Name: Harvington Hall
Rating: 5.0

Harvington Hall

Harvington Hall, Harvington Hall Lane, Harvington, Kidderminster DY10 4LR, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Welcome to Harvington Hall, a house of near untouched beauty hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside. Harvington’s history-rich interior holds enthralling tales of devotion and Catholic persecution.

There are no less than seven priest hides here (more than any other house in England), as well as an impressive collection of rare Elizabethan wall paintings and many more historical tales.

Price starts from £13.50 for Adults, £7.50 for Children(5-17 years & under 5s free) and £34.50 for Family(2 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Seven Priest Hides: Explore the largest collection of priest holes in any English house, designed to hide those facing religious persecution.
Elizabethan Wall Paintings: View the finest collection of original 16th-century wall paintings under one roof in the country.
Family-Friendly Trails: During school holiday periods, optional interactive trails are available to keep children engaged while navigating the hall.
Moated Grounds: The house is surrounded by a beautiful 13th-century moat and gardens, perfect for a gentle family walk.
Malt House Coffee Shop: An onsite café serving artisan drinks, sandwiches, and homemade cakes in a charming, converted Elizabethan building.

Top 5 Highlights

The Seven Priest Hides: These ingenious hiding places—built into walls and floors—are the star of the show. Kids love the excitement of seeing how priests stayed out of sight centuries ago.
The Elizabethan Wall Paintings: These rare artistic treasures are scattered throughout the hall’s rooms, showing how wealthy Tudor families decorated their homes.
The Great Staircase: A stunning piece of period architecture that provides a sense of the grandeur found in a Tudor mansion.
The Buttery: Visit this area on the ground floor to see a small display of historical items, which is also a great accessibility-friendly alternative if you cannot climb to the upper floors.
The Gardens and Moat: Stroll across the bridges and enjoy the calm waters of the moat, where you can often spot the resident ducks.

Facilities

Toilets: Public toilets are available on the grounds.
Baby Changing: Facilities are provided on-site.
Buggy/Access: The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, though upper floors are uneven and require careful navigation.
Food: The Malt House Coffee Shop serves hot and cold food.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available, including designated disabled spaces at the front.

Pro-Tips

Book Your Tour: While walk-ins are sometimes accepted, it is highly recommended to book your guided tour online to guarantee your spot.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The floors are original and uneven; leave the heels at home and opt for flat, supportive footwear.
Check Holiday Schedules: During school holidays, the hall is open seven days a week, making it the perfect time for families to visit and take advantage of the special children's trails.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Harvington Hall is suitable for all ages, though the uneven Tudor floors and stairs mean very young children will need close supervision, and pushchairs are best left in the car.
How long does a visit take? A standard guided tour of the hall lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, though most families spend around 2 hours in total including time in the gardens and café.
Where is the best place to park? Free parking is available directly on the grounds of Harvington Hall, which is the most convenient and cost-effective option for visiting families.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The costumed tour guides are frequently highlighted for being knowledgeable, engaging, and excellent at bringing history to life for all ages.
The "priest holes" are a huge hit with children, who find the prospect of "secret hiding places" thrilling rather than just historical.
Families appreciate the relaxed, informal atmosphere and the quality of the on-site coffee shop for a post-tour treat.

What Visitors Don't Like

The historic, uneven floors can be tricky for those with mobility issues or very small toddlers who are just finding their feet.
Some visitors note that because the building is an ancient, enclosed space, it can feel small if the site is busy, so morning visits are recommended.

What to see

Detailed Inventory: House Collections

16th-Century Priest Hides: Seven distinct chambers designed for concealment.
Original Elizabethan Wall Paintings: Intricate patterns and motifs discovered beneath later layers.
17th-Century Oak Furniture: Robust period pieces typical of a grand manor.
Tudor Fireplaces: Large, imposing stone hearths found in the main halls.
The Malt House Original Timber Framing: The structure itself is a primary exhibit of Elizabethan construction.
Domestic Household Artifacts: Small tools and items used for day-to-day life in a manor house.
Historical Tapestry Fragments: Remnants of soft furnishings from the period.
Religious Devotional Objects: Items associated with the house’s role as a Catholic safe house.
Period Portraits: Paintings depicting the figures who lived or stayed in the hall.
Antique Lighting Fixtures: Early forms of home lighting used before the modern era.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Severn Valley Railway: A short drive away, this heritage railway offers steam train journeys through the beautiful Severn Valley, perfect for young train enthusiasts.
Chaddesley Corbett Village: Wander through this historic village to enjoy traditional architecture, local pubs, and scenic walking trails suitable for a family stroll.
Church of St Mary and St Bartholomew: Located nearby, this historic church is noted for its beautiful stained glass and peaceful surroundings, ideal for a quiet moment.
West Midland Safari Park: A slightly longer drive, but well worth it for families wanting to combine their historical visit with an interactive wildlife experience.
The Commandery, Worcester: Managed by the same heritage trust, this site offers a deeper look at the English Civil War in a stunning 15th-century building.

New for 2026: Guided by Shadows Tour

Exclusively for 2026, the hall is hosting the "Guided by Shadows" tour on select dates in September and October. This unique experience delves into the darker, more mysterious history of the site, perfect for older children and adults fascinated by history and mystery.
Immersive Atmosphere: Experience the hall in a new light as you are guided through the rooms, hearing real stories of faith, fear, and persecution.
Exclusive 2026 Dates: Catch this limited-time event on September 25th–26th and October 2nd–3rd.
Deeper Historical Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the survival tactics and secrets used by those living in the manor during times of religious upheaval.
Perfect for Mystery Lovers: A fantastic opportunity for teenagers and adults who enjoy learning about the clandestine side of Tudor life.
Booking Essential: Given the exclusive nature of these tours, early booking via the official ticket portal is strongly recommended.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Guided Tours:

Adult: £13.50/£14.85 (including donation)
Senior Citizen (65+): £12.50/£13.75 (including donation)
Child (5 to 16 years): £7.50/£8.25 (including donation)
Child Under 5: Free
Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children): £34.50/£37.95 (including donation)
Family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children): £38.25/£42.08 (including donation)
Art Pass Member: £6.75/£7.43 (including donation)

Self-Guided Tour:

Adult: £13.50/£14.85 (including donation)
Senior Citizen (65+): £12.50/£13.75 (including donation)
Child (5 to 16 years): £7.50/£8.25 (including donation)
Child Under 5: Free.
Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children): £34.50/£37.95 (including donation)
Family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children): £38.25/£42.08 (including donation)
Art Pass Member: £6.75/£7.43 (including donation)

Family Friendly Tours 2026 (May/August):

Adult: £13.50/£14.85 (including donation)
Senior Citizen (65+): £12.50/£13.75 (including donation)
Child (5–16 years): £7.50/£8.25 (including donation)
Child Under 5: Free
Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children): £34.50/£37.95 (including donation)
Family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children): £38.25/£42.08 (including donation)
Art Pass Member: £6.75 / £7.43 (including donation)

Pricing URL: https://harvingtonhall.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Wednesday – Sunday: 10:30 – 16:00.

Address: Harvington Hall, Harvington Hall Lane, Harvington, Kidderminster DY10 4LR, UK

Post Code: DY10 4LR

Council: Wyre Forest

County: Worcestershire

Train: The nearest station is Blakedown (1.7 miles).
Car: Free on-site parking is provided.
Parking: Parking is free for visitors using the Hall and gardens. We also have a number of disabled parking spaces at the front on the Hall.