Doddington Hall and Gardens
A magnificent Elizabethan manor house with stunning gardens, rich history, and a vibrant cafe and farm shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blossom in full bloom
Doddington Hall and Gardens
Best Time
Blossom in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Elizabethan manor house with stunning gardens, rich history, and a vibrant cafe and farm shop.
"It is an amazing historical place to go and visit. There is so much history in this place."
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delightful coffee & cake or a full meal at the cafe. Staff are friendly and efficient, even when busy!
🚶♀️ Garden Strolls
The gardens are wonderful to explore, especially during spring blossom or for the sculpture exhibitions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elizabethan Manor House
Step back in time in this magnificent 1595 manor, inhabited for centuries. Explore its rich history and stunning interiors.
Walled Kitchen Garden
Discover the restored walled kitchen garden, a testament to the estate's agricultural heritage and a beautiful space to wander.
Sculpture Exhibitions
Experience art in a unique setting with impressive outdoor sculpture exhibitions set amidst the beautiful gardens.
+1
Bauble Barn (Seasonal)
Get into the festive spirit at the enchanting Bauble Barn, a magical Christmas wonderland for all ages.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Explore Beyond the House
Best Times
Insider Tips
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☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delightful coffee & cake or a full meal at the cafe. Staff are friendly and efficient, even when busy!
🚶♀️ Garden Strolls
The gardens are wonderful to explore, especially during spring blossom or for the sculpture exhibitions.
🛍️ Farm Shop Treasures
Don't miss the impressive farm shop for local produce and unique gifts. Locally-produced apple juice is recommended!
📅 Check Exhibition Dates
Sculpture exhibitions are seasonal. Check dates as RHS/Gardener's World discounts may not apply during these times.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delightful coffee & cake or a full meal at the cafe. Staff are friendly and efficient, even when busy!
🚶♀️ Garden Strolls
The gardens are wonderful to explore, especially during spring blossom or for the sculpture exhibitions.
🛍️ Farm Shop Treasures
Don't miss the impressive farm shop for local produce and unique gifts. Locally-produced apple juice is recommended!
📅 Check Exhibition Dates
Sculpture exhibitions are seasonal. Check dates as RHS/Gardener's World discounts may not apply during these times.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds, but not inside the house or cafe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Doddington Hall for its beautiful gardens, rich history, and excellent cafe and farm shop. The seasonal sculpture exhibitions and festive events like the Bauble Barn are also highly rated. While generally a positive experience, some visitors note that discounts may not apply during special exhibitions.
"Visiting twice in two weeks, having coffee & cake in cafe was delightful despite being busy! Staff friendly & professional, serving orders quickly (with a large group second time).
Gardens are wonderful to explore, for the sculptures at the first time of visiting.
A nice, convenient cycle route from Lincoln, across fields on bridle paths"
Brad Smith
"It is an amazing historical place to go and visit. There is so much history in this place. Artefacts that have been collected from 1600 through to present day. It's definitely worth a visit, you won't be disappointed.
Also, fantastic food in the cafe and an extensive gift shop too."
Sarah Dodgson
"We visited on our way home from a short holiday in the Lincolnshire Wolds, primarily for the Sculpture Exhibition in the gardens, but after some serious traffic hold-ups, by the time we arrived all we wanted was lunch, so dived into the Farm Shop Cafe. Excellent - pretty busy, but we got a table straight away, the food was very good, service extremely efficient. Refreshed, we walked off our lunch around the sculpture gardens. Including an indoor exhibition there are some 300 works exhibited - we probably saw them all (took photos of about 100 or so!). There is something about seeing sculpture in the outdoors, the way it is juxtaposed against the natural world, which enhances most works, and this was a very impressive collection. (And there is a wealth of information on the website, it has been extremely well put together.) To conclude our visit we spent more than we should have done in the impressive and high-end farm shop - the locally-produced apple juice and the little yellow Mirabel plums grown in the gardens definitely recommended. Couple of things to note: the sculpture exhibition is only on until 7 September, and the RHS and Gardener's World discounts which are usually valid do not apply as normal during the exhibition (apparently there have been ructions at the ticket desk, so this is an advance warning!) We didn't visit the hall, so can't comment on that (looks impressive though) and without the sculpture exhibition - which is only there for a few weeks - the grounds would be a different type of experience. So we may well come back to see how it all works!"
Mike Campbell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doddington Hall is located near Lincoln. Visitors can drive, with ample parking available. There are also cycle routes from Lincoln across bridle paths, making it a convenient option for cyclists.
Yes, Doddington Hall offers parking for visitors. It's generally convenient for accessing the house, gardens, and other facilities.
While public transport options might be limited directly to the Hall, it's worth checking local bus routes from Lincoln. Cycling is a popular and recommended alternative for those coming from the city.
