See history come to life as 1620s House and Garden reopens for 2022 season

A medieval manor house with links to the Gunpowder Plot will re-open to the public this month.

The award-winning 1620s House and Garden in Donington-le-Heath, near Coalville, will throw open its doors on Thursday March 31 following its winter shutdown.

It will then be open Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, until the end of October.

The Leicestershire County Council-run attraction will also host an exciting and varied events programme all the way up until the end of December. Events include talks, workshops, living history, open air theatre, plant fairs and much more.

For an added twist to a visit, or for a different experience online, there is also the opportunity to play the exciting Sorcery and Superstitions escape quest game. This is included in the price of the visit and can be played both in person at the house or online.  

The 1620s House & Garden is a rare example of a family home built in the 13th century and modernised in 1618.

It is set in beautiful 17th century-style gardens, an orchard, herb gardens and a maze. There is also a tea room open from 11am to 4pm, where home-made soup and cakes are a speciality.

 

The 1620s House is an historic gem and we are pleased to be able to welcome back visitors for the 2022 season.

The house and its gardens, along with its staff and volunteers, help to bring history to life in an educational and attractive way and I would encourage people of all ages to pay it a visit.

 

The house has been home to many families over its 700-year history, but the most famous is the Digby family, which included the Gunpowder Plotter Sir Everard Digby. The family lived in the house for more than 200 years.

It recently received the Visit England Welcome Award, which celebrates excellence in the visitor attraction sector and is awarded to attractions that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Admission to the house, garden and tea room is £5.95 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3.50 for children on standard opening days, with family tickets also available. Tickets are available from the on-site ticket office on standard opening days.

The normal admission ticket gives free unlimited returns on all standard public open days for 12 months from the date of purchase, with a limited number of special event dates incurring just a small additional charge. Out-of-hours special events are charged at a separate event price.   

The attraction is also available for private bookings and educational visits outside normal opening hours.

To view the range of events and find out more information, visit www.1620sHouse.org.uk  or call 01455 290429.

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