Harvington Hall

Combining historical intrigue with elegant beauty, Harvington’s interior is steeped in storytelling, boasting a precious collection of Elizabethan wall paintings, and no less than seven remaining priest hides- more than any other house in England.

A Journey through a Forgotten History
At Harvington Hall visitors will step back in time to discover how English Catholics lived during the second half of Elizabeth’s reign in terror.

Each corner and staircase reveals a history of recusant Catholics being fined for not attending church the countrywide banning of mass, the hunting of priests and the sordid hair-raising history of torture and execution!

Harvington’s beauty and history are matched only by its uniqueness. The Hall has seven remaining priest hides, more than any other house in England, and allows visitors to experience the unique beauty of Elizabethan wall paintings, original paneling and floorboards. Adding to Harvington’s reputation as an attraction that people visit again and again, the Hall’s staircases, passages and doorways disorientate and trick the mind meaning no visit is ever the same. See if you can navigate the seemingly endless routes around the Hall, perhaps created as a way to confuse priest hunters if they were ever to raid.

The family at Harvington would have been on high alert, dreading the heavy-handed bang the door with a haunting sound of “Let us in, in the name of the Queen”
Truly a shining example of living history, Harvington brings the past to the present in vivid, thrilling detail.

Harvington offers exciting family events suitable for all ages. Whether it’s during school holidays or reenactment days, there are always plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From hands on interaction to engaging reenactments, Harvington Hall provides a memorable experience for the whole family.