English Heritage

Hill Hall is a splendid Elizabethan mansion and one of the earliest Renaissance houses in England.

Built in 1568-77 for the diplomat Sir Thomas Smith, its multi-columned exterior imitates European mansions he’d admired on his travels. Hill Hall’s interior features very rare figurative wall paintings, among the finest in English Heritage’s collection.

Today, Hill Hall has been divided into private houses, but parts remain open for pre-booked guided tours.