Brinton Hall

A sixteenth-century house extended in 1822 in gault brick by the Brereton family. The fine oak staircase is reputed to have originated from Merton place, Horatio Nelson’s last residence. Three important Brereton portraits have been purchased and restored dating from 1660 to 1805. A Gurney/Brereton arrangement led to Brinton Hall becoming a county bank during the 1820s.

The award-winning restoration work of Brinton Hall includes a remodelling of the west front and extensive interior, including the unbricking of five Georgian windows.

Outside, the gardens have been planted for year-round interest, especially trees and shrubs. There is a woodland garden, snowdrop theatre, formal lawns leading to a ha-ha. The furthest lawn overlooks the parkland (now a county wildlife site), lake and woods. There is also an 18th century walled garden used for fruit, vegetable and cut flower growing, an apiary and an orchard planted with a wide variety of fruit trees.

Displays include fine stone age tools found in Brinton, photographs of important Brereton textiles, e g the Anna Margaretta bedhangings, Roman coins and materials consistent with a Roman villa, and the story of Nelson’s staircase.

Visitors enjoy a tour of the principal ground-floor and first-floor rooms. There follows a guided tour of the grounds, taking in the history of the landscape, overview of the village and church, plus a walk to the orchard and walled garden. (Proximity to the bees is to be avoided!).

An ericaceous planting of unusual shrubs around a 150-year-old fallen Scots pine is a new feature on the ha-ha lawn.

Snowdrop and house tours in February include lunch and a long walk over rough ground. Outdoor clothing and waterproof footwear needed.

Tours that are scheduled will be listed below. If none are scheduled yet, please check back later, or find other tours you might enjoy on our tours listing page here.