Things to See and Do at Kirby Hall
There’s lots to see and do at Kirby Hall. Below you’ll find our recommended highlights of a trip to Kirby Hall, including the free audio guide, the tapestry trail, the archeological collection, tips for visiting with kids, and info about the gardens.
Discover the Rise and Fall of Kirby Hall
Learn about the rise and fall of Kirby Hall, one of England’s great Elizabethan houses with information panels, interactive displays and a comprehensive free audio guide.
Although Kirby Hall's finest state rooms survive impressively complete, much of this vast mansion is now a dramatic roofless shell with plenty of intriguing details to explore.
Begun in 1570, Kirby’s inner courtyard displays Classical-style features never previously seen in English mansions. The house was then bought by Sir Christopher Hatton, Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor. He added a wing of lavish state rooms, lit by double-height bow windows.
Take the Tapestry Trail
James I visited Kirby Hall no fewer than nine times and you can follow in his footsteps. Take the ‘Tapestry Trail’ to relive the excitement of a royal visit and see if you’ve got what it takes to make it to the finest room in the house and sleep like a King!
There’s a theatrical recreation of a grand royal bed, in stunning crimson and gold, inspired by one recorded here in 1619. Further interactive interpretation can help you discover what you’d look like in aristocratic 17th-century clothes.
Meet Kirby Hall’s people
Displays in the state rooms trace the story of Kirby’s rise and fall, from its foundation to its ruin and eventual rescue after 1930.
You’ll also find out about the people connected to Kirby Hall across the centuries, including the black servant James Chappell, a local hero who rescued the fourth Sir Christopher and his daughters from disaster.
View the Archaeological Collection
Visit Kirby Hall to see items from the Wrest Park Archaeological Collection Stores on display for the first time.
These include a section of carved wooden panelling, decorative elements from Kirby’s architecture and small finds such as a Pilgrim’s badge and a clothing clasp.
Try the children's trail
Pick up a copy of our children’s trail and join Edmund the peacock on an adventure.
Discover more about the courtyard and garden, spot some of Kirby Hall’s quirky features and have a go at some fun, family-friendly activities.
Keep an eye out for our friendly peacocks who roam freely on site. (But please don’t feed them.)
Explore the Elizabethan Gardens
Take time to wander around the recently restored great gardens at Kirby Hall.
Sir Christopher Hatton the Fourth added the great gardens (described as ‘the finest garden in England’) in the late 17th century. They have been recreated as they may have appeared in the 1690s.
Stroll through the parterres with their elaborate period style ‘cutwork,’ statues, urns, seating and topiary.