Browsholme Hall & Tithe Barn

aerial view of browsholme hall

Step into 500 years of living history at Browsholme Hall. As Lancashire’s oldest family home, it offers a unique mix of Tudor architecture, “Capability Brown” gardens, and a stunning Tithe Barn café.

Pronounced “Brew-zum,” Browsholme Hall has been the ancestral home of the Parker family since 1507.

Nestled within the Forest of Bowland (a National Landscape), this Tudor mansion offers a rare glimpse into 500 years of continuous family history.

Unlike many static museums, Browsholme is a “living” home where antiquarian treasures—like Gillow furniture and Civil War arms—sit alongside modern family life.

The estate is also home to the beautifully restored 18th-century Tithe Barn, now a premier event space and cafe.

Quick Facts

  • Star Rating: ★★★★★ (Renowned for its authenticity and stunning “Capability Brown” style gardens)
  • Best For: History enthusiasts, garden lovers, and those seeking a unique wedding or event venue.
  • Dog Friendly: Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens, the Cart Shed Café, and the Tithe Barn courtyard.

Opening Times (2026)

  • Hall Tours: Reopening for the season on 30th April 2026. Tours typically run every Wednesday until late September, with guided slots at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
  • Gardens & Cart Shed Café: Generally open on Wednesdays (matching Hall tour days) and select Bank Holiday Mondays.
  • Winter Season: The Hall and Café are closed for general visitors during the winter months, reopening in early Spring. Always check the official website for provisional date changes.

Admission & Prices

  • Hall & Gardens (Guided Tour): £12.00 per Adult/Concession.
  • Children (under 16): Free.
  • Gardens Only: £2.00 per person.
  • Historic Houses Members: Free entry (with valid membership card).
  • Season Passes: Available for the Garden (£10) or Hall & Garden (£15).

Top Items of Interest

  • The Antiquarian Collection: Featuring a 13th-century “dog stirrup” used to gauge the size of dogs in the Forest of Bowland and a skull from the Pilgrimage of Grace.
  • The Gardens: 600 acres of parkland featuring a 3-acre lake, a “ha-ha,” and an “eye-catcher” arch brought from Ingleton Hall.
  • The Cart Shed Café: Housed in restored farm buildings, serving locally sourced lunches and homemade cakes.
  • Woodland Glade Lodges: Ten luxury “bijou” lodges located on-site, perfect for extending a visit into a tranquil forest retreat.
  • Events at the Tithe Barn: A busy calendar featuring everything from Bridgerton-themed candlelight concerts to fungus walks and local lectures.

Important Information

  • Getting There: Located 5 miles north-west of Clitheroe. Travel Tip: Avoid Waddington if using Sat Nav; instead, set your route via Bashall Eaves to ensure the best road access.
  • Public Transport: The Number 11 bus service from Clitheroe now stops near the back gate.
  • Accessibility: The Tithe Barn and Café are fully compliant with modern access standards; however, parts of the historic Hall tour involve stairs.
  • Green Credentials: The estate is a “GTBS Gold” rated sustainable destination, utilizing biomass heating and a nature trail for wildlife watching.

Contact & Location

  • Address: Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe Rd, Cow Ark, BB7 3DE
  • Telephone: 01254 827 160
  • Email: info@browsholme.com
  • Website: browsholme.com

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