Hoghton Tower
Fortified manor house high on a hill in the heart of Lancashire.
Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0SH
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Shop
- Access statement available
Steeped in history and commanding breathtaking views across Lancashire, Hoghton Tower offers something for everyone at all times of year.
Plan your fairytale wedding, take a tour round the house, wander through the gardens, sample local produce at the Farmers’ Market, or just call in for coffee and cake to soak up some history!
Hoghton Tower, a Grade I listed building, is the ancestral home of the de Hoghton family. The de Hoghtons are descended directly from Harvey de Walter, one of the companions of William the Conqueror, and through the female line from Lady Godiva of Coventry, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia.
Re-created in 1565 by Thomas Hoghton, this ancient, fortified, hilltop manor house occupies a commanding position, 650ft above sea level.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Regular Opening Times
Guided House Tours
Available from 2nd April to 4th October 2026, guided tours run on Thursday, Friday and Sunday only, with tours departing on the hour from 11am to 3pm. Please note that opening times are subject to change due to private bookings.
Self-Guided House Visits
Self-guided visits are available on Saturdays only from 4th April to 3rd October 2026. The house is open from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. These visits are also subject to change due to private bookings.
Gardens
The gardens are open from 2nd April to 4th October 2026 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm. Last entry to the gardens is at 3:30pm. Garden opening is subject to change due to private bookings.
Special Events & Tours
Dolls' House Collection
The Dolls' House Collection is available on selected dates throughout the season, including 1st May, 14th May, 29th May, 31st May, 12th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 31st August, and 6th September. Tours on 14th May and 29th May run at 11:30am and 1:30pm.
A Garden Through Time – Special Tour
This guided tour explores the history of the gardens and is available on 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 31st August, and 6th September.
Historic Graffiti & Superstitious Beliefs – Special Tour
Discover the fascinating graffiti and beliefs carved into the tower's walls. Tours are available on 31st May at 12:15pm, as well as on 1st May, 18th June, 12th July, 2nd July, 31st July, and 27th November (Lancashire Day).
Family Friendly Spooky Tours
Perfect for families, these spooky-themed tours run during the October and February school holidays.
Ghost Tour at Hoghton Tower
Evening ghost tours are held during the winter season, with dates including 7th and 8th March.
Autumn & Winter Special Guided House Tours
Special guided tours are available during the autumn and winter months, with dates including 9th February, 22nd and 23rd March, 27th to 29th March, and 6th October.
Christmas Through The Ages Guided Tour
Celebrate the festive season with this special tour, available from 28th to 30th November, 1st December, and 5th and 19th December. An evening tour is also available on 19th December.
Medieval Crime & Punishment Tour
This special tour is available on 2nd and 3rd May.
Important Exceptions & Closures
- 2nd and 3rd May (Medieval Revival Event): House access is limited to event ticket holders only. Gardens are also open to event ticket holders only.
- 4th May: House and gardens are open as normal.
- 8th May: House tours are available at 11am and 12 noon only.
- 10th May (Motorcycle Sprint): House and gardens are closed.
Historic Houses Membership
Historic Houses members receive free guided tours during standard guided tour hours: Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm, from 2nd April to 4th October 2026.
Historic Houses members visit the house for free (Guided Tours & Unguided House Visit). Any special tours are not included. Pre-booking is recommended on the house’s website.
Tickets for the house include access to the gardens (subject to garden opening times)
House and Gardens
Guided Tour – Adult £14 (£12.70 without Gift Aid)
Guided Tour – Child £7.50 (£6.80 without Gift Aid)
Unguided House Visit (Saturday Only) – Adult £11 (£10 without Gift Aid)
Unguided House Visit (Saturday Only – Child £5.50 (£5 without Gift Aid)
Gardens only – Adult £4.40 (£4 without Gift Aid)
Gardens Only – Child £2.20 (£2 without Gift Aid)
We welcome groups of 20 or more to the Tower all year round. Advance booking is essential.
Private group tours start at £11 per person.
Refreshments ranging from tea and coffee on arrival to an afternoon tea or buffet lunch can also be booked in advance.
Find out more and enquire on our website.
A school visit to Hoghton Tower allows you to get up close and personal with almost 1000 years of history and experience stories from the Tower’s past come to life with our talented team of tour guides. Walk in the footsteps of some of the most famous figures from English History, and discover fun facts about this truly fascinating building, covering a range of curriculum topics from KS1, 2 and 3 during school visits.
Venture into the underground passages and journey deep down to the dungeons, explore life beyond living memory and discover a world in miniature with our incredible historic dolls’ house collection. Learn how the local area has been significantly influenced and shaped by the people that have lived and worked at Hoghton Tower, starting from 1565 when the house was rebuilt.
With our expert guides at the helm of every visit, each tour can be tailored to your specifications and pitched to the specific age group and key stage. They not only reveal secrets of Hoghton Tower’s history, but are also able to answer questions any curious pupils might have.
Our tours contain an interesting and informative look at the long history of Hoghton Tower, but leaving out the boring bits. We encourage interaction with role-play as your class are invited to recreate iconic moments in our history such as King James I knighting the loin of Beef.
Find out more and enquire on our website.
- Access statement available
Getting here
Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0SH
M65/J3. Between Preston & Blackburn on A675.
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