Southwick Hall is a private family home, but it also opens its doors to visitors on selected days throughout the year. This page provides practical information to help you plan your visit, whether you are coming for a guided tour, an open day, or a community event.
When to Visit
The Hall is not open daily, but special Open Days are scheduled in spring, summer, and autumn. Each open day focuses on a different theme: the gardens in spring, the rooms and archives in summer, and the mellow atmosphere of the grounds in autumn. At Christmas, the Hall is decorated with seasonal greenery, and visitors are invited to enjoy carols and festive refreshments.
Dates vary from year to year and are advertised here, in the local press, and on our social media channels. Advance booking is recommended, as numbers are limited to ensure a comfortable experience.
Private group visits can sometimes be arranged outside open days by prior agreement. Societies, clubs, and schools are welcome to enquire.
What to See
A visit to Southwick Hall offers a chance to explore:
-
The Great Hall – the medieval heart of the house.
-
The Staircase Hall – with its seventeenth-century craftsmanship.
-
The Drawing Room and Library – reflecting Georgian and Victorian refinement.
-
Bedrooms and Service Rooms – showing the contrasts of family and working life.
-
The Grounds – meadows, orchard, and lime avenue.
-
St Mary’s Church – adjacent to the Hall, with its fine monuments.
Guided tours bring these spaces to life, combining architectural detail with family anecdotes and stories of daily life through the centuries.
Location
Southwick Hall is situated on the edge of Southwick village, just three miles north of Oundle in Northamptonshire. The full address will be provided when you book.
By car, the Hall is accessible via the A605. Parking is available in designated areas close to the entrance. Please follow the signs and the directions of stewards on open days.
The nearest railway stations are Peterborough and Corby, both with connections to London and other regional centres. From there, taxis or local buses provide onward travel.
Cyclists and walkers are welcome, and the quiet lanes around the village make for a pleasant approach.
Accessibility
We are committed to making visits as accessible as possible, though the historic nature of the building presents some challenges. Step-free access is available to parts of the ground floor and gardens, but upper rooms can only be reached by stairs. Portable seating is available for those who wish to rest during tours.
Please let us know in advance of any specific requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Facilities
Southwick Hall offers the following facilities on open days:
-
Toilets, including an accessible WC.
-
Refreshments, usually served in the gardens or a marquee.
-
Shop stall, with a small selection of guidebooks, postcards, and local produce.
-
Picnic areas, in designated parts of the grounds.
Please note that, as the Hall is a private residence, facilities are modest compared with larger historic attractions.
Tickets and Booking
Admission fees support the ongoing conservation of the Hall and its grounds. Current prices are listed at the time of booking and are in line with similar historic sites in the region. Children under a certain age are usually admitted free, and family tickets are available.
Tickets can be booked online through our website or reserved by telephone. On open days, limited tickets may be available at the gate, but we strongly advise advance booking to avoid disappointment.
Group and Educational Visits
We welcome schools and educational groups, offering tailored sessions that explore local history, architecture, and natural heritage. Teachers are encouraged to contact us to discuss curriculum links and activity options.
Adult groups such as local history societies and gardening clubs can also arrange special visits, sometimes with bespoke talks or archive displays. Catering options can be provided by prior arrangement.
Supporting the Hall
Every visit contributes to the preservation of Southwick Hall. Admission fees, donations, and purchases help fund essential conservation work, from roof repairs to archive care. Visitors who wish to give additional support can join our Friends scheme or volunteer.
A Few Gentle Reminders
To help us protect the building and grounds:
-
Photography is welcome outdoors, but indoor photography is limited and may be restricted in some rooms.
-
Please do not touch historic furnishings unless invited.
-
Children must be supervised at all times.
-
Dogs are welcome in the grounds if kept on a lead, but not inside the Hall (except assistance dogs).
An Invitation
We look forward to welcoming you to Southwick Hall. A visit here is not simply a tour of an old house; it is a chance to step into layers of English history, to walk where generations have lived, and to enjoy the tranquillity of a place that has endured for more than six centuries.