A pleasant cycle route from Lincoln to Doddington Hall follows bridle paths across fields, offering scenic views and a convenient journey.
The grounds and gardens are generally accessible, though some areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to check with Doddington Hall directly for specific accessibility information regarding the house and gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are generally required for entry to Doddington Hall and its gardens. It's advisable to check their official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for special events.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Doddington Hall is often open from Wednesday to Sunday during spring and summer. It's crucial to check their website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While discounts like RHS and Gardener's World might usually apply, they often do not during special exhibitions like the sculpture exhibition. It's best to confirm any potential discounts directly with the venue.
Typically, access to the gardens and cafe may be included with general admission or have separate arrangements. Check the Doddington Hall website for specific ticket options and what each admission type includes.
Tickets can usually be purchased on the day, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods or for popular events like Christmas or the sculpture exhibition, to guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Doddington Hall, you can explore its rich history as an Elizabethan manor house, including magnificent tapestry rooms and collections of British military uniforms. +2
The gardens feature a restored walled kitchen garden, formal gardens, and often host impressive outdoor sculpture exhibitions, making them a beautiful space to explore.
Yes, Doddington Hall hosts various seasonal events, including a popular Bauble Barn for Christmas, sculpture exhibitions in the gardens, and often themed decorations.
Yes, families can enjoy exploring the grounds, gardens, and seasonal events like pumpkin picking. The house itself offers historical insights that can be engaging for older children. +1
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of Doddington Hall and its gardens for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially within the house.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Doddington Hall has a popular cafe and farm shop, offering delicious food, coffee, cake, and afternoon tea. The Grain Store is also noted for its Sunday lunch. +1
The cafe can get busy, especially during peak times and weekends. However, visitors report that staff are friendly and efficient, serving orders quickly.
The cafe offers a range of options, including flatbreads, haddock, and a special 'Doddington Afternoon Tea Blend' tea. They are known for good food, well-presented dishes, and decent portions. +1
Yes, afternoon tea is a popular offering at Doddington Hall, with a special 'Doddington Afternoon Tea Blend' available. It's highly recommended by visitors.
Absolutely! Doddington Hall boasts an impressive farm shop selling locally-produced goods, including recommended apple juice and Mirabel plums.
📸 📸 Photography
The Elizabethan manor house exterior, the formal gardens, the walled kitchen garden, and the grounds during sculpture exhibitions offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside the house for personal use, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions or 'no photo' signs in certain areas.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the house and gardens. Spring blossom and autumn colours also offer vibrant photo opportunities.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will suffice. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the grandeur of the house and gardens, and a telephoto lens for details in the sculpture exhibitions.
Yes, photography is permitted within the areas displaying the impressive collection of British military uniforms, allowing you to capture these unique historical artifacts. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts
The integration of sculpture exhibitions within the gardens adds an artistic dimension, offering a unique way to experience the landscape. +1🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the interiors, including the tapestry rooms and the extensive military uniform collection, which offer deep dives into different historical periods. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Doddington Hall
Key Historical Features:
* Elizabethan Architecture: Admire the distinctive style of the period, characterized by its symmetry and grand scale.
* Family Legacy: The continuous inhabitation by the same family is a rare and significant aspect of its heritage.
* Interior Collections: The house boasts impressive collections, including Flemish tapestries dating back to the 1620s and a remarkable collection of over 900 British military uniforms.
Visitors often remark on the palpable sense of history within the house, with many artefacts collected from the 1600s to the present day.
Exploring the Doddington Hall Gardens
Beyond the kitchen garden, visitors can wander through formal gardens and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding grounds.
During spring, the gardens come alive with blossom, creating a picturesque scene perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. The estate also frequently hosts sculpture exhibitions in its gardens, transforming the outdoor spaces into an open-air art gallery. +1 This juxtaposition of art and nature enhances the visitor experience, offering a unique way to engage with both the landscape and contemporary art. Garden Highlights:
* Walled Kitchen Garden: Historically significant and visually stunning.
* Spring Blossom: A beautiful time to visit for vibrant floral displays.
* Sculpture Exhibitions: Art installations integrated into the natural landscape.
Many visitors praise the gardens for their beauty and the enjoyable experience of exploring them, whether for a peaceful walk or to admire the art installations.
The Doddington Hall Cafe and Farm Shop
A standout offering is the afternoon tea, which includes a unique 'Doddington Afternoon Tea Blend' inspired by the gardens.
+1 For those seeking a more substantial meal, the Grain Store is recommended for its Sunday lunches. Key Offerings:
* Cafe: Delicious food, coffee, cake, and efficient service.
* Afternoon Tea: A must-try with a unique tea blend.
* Farm Shop: High-quality local produce and gifts.
The combination of excellent food and a well-stocked farm shop makes the cafe and shop an integral part of the Doddington Hall experience, often drawing praise for its quality and atmosphere.
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