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.
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.
Gardens
Open 1st April to 30th September – Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 1pm to 5pm
The Gardens are open every day in August except the first 3 Monday’s 1pm to 5pm
Hall
The Hall is open in August only – Every afternoon except the first three Mondays. Open from 2pm – last entry 4.15pm. Gardens are open in August whenever the Hall is open.
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 info@melbournehall.com.
- 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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