Ingatestone Hall

Ingatestone Hall is a historic Tudor house set in open countryside near the village of Ingatestone. Visitors can wander through a selection of its principal rooms, filled with portraits, furniture and family memorabilia gathered over several centuries, and look for the two priests' hiding places tucked into the building. The house is still a family home, so the visit feels personal rather than like a conventional museum. Outside, there are lawns, a walled garden, herbaceous borders and a stew pond to explore, which suits a relaxed afternoon with older children. Teas and light lunches are served in the Summer Parlour when the house is open, and there is a shop for gifts. The Hall also welcomes school groups for pre-booked history visits, especially Tudor history at primary level. Families should check the events list before travelling, as the house opens only on certain days in the summer season.