Kiplin Hall was the country seat of George Calvert, founder of Maryland, U.S.A., who built this handsome Jacobean Hall in a pretty vale between Richmond and Northallerton.

From the 1620s, the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots, all related by blood or marriage, left their stamp on the house, altering the buildings to suit their needs. Each family brought furnishings, paintings and personal possessions. Much of these collections remain, and the Hall’s interior is a fine example of a Victorian country house at the close of the 19th century, which also retains characteristics of its Jacobean beginnings.

Highlights Include

- items acquired during the time of the Grand Tour

- family portraits

- works by notable artists including Angelica

Kauffman, Luca Carlevarijs, G.F. Watts and

Joachim Beuckelaer

- Word War II Kitchen

- Arts and Crafts items, including work by William

Morris and William de Morgan

The friendly room stewards are happy to share their knowledge with visitors and to answer any questions.

The Gardens

Kiplin Hall stands in one hundred acres of woodland, gardens, parkland and lake. The gardens were largely laid out by the mid-nineteenth century, but fell into disuse after the First World War. These ‘lost’ gardens are being restored, recreating the glorious period of the Carpenter family’s residence. Delightful formal gardens, woodland and lakeside walks, snowdrops, spring flowers. New planting in 2011: knot gardens, young fruit trees in the Walled Garden and a sensory garden.

Peninsula Wood and Lakeside Walks

The 18th century Pleasure Grounds included a delightful wood where beams of sunlight glance through the trees. Victorian owners of Kiplin added a lily pond in a glade in the woodland. Woodland Trails explore this magical place and lead to views into the parkland and back to the Hall.

A mile-long footpath around the lake is a welcome addition to a visit to the Hall and presents beautiful views across the lake to the house. Wild flowers thrive here and it is home to herons, swans and other aquatic birds.

Tea Room

Morning coffee, delicious homemade cakes, scones and light lunches, served by friendly staff beneath the gaze of Charles II and Kiplin family portraits. Open when the gardens and grounds are open.

Highly Commended Tea Room

Family Activity Room

Woodland and Lakeside Walks and Trails

Children's Indoor Trail

Picnic Area

Garden Games

Gift Shop

2011 Special Exhibition

One Woman’s Fight – the story of Kiplin Hall’s last owner, Miss Bridget Talbot, O.B.E. and holder of the Italian Medal for Valour, awarded for her work in the First World War, and lifelong social and political activist.

Schools

Education Key Stages 1 and 2 programmes:

The Victorians; Portraits; Patterns and Materials; WWII - How Children Lived

Nature Detectives' Trail

Victorian Loan Boxes for schools

2011 OPENING DATES AND TIMES

-- Hall, Gardens and Grounds

3 April – 28 September, Sunday – Wednesday, 2pm – 5pm

-- A Victorian Christmas

2 - 4 December and 9 - 11 December, 11am – 5pm

-- Gardens and Grounds Only

1 February – 30 October, Sunday - Wednesday, 10am – 4pm (until 6 pm 3 April – 28 September)

Last admission 45 minutes before closing

-- Tea Room

1 February – 30 October

Sunday – Wednesday, 10am – 4pm, (until 6 pm 3 April – 28 September)

2 - 4 December and 9 - 11 December, 11am – 5 pm

ADMISSION CHARGES

Hall, Gardens & Grounds

Adult £7; Concession £6; Child £3; Family £18

Gardens and Grounds

Adult £4; Concession £3; Child £1; Family £9

No admission charge if only visiting the Tea Room