Kirkham House
A preserved medieval stone house, showcasing 1960s restoration and offering a glimpse into historical life with dedicated volunteer guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteers are often present
Kirkham House
Best Time
Volunteers are often present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved medieval stone house, showcasing 1960s restoration and offering a glimpse into historical life with dedicated volunteer guides.
"Far exceeded my expectations; an hour and a half later, I vowed to return. "
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Don't rely on general listings; check the official English Heritage site for exact opening days and times. :calendar:
🚗 Navigate Narrow Streets
Be mindful of tight access and potential parking issues on the side street. Plan your approach accordingly. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Architecture
Throughout the house
Explore a remarkably preserved medieval stone house, showcasing restoration efforts and original materials.
Knowledgeable Volunteer Guides
Onsite tours
Engage with passionate volunteers who share fascinating insights into the house's history and restoration.
The Clink & Bishop's Tower
Adjacent areas
Discover the history of minor offenders at The Clink and explore the nearby Bishop's Tower for a fuller historical picture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Times Carefully
Narrow Access & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Don't rely on general listings; check the official English Heritage site for exact opening days and times. :calendar:
🚗 Navigate Narrow Streets
Be mindful of tight access and potential parking issues on the side street. Plan your approach accordingly. :car:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering a rich understanding of the house's past. :speech_balloon:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might be surprised by how much there is to see; an hour and a half is recommended by visitors. :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Don't rely on general listings; check the official English Heritage site for exact opening days and times. :calendar:
🚗 Navigate Narrow Streets
Be mindful of tight access and potential parking issues on the side street. Plan your approach accordingly. :car:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering a rich understanding of the house's past. :speech_balloon:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might be surprised by how much there is to see; an hour and a half is recommended by visitors. :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by Kirkham House, finding it a 'little gem' with a rich history and excellent volunteer guides. While the sporadic opening hours and narrow access can be a drawback, the preservation efforts and engaging tours make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in medieval architecture and local history. +1
"Interesting to see such a stripped bare old house. The approach taken in 60s of stripping out everything that wasn't Tudor or mediaeval wouldn't happen now but some great examples of restoration work especially the splicing in of new wood and keeping as much original material as possible. Apart from roof timbers that are all modern. Shame the odd myth about ships timbers was mentioned and be interesting to find out if marks are apotropaic or just old graffiti. Check out the English heritage website for opening times. Great volunteers running the tours."
black cat
"Really disappointed as we drove all the way out and this English Heritage site was closed. It says online it's open on Sunday 10am till 4pm. We should have read the google reviews before heading out.
The side street that it is located on is quite narrow, especially with cars parked. We drove to the end and couldn’t turn around, so had to back the car out the whole way, so keep this in mind."
Raif & Vy
"Far exceeded my expectations. I hadn't known the house existed until it popped up on google and I thought about 20 mins would cover it. An hour and half later, having also visited the clink and Bishop's Tower, I said goodbye to the excellent guide and vowed to return."
Cheryl Prout
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kirkham House is located on a narrow side street. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving requires careful navigation due to limited parking and tight access.
Parking can be challenging on the narrow side street where Kirkham House is situated. Visitors have noted the need to be cautious when parking and potentially backing out.
Be prepared for a narrow street with parked cars. Some visitors have had to back out of the street due to difficulty turning around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kirkham House has sporadic opening times and is not always open on advertised days. It's crucial to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
Information on advance booking isn't readily available, but given the sporadic opening, it's advisable to check the English Heritage website for any ticketing requirements or recommendations.
Yes, Kirkham House is an English Heritage site. This means you can often use an English Heritage membership for entry, but always confirm specific site access.
As an English Heritage property, standard English Heritage concessions and membership benefits likely apply. Check their website for details on pricing and discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kirkham House is a preserved medieval stone house with modern furnishings. Visitors can explore its architecture, learn about restoration efforts, and see examples of original materials.
Yes, knowledgeable and friendly volunteers often lead tours, providing in-depth information about the house's history and significance. +1
The Clink refers to a historical detention area for minor offenders, which visitors can explore as part of their visit to Kirkham House.
Children can find the history engaging, especially the stories about The Clink. The knowledgeable guides can make the visit interactive for younger visitors.
It's a significant example of medieval domestic architecture, showcasing restoration techniques from the 1960s and preserving original materials.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted inside historical sites. It's always best to check onsite signage or ask a volunteer.
Focus on the architectural details, the blend of old stone and modern furniture, and any unique historical features highlighted by the guides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage your children to ask questions! The volunteers are enthusiastic and can make the history come alive. Consider visiting when the house is less crowded to allow for a more relaxed exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the chance to delve into the history of 'The Clink' and the Bishop's Tower. The knowledgeable volunteer guides are invaluable resources, providing deep insights that go beyond a typical historical site visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Restoration
Visitors often remark on the effectiveness of this restoration, noting the 'great examples of restoration work.' The volunteers play a crucial role in explaining these techniques and the philosophy behind the preservation, making it an educational experience for those interested in historical building conservation.
Understanding the 'Clink'
Exploring The Clink, alongside the Bishop's Tower, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding Kirkham House. It moves beyond just the domestic architecture to touch upon the broader societal structures and practices of the time.
The Role of Volunteers
From explaining restoration techniques to guiding visitors through historical areas like The Clink, the volunteers make the visit far more engaging and informative. Their passion for the site is evident, and many visitors specifically mention them as a highlight of their trip, often vowing to return due to the quality of the interaction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit