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Hoghton Tower

4.6
·1k reviews·Hoghton, United Kingdom

A magnificent medieval manor with a thousand-year history, offering guided tours, beautiful gardens, and exciting events.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Monthly Farmers Markets

Local produce & vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Hoghton Tower - Image 1

Hoghton Tower

Best Time

Monthly Farmers Markets

Local produce & vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent medieval manor with a thousand-year history, offering guided tours, beautiful gardens, and exciting events.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The guided tours are excellent, very knowledgeable, informative and interesting!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding the history! Guides are incredibly knowledgeable.

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making arrival easy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Staircase

The Great Staircase

Inside the Tower

An impressive architectural feature, often highlighted in videos for its grandeur and historical significance.

Historical Graffiti Tour

Historical Graffiti Tour

Inside the Tower

Discover ancient 'witch marks' and tradesmen's symbols etched into the walls, offering a unique glimpse into past beliefs.

Walled Gardens

Walled Gardens

Exterior

Explore beautifully maintained gardens offering panoramic views of the Lancashire countryside, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market

Exterior

A monthly market featuring local produce and crafts, providing a vibrant atmosphere and unique finds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Guided tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate Hoghton Tower's rich history. Booking online ensures your spot, especially for special events like the historical graffiti tours. Check the website for tour times and availability to avoid disappointment.

Check for Special Events

Hoghton Tower hosts a variety of events, from farmers' markets and supercar shows to historical reenactments and cosplay conventions. Planning your visit around these can enhance your experience, but also means higher crowds.

Best Times

When
Monthly Farmers Markets
Why
Local produce & vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique experiences like car shows
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

just a few shots of the many many magical bits of the tower
@honourabletom
26.4K likes • 188.5K views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding the history! Guides are incredibly knowledgeable. Reddit+1

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making arrival easy. Reddit+1

The Great Staircase Houghton Hall. #chateau #palace #museumtok #castle #houghtonhall
@andyricci
21K likes • 162.8K views
Irishman's Tower. Did you know you could stay at Hoghton Tower? We have cosy self catering accomodation for two in one of the turrets at the front of the Tower. Imagine waking up to the beautiful view across the stunning Lancashire countryside.
hoghtontower
62 likes • 1K views

☕ Enjoy the Tearoom

The 'Valo' tearoom offers good food at fair prices with great service. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Beautiful views and a lovely place for a picnic or a walk. InstagramReddit

@secretcon.co.uk Hoghton Tower "Jack Sparrow Run" Challenge!! So many times at conventions I get asked if I can do the run, so this time I wanted to see everyone else do it for a change! 😅 I've tagged as many as I can but if I've missed anyone please credit below! Cover Photo: @charlottewoolrych_photography @johnnydepp @disneypirates @disney @disneyuk @cosplayers_of_disney #cosplay #jack...
thecosplaycaptain
256 likes • 4.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding the history! Guides are incredibly knowledgeable. Reddit+1

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking on-site, making arrival easy. Reddit+1

☕ Enjoy the Tearoom

The 'Valo' tearoom offers good food at fair prices with great service. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Beautiful views and a lovely place for a picnic or a walk. InstagramReddit

📅 Check Event Schedule

From supercar shows to cosplay, events add extra fun! Instagram+2

🏰 Stay in a Turret!

Unique self-catering accommodation available for a magical getaway. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hoghton Tower for its rich history, engaging guided tours, and beautiful grounds. The staff are frequently highlighted for their exceptional service, particularly in the tearoom and for accommodating special needs. While the house tour is a significant draw, the monthly farmers' markets and various special events add to its appeal.

"We held our daughter’s 7th birthday party here recently and had a truly amazing experience.

Natalie arranged for us to have our own private experience of the Hoghton Tower School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the special occasion.

The staff are all utterly charming and so helpful. Communication was excellent and timely and the whole experience of organising the day was completely stress-free - not something you can usually say when organising a children’s party!

On the day, Professors Oswald and Percy had all the children entranced with their perfectly pitched experience - a bit spooky, very funny and completely riotous.

Broom flying, spell casting and potion mixing kept the children completely engaged and entertained. We roamed the Tower experiencing the different lessons in separate locations so got a true experience of this beautiful, historic house.

We then retired to the panelled Billiard Room where a roaring log fire greeted us as the children enjoyed a very hearty and abundant feast.

Professor Lancelot did a splendid job in the tea room providing greatly appreciated refreshments for parents when the shrieking and madcap activities became too much.

I cannot recommend this experience enough, it totally exceeded all our expectations and I would not hesitate for a moment to hold other parties at this magical and atmospheric venue.

The location is stunning, the Tower is glorious, the food is delicious and the staff are simply some of the nicest people I’ve ever dealt with."

Laura Vaughan

"Attended the Frightful Folklore walking tour and it was superb.
It was a mix of local history, myth, legend and spooky tales and we had a really good time. The two creators Jack and Robin both played their parts excellently, and a shout out to the young lady with the best 'horror film' scream I've ever ever heard. Bravo!"

