Exclusive tours at a very special family home

Markenfield Hall is reputed to be England's oldest continuously inhabited manor house dating from circa 1230. Still very much a family home first it is only open to the public on a few days each year for special tours, which this year due to restricted numbers are even more exclusive and intimate.

The Hall is tucked away out of sight of major roads in the countryside south of Ripon and is approached via a mile long private driveway that meanders its way before delivering your first glimpse of the crenelated medieval manor house surrounded by a stunning moat.

Tiny Tours begin when you enter through the Gatehouse arch and arrive in the mediaeval courtyard which is the centre of this home and here you are taken back in time and can really appreciate both the beauty of the building and how little has changed since it was first built.

During a tour you will be guided around the beautiful gardens (weather permitting) and through many of the rooms of the Hall, bearing in mind that it is occupied by the owners, and you will learn about over 700 years of the Hall’s history.

This is not your typical stately home tour due to it being a family home. It is a much more personal and special event. It is not unusual to find Lady Grantley handing out information to or chatting with visitors, family dogs running around or the grandchildren playing in the garden. Tours often end with visitors having a slice of cake in keeping with the hospitality of the house.

The tours have been made Covid safe and must be booked in advance with fewer people adhering to socially distancing and other guidelines. Book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. 

Markenfield is also hoping to hold a number of events leading up to Christmas. Please see their website for details.