SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE…
Samlesbury Hall is one of the region’s best historic attractions and it now offers luxury glamping at its very best in a quirky little hamlet of shepherd’s huts
Inspired by the wonderful weddings that take place at the historic Samlesbury Hall, a small hamlet of luxurious shepherd’s huts has been a delightful addition to this impressive venue. Initially established to accommodate wedding guests, the Hamlet has gone on to become hugely popular among families eager to spend quality time together, friends seeking a fun weekend and tourists visiting the area, who have discovered Lancashire hospitality at its best within this stunning location that is steeped in history.
Featuring solid wood interiors, log burning stoves, power showers and memory foam mattresses, the Hamlet of 31 huts and pods, is tucked away in a magical woodland location within the hall’s delightful grounds.
With a communal fire pit, the shepherd’s huts are strung together with twinkling feature lighting creating a stunning evening ambience, while in the morning guests are likely to wake up to the sight of deer and wildlife in the surrounding woodland.
“People are quite simply amazed when they visit us. They love the fact that it is so luxurious, we literally provide everything they need,” explains hall director Sharon Jones.
A full English breakfast, that has become renowned for its locally sourced sausages, is also provided for guests in the Billiard Room restaurant where, behind the scenes, head chef Lee Connor prepares dishes that feature local ingredients that are famed for their quality and provenance.
Lee, his five chefs and the front of house team, also take care of wedding menus that are tailored to suit each couple’s requirements. Weddings are a huge part of Samlesbury Hall and 2018 saw 120 wedding bookings – the best year to date. Weddings ceremonies at Samlesbury Hall take place in the Whittaker Room, which is fittingly a former chapel, while the wedding breakfast takes place in the Great Hall a setting of great historic grandeur.
Sharon adds: “If couples wish to marry or eat outside in the grounds, that can be arranged too. We can quite literally adapt to whatever they want. We are truly an all year round venue.”
While the Hamlet has added a new dimension providing guests with luxurious accommodation, the hall is first and foremost regarded and admired for its dramatic history. In 2025 Samlesbury Hall will be 700 years old and the Trust that runs the hall as a successful charity, will be 100 years old. All proceeds that the hall generates, are invested back into the maintenance and running of the building which has become one of the region’s leading historic attractions.
By the time it reaches its 700-year anniversary remedial maintenance works to the roof will have been completed to keep the hall fit for purpose – so that visitors can enjoy all that it has to offer.
The ever popular historic tours of the hall with Janey the Witch, King Henry and Goodwife Agnes take visitors on a journey that spans the centuries. Dating back to the 1500s, the hall has a bloody history that saw Catholic priests beheaded in their hiding places – the priest holes at Samlesbury Hall which can be seen on the tour.
Along with visitor tours, regular murder mystery nights, children’s events and the Hamlet, Samlesbury Hall is the only historic attraction in the North West to offer a wafflery making the most mouth-watering waffles that are served with Moo 2 You ice creams and sweets.
Out in the courtyard is a wood-fired pizza oven – perfect for wedding guests, private parties and business events.
With accommodation now available at the Hamlet, the team at Samlesbury Hall can create bespoke packages for just about any group of individuals.
Schools are also welcome to the hall and it is also a well-used venue during school holidays when there are free story telling sessions, treasure hunts and youngsters can enjoy the Mayflower adventure playground. The bee centre is also a popular attraction where visitors can arrange bee-keeping experiences, while the gift shop sells a delightful selection of locally products arts, crafts and ceramics including kitchenware by Lancashire-produced Mosney Mill.
Set in five acres of beautiful gardens, which have been planted with the bees in mind, Samlesbury Hall really does have something for everyone. If you would like to know more about the history of the hall, the tours and events, as well as weddings and the Hamlet accommodation, go to the website or call to speak to one of the team.
Samlesbury Hall
Preston New Road, Samlesbury PR5 0UP
01254 812010
events@samlesburyhall.co.uk
www.samlesburyhall.co.uk