Garry Coulthard

"Attended a ghost walk, it was highly enjoyable- well organised, entertaining, historically factually. The set up was great, the tour was definitely worth doing wether your a believer, or sceptic. It's was an enjoyable, unusual night"

Andrea Fearnley

What People Like

Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Beautiful gardens and views
Excellent tearoom service

What People Dislike

Many stairs inside the tower

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hoghton Tower is located on the outskirts of Preston. It offers free parking for visitors, making it easily accessible by car. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi service is advisable if you're not driving. Reddit+1

Yes, there is ample free parking available for visitors at Hoghton Tower. This is a significant plus for those traveling by car. Reddit+1

While entry to the house requires a fee, you can often park for free and walk through some parts of the property and appreciate the views. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply for tours of the house. While the exact cost can vary, it's generally considered well worth the price for the guided experience. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially for special events, to secure your spot. You can book online via their official website. InstagramReddit

Opening hours and tour times can vary depending on the season and scheduled events. It's best to check the official Hoghton Tower website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Hoghton Tower is known for its accommodating staff, particularly for groups with specific needs. They ensure visitors with mobility challenges are well looked after. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Hoghton Tower offers guided tours of the historic house, beautiful gardens to explore, a tearoom, and often hosts special events like farmers' markets, supercar shows, and historical reenactments. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

The guided tours are consistently praised for being excellent, informative, and engaging. Guides like Eric and John are highlighted for their extensive knowledge and ability to make history come alive. Reddit+2

While the historical tours are geared towards adults, the grounds and special events can be enjoyable for children. The tower itself has many stairs, which might be a consideration for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

Hoghton Tower hosts a diverse range of events, including farmers' markets, supercar shows, cosplay conventions, and themed historical tours focusing on topics like graffiti and superstitions. InstagramReddit+3

Yes, you can experience a unique stay in one of the tower's turrets, offering cozy self-catering accommodation with stunning countryside views. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a tearoom called 'Valo' on-site that offers nice food at good prices, with great service and pristine tables. Reddit+1

The tearoom serves a selection of food, and visitors have particularly praised the afternoon tea for being delicious and plentiful, with options to take leftovers home. Reddit

The beautiful gardens and grounds offer a lovely setting for a picnic, especially with the panoramic views across the countryside. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! Hoghton Tower offers stunning architectural details, beautiful gardens, and panoramic countryside views, making it a fantastic spot for photographers. Instagram+2

Key photo opportunities include the Great Staircase, the exterior architecture, the walled gardens, and the sweeping views from the tower's elevated position. TikTokInstagram

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but it's always best to check with your guide or staff on the day, especially regarding flash photography inside the historic house. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hoghton Tower can be a fun outing for families, especially during its special events. The farmers' markets offer a lively atmosphere, and events like supercar shows or cosplay conventions can be a big hit with children and teens. Instagram+3 While the historical tours might be less engaging for very young children due to the focus on history and the presence of many stairs, the gardens provide space for them to explore and enjoy the views. Reddit Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds, making the most of the beautiful scenery. Instagram

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

If you're passionate about cars, Hoghton Tower is a must-visit destination. The venue frequently hosts supercar shows and modified car events, attracting a stunning array of vehicles from classic Porsches to modern hypercars. Instagram+1 These events offer fantastic opportunities for car spotting and appreciating automotive engineering. The ample free parking makes attending these shows convenient for all visitors. Reddit+1

🏰 History Buffs & Cosplayers

For history enthusiasts, the guided tours are an absolute highlight, offering deep dives into the tower's nearly 1000-year history with incredibly knowledgeable guides. Reddit+3 The historical graffiti tours are particularly unique, revealing hidden symbols and beliefs. Instagram Simultaneously, Hoghton Tower has become a popular venue for cosplay events and photoshoots, blending historical grandeur with modern fandom. Instagram+1 The dramatic architecture and scenic grounds provide an excellent backdrop for capturing stunning cosplay photography. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Thousand Years of History

Hoghton Tower is a magnificent fortified medieval manor house with a history stretching back nearly a millennium. The de Hoghton family has owned the land since at least the 12th century, making it a continuous family seat for an extraordinary length of time. This deep-rooted history is palpable as you explore the tower, with guides sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical connections that bring the past to life. InstagramReddit+1

During tours, you'll encounter elements from various eras, reflecting the tower's evolution. A particularly intriguing aspect is the historical graffiti found within the walls. These aren't just random marks; they include tradesmen's marks, witch marks, and protection symbols, offering a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the beliefs and daily lives of people who lived and worked here centuries ago. TikTokInstagram

The tower's architecture itself tells a story, showcasing a blend of medieval fortifications and later additions. The Great Staircase is a notable feature, often admired for its grandeur and craftsmanship. TikTok Exploring Hoghton Tower is like stepping back in time, with each room and corridor holding secrets and stories waiting to be discovered by curious visitors.

Beyond the Walls: Gardens and Events

While the interior of Hoghton Tower is a treasure trove of history, the exterior grounds offer their own unique charm and attractions. The walled gardens are a highlight, providing a serene escape with beautiful landscaping and spectacular panoramic views across the Lancashire countryside. InstagramReddit+1 These gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing picnic, or simply soaking in the picturesque scenery. Instagram

Hoghton Tower is also a vibrant hub for events throughout the year. Visitors can experience lively farmers' markets offering local produce and crafts, InstagramReddit or witness impressive displays at supercar shows and modified car events. Instagram+1 For fans of pop culture, the tower has also hosted cosplay conventions and challenges, adding a modern, fun twist to its historic setting. Instagram+1 These events draw diverse crowds and offer a different perspective on the tower's versatility as a venue. TikTok

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, Hoghton Tower offers unique self-catering accommodation in one of its charming turrets. Imagine waking up to those stunning countryside views – it's a truly magical way to extend your visit. Instagram

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