddings and visitors can also explore the hall and surrounding gardens. The Lakeside cafe is perfect for a brew in the sunshine. (Photo: Simon Harrod CC-2.0 via Wikimedia)
Walton Hall is the former home and gardens of Lord and Lady Daresbury. The beautiful grounds now feature a children’s zoo, orchard and playground, as well as greenhouses and stunning flowers. The hall is filled with history and features unique antique furniture, Victorian paintings, an oak-panelled hall, grand staircase and high gilded ceilings. (Photo: Walton Hall and Gardens)
Arley Hall is a beautiful manor that is over 550 years old. The gardens at Arley are open daily, however, the hall is only open a couple of times a month. It features intricate fireplaces and stunning features, as well as beautiful greenery and a cafe/restaurant. (Photo: Jeff Buck)
Arley Hall is a beautiful manor that is over 550 years old. The gardens at Arley are open daily, however, the hall is only open a couple of times a month. It features intricate fireplaces and stunning features, as well as beautiful greenery and a cafe/restaurant. (Photo: Jeff Buck)
Meols Hall is a 17th-century Manor House, owned by the Hesketh family. The beautiful house is popular for weddings and private events. You can’t just show up for a visit but, guided tours of the house are available, as well as afternoon teas for groups in the 400-year-old Tithe Barn. (Photo: Wikimedia - Public Domain)
Meols Hall is a 17th-century Manor House, owned by the Hesketh family. The beautiful house is popular for weddings and private events. You can’t just show up for a visit but, guided tours of the house are available, as well as afternoon teas for groups in the 400-year-old Tithe Barn. (Photo: Wikimedia - Public Domain)
Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan mansion surrounded by gardens and woodlands, in the heart of Lancashire. There is an ornamental terraced garden overlooking the River Calder and over 40 acres of woodland to explore. Perfect for kids, there is a natural play area for den building. The beautiful building and grounds are ran by the council and National Trust. (Photo: Michael D Beckwith, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons)