Holdenby House
A historic Northamptonshire country house, traditionally pronounced, and sometimes spelt, Holmby.
Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN6 8DJ
Facilities
- Cafe / restaurant
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Once the largest private house in England and subsequently the palace of James I and prison of Charles I, Holdenby has appeared in the BBC’s acclaimed adaptations of Great Expectations and The Woman in White.
Sitting on a hill overlooking 2,000 acres of rolling countryside, its suite of elegant state rooms open onto beautiful Grade I-listed gardens making it an enchanting and ever popular venue for weddings.
The combination of grandeur and intimacy also make it a magnificent location for corporate dinners and meetings, while the spacious grounds have accommodated many large events from Civil War battles to food shows and Formula One parties.
The Education Department, which has won more awards than any other house in England, delivers innovative living history projects, where staff and pupils are in character for a range of activities.
Day visitors can enjoy Sunday garden openings and other special event days with stunning flying displays from Icarus Falconry located in the walled garden.
Historic Houses members can visit the gardens for free.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
The Gardens & Falconry Centre are open on weekends & Bank Holiday Mondays from mid-April to early October, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The house opens on occasional event days and is not free for Historic Houses members.
Historic Houses members visit the garden and grounds for free.
Adults £8.50, Concessions (Over 65’s) £7.50, Children (5-16 years) £4.50, Family (2+2) £24.00
Private tours may be booked for group parties on weekdays. During school terms, visits need to be in the afternoons or evenings. Friday evenings are not available. The visit includes a guided tour of the downstairs of the house and as much time as you want in the gardens.
Prices: £10.00 per head (Inc VAT), with a minimum charge £200. Light refreshments and delicious Afternoon Tea may also be taken. (Prices on request).
Contact us on office@holdenby.com or 01604 770074.
Our Education Department is amongst the most prestigious in the country and is proud to announce that they have been awarded their 7th consecutive Sandford Award, an award given by the Heritage Education Trust for continued excellence in education. Also awarded is a new award, the Frances Garnham Award, given for the innovative way in which the education programme is delivered. We also hold an award for work with Special Needs children.
Our awards recognise our innovative living history projects, where staff and pupils are in character for a range of hands on activities. All our projects marry the requirements of the National Curriculum with real aspects of Holdenby’s history. The House, Grade I listed Gardens, 14th century Church and Estate are a perfect backdrop to the children’s visit and are integrated into our education programme.
Our trained and costumed interpreters have years of experience, are sensitive and flexible to the children’s educational needs. Teachers are invited to come for a pre-visit prior to the actual day to ensure that the project chosen satisfies their needs.
All weather facilities are available.
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN6 8DJ
The main visitor entrance is at ///savings.marmalade.binder. What does this mean?
Holdenby is located six miles north west of Northampton, 1 hour from London and 45 minutes from Birmingham. Just eight miles from the M1 the house can be found between the A428 and A5199.
My maternal great grandmother lived at Holdenby for many years, entirely at night, with staff hired to serve meals throughout the hours of darkness. On a rare walk in the garden during the daytime, she accosted an unfamiliar man in the garden and asked him what he was doing there. “Your ladyship” he replied, “I am the head gardener “. Things are a little different now...
Visit houses nearby
Cottesbrooke Hall
Cottesbrooke, Northamptonshire, NN6 8PF
Kelmarsh Hall
Main Road, Kelmarsh, Northampton, NN6 9LY
Althorp
Northampton, NN7 4HQ
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