Melbourne Hall & Gardens
The best surviving early eighteenth-century English garden in the manner of Le Notre.
Melbourne, Derbyshire, DE73 8EN
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
Melbourne Hall is home to Lord & Lady Ralph Kerr and their family. They live there throughout the year and open their house to the public during the month of August.
Although steeped in history, Melbourne Hall retains a family feel and makes it one of the most fascinating visitor attractions in the area.
Originally the house was a 12th-century rectory owned by the Bishops of Carlisle, who worshipped in the magnificent Norman Parish Church adjacent to the Hall. Sir John Coke was the first member of the family to make his home at Melbourne, restoring parts of the house around 1628.
Melbourne Hall houses a fine collection of exquisite furniture and antiques, as well as examples of modern and contemporary pieces of glass and porcelain. The paintings and family portraits are of a particularly high standard.
The East Wing of the Hall overlooks the formal French style garden planned by Rt.Hon.Thomas Coke, who was Vice Chamberlain to Queen Anne. The manicured lawns, statuary and ornamental pools make an elegant setting for the unique wrought iron pergola, or ‘birdcage’ crafted by the 18th-century ironsmith, Robert Bakewell.
Together with the Four Seasons Urn, wishing well, Australian urn and yew tunnel, the garden at Melbourne provides an interesting mix of surprises along each pathway.
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.
Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors, including the historic house, gardens, and special events. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times and conditions for each attraction and event:
The Gardens
The gardens are open from Wednesday, 1st April 2026 to Sunday, 27th September 2026 on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1pm to 5pm. Additionally, the gardens are open every day in August except for the first three Mondays, also from 1pm to 5pm.
Admission Prices:
- Adults & Seniors: £10
- Children (5-15 years): £5
- Family (2 adults & 2 children): £25
- Season ticket per person: £50
- Family season ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £100
Note: The gardens will be closed to the general public on Saturday, 27th June 2026, but will open instead on Tuesday, 30th June 2026, from 1pm to 5pm.
The Hall
The Hall is open only in August 2026, every day except the first three Mondays. Opening hours are from 2pm with the last entry at 4:15pm. Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Thursday, lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Walk-through days are Friday to Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday. Visitors must select their tour or arrival time when booking.
Admission Prices:
- Adults & Seniors: £8
- Children (5-15 years): £5
- Disabled visitors with a carer: £8
- Family (2 adults & 2 children): £22
The Hall & Gardens
Visitors purchasing combined tickets for the Hall and Gardens can access the gardens from 1pm, regardless of their Hall tour or entry time.
Admission Prices:
- Adults & Seniors: £16
- Children (5-15 years): £5
- Disabled visitors with a carer: £16
- Family (2 adults & 2 children): £38
Special Events
Othello by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men
Date: Thursday, 9th July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:10 PM
Description: A performance of Shakespeare's "Othello" by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, featuring an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes, and live music. Bring a chair and a picnic for this open-air event.
Live at Melbourne Hall
Dates: Friday, 24th July 2026 – Sunday, 26th July 2026
Description: A three-day music event featuring performances by Jo Whiley, The Lightning Seeds, The Shires, Scott Mills, Maxïmo Park, and more. Each day has a unique theme:
- Friday, 24th July: DJ-led 90s pop culture celebration.
- Saturday, 25th July: Indie-rock performances by The Lightning Seeds, Maxïmo Park, and others.
- Sunday, 26th July: Country music featuring The Shires, Ward Thomas, and more.
Day tickets, VIP packages, and weekend passes are available. Limited parking is provided.
Additional Information
Dogs are not allowed in the Hall or Gardens, except for guide and assistance dogs. Facilities include public toilets near the Visitor Centre. Accessibility is provided, but some paths may be uneven or steep.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Please contact the Estate Office to book as a member and for current prices: 01332 862502
For group bookings please call 01332 862502 or email us at [email protected].
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Melbourne, Derbyshire, DE73 8EN
Situated 8 miles South of Derby and 4 miles from East Midlands Airport.
From M1 Take junction 24 and follow the signs for the airport, Isley Walton and Melbourne From the A42 come off at Ashby de la Zouch, follow the signs to East Midlands Airport then turn left at Lount crossroads towards Melbourne From the A50 take junction 3 and follow the signs to Melbourne.
From Derby bus station take a number 61 to Swadlincote and then a number 2 to Melbourne.
Lord Ralph Kerr
Melbourne Hall has always been a much loved and lived in family home. I live here with my wife Lady Ralph Kerr, who is an artist and portrait painter, and my family. The whole family play an active role in the presentation of the Hall and Gardens.
